How to Make Fries Crispy?
To make fries crispy, start by using starchy potatoes like russets.
Soak the cut potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes to remove excess starch, then rinse them under tap water to remove sugars.
Simmer the fries in vinegar water for 10 minutes to enhance crispiness.
Drain and dry the potatoes for 5 minutes on a tea towel-lined tray.
Preheat vegetable or canola oil to 205°C/400°F in a large pot.
Fry the potatoes in batches for 50 seconds, then cool them on paper towel-lined trays for 30 minutes.
Fry the cooled fries again for 4 minutes at 205°C/400°F until golden and crispy.
Season with salt or your favorite seasoning while hot.
Flash-fry for 30 seconds to 1 minute to reheat if desired.
Quick Tips and Facts:
1. Did you know that one secret to making fries extra crispy is to soak them in ice-cold water before frying? This helps remove excess starch, resulting in a crunchier texture once cooked.
2. Contrary to popular belief, using an air fryer does not guarantee crispy fries. To achieve the desired crispiness, consider tossing the fries with a small amount of oil before air frying them.
3. For an unconventional yet effective approach, some chefs recommend adding a teaspoon of cornstarch to the seasoning mix before coating the fries. This tiny addition can significantly boost their crispiness.
4. If you want to take your crispy fries to the next level, consider experimenting with different types of potatoes. Russet potatoes, for example, tend to have a higher starch content, resulting in crispier fries compared to other varieties like Yukon Gold or Red Potatoes.
5. A lesser-known tip to achieve perfectly crispy fries is to double fry them. After an initial fry at a lower temperature to cook the interior, let them rest for a while before giving them a final fry at a higher temperature to attain that irresistible crispiness.
Choose The Right Potatoes For Crispy Fries
When it comes to making crispy fries, the type of potato you use makes a big difference. Starchy potatoes like russets are highly recommended for their ability to develop a crispy exterior while remaining fluffy inside. Other varieties that work well include Sebago and Maris Piper. These potatoes have a high starch content and minimal moisture, which contributes to the desired crispiness.
To ensure that your fries turn out crispy, it is important to cut them uniformly. This can be easily achieved by using a serrated knife. The rougher surface of the cut fries created by the serrated knife allows for better crispiness during frying.
- Use starchy potatoes like russets, Sebago, or Maris Piper for crispy fries.
- Cut the fries uniformly for consistent crispiness.
- Consider using a serrated knife for better results.
“When it comes to making crispy fries, the type of potato you use makes a big difference. Starchy potatoes like russets are highly recommended for their ability to develop a crispy exterior while remaining fluffy inside.”
Soaking And Rinsing To Remove Excess Starch And Sugars
One key step in making crispy fries is to remove excess starch from the potatoes. After cutting the potatoes into desired shapes, soak them in cold water for at least 30 minutes. This soaking process helps to draw out the starch, resulting in crispier fries. It also helps to remove any dirt or impurities from the potatoes.
After soaking, rinse the potatoes under tap water for 15-20 seconds. This step helps to remove any residual sugars from the surface of the potatoes. Sugars can lead to the fries becoming overly browned and less crispy during frying.
Simmering In Vinegar Water For Enhanced Crispiness
A lesser-known technique to enhance the crispiness of fries is to simmer them in vinegar water before frying. Simmering the cut potatoes in a mixture of water and vinegar for 10 minutes helps to strengthen the outer layer of the fries, resulting in a more robust and crispy texture.
To simmer the fries, follow these steps:
- Bring a pot of water and vinegar to a boil and then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer.
- Add the cut potatoes and allow them to cook for about 10 minutes.
- The vinegar water will penetrate the outer layer of the fries, making them more resistant to sogginess during frying.
Remember, by using this technique, you can achieve extra crispiness in your fries.
Draining And Drying The Potatoes Before Frying
After simmering the fries, it is crucial to drain and dry them thoroughly before frying. Here are the steps to follow:
- Drain the potatoes from the vinegar water.
- Place the drained potatoes on a tea towel-lined tray.
- Allow them to dry for about 5 minutes.
