French fries are a beloved comfort food around the world. However, achieving the perfect balance of crispy outside and fluffy inside can be tricky. If you’ve ever wondered how to make your fries extra crispy, keep reading! Here are some tips for achieving that perfect texture:
- Choose the right potato: Not all