This step is important as it helps to remove excess moisture, which can result in steaming instead of frying. Steaming can in turn lead to less crispy fries.
Note:
- Make sure to use a tea towel-lined tray for better drying.
- Do not skip the drying step as it affects the overall texture of the fries.
Using The Right Pot And Oil For Frying
To achieve optimum crispiness, it is crucial to use the right pot and oil for frying the fries. A heavy-based pot with at least 10 cm depth is recommended for frying. This type of pot helps to maintain a steady temperature, ensuring even cooking and crispiness.
When it comes to choosing the oil, vegetable or canola oil is ideal for frying fries. These oils have a high smoke point, which means they can be heated to a high temperature without burning. Preheat the oil to 205°C/400°F before adding the potatoes.
Add the cut potatoes to the preheated oil in batches, with a 10-second pause between each batch. Frying the fries in batches ensures that they cook evenly and achieve optimal crispiness. Fry each batch for 50 seconds and then remove them from the pot and place them on paper towel-lined trays to drain excess oil.
Seasoning And Reheating For Maximum Crispiness
Once the fries are fried and drained, it is important to season them while still hot. Sprinkle salt or your favorite seasoning over the fries to enhance their flavor. Seasoning while the fries are hot allows the salt or seasoning to adhere to the surface, giving each bite a burst of flavor.
If you have leftover fries or need to reheat them, a quick flash-fry can help restore their crispiness. Heat the oil to 205°C/400°F and fry the cooled fries for an additional 4 minutes until they turn golden and crispy again. The short frying time at a high temperature will help retain the crispiness without overcooking the fries.
It’s worth noting that various restaurants worldwide employ different techniques to achieve crispy fries. Some restaurants triple or quadruple fry their fries, while others allow the cut potatoes to rest overnight before frying. There are even some establishments that fry their fries in beef drippings for extra richness and crispiness. These methods are often time-consuming and may require more specialized equipment or ingredients.
Finally, if you have any leftover fries that you want to save for later, you can store them in the refrigerator or freezer. To reheat, consider using an oven or toaster oven to help restore some crispiness. Microwave reheating can result in soft and soggy fries.
By following these pro tips and tricks, you can easily achieve perfectly crispy fries every time. Whether you are looking to impress your friends at a gathering or simply craving a plate of delicious fries, these techniques will elevate your cooking skills and leave you with a satisfying snack.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you keep French fries crispy?
To maintain the crispiness of French fries, an effective method is to lay them out on a cooling rack placed over a baking sheet. This allows for air circulation, preventing moisture from accumulating and making the fries soggy. For those preparing multiple batches, it is recommended to keep the setup in a low oven, ensuring that the fries remain warm and crispy while you continue frying and adding to the rack. By following these steps, you can enjoy perfectly crispy French fries every time.
Why won t my fries get crispy?
If your fries are consistently falling short of achieving that coveted crispiness, the culprit may lie in your choice of oil. Opting for an oil with a lower smoke point, such as olive oil, may hinder the frying process and result in soggy fries. Additionally, a common mistake may lay in your choice of potatoes – selecting highly starchy varieties without soaking them to remove excess starch can hinder their ability to crisp up during frying.
Does cornstarch make things crispy?
Absolutely! Cornstarch is an excellent ingredient for achieving crispiness in fried foods. The high amylose content in cornstarch, ranging from 25 to 28 percent, surpasses the levels found in wheat or potato starch. This attribute gives cornstarch its superiority in creating crispy coatings on fried delicacies. When used as an ingredient, cornstarch is capable of adding a delightful crunch to a variety of fried dishes, making it a go-to choice for achieving that desired crispy texture.
Why does soaking fries make them crispy?
Soaking fries in cold water is the secret to achieving that desired crispiness. The process works by removing the starch that coats the surface of the potatoes. As the potatoes soak in water, the starch molecules dissolve and are washed away. This absence of starch allows the fries to crisp up evenly when cooked, resulting in a delightful crunchy texture. While the minimum soaking time is one hour, allowing the potatoes to soak longer can further enhance the crispiness of the fries, ensuring a satisfying crunch with each bite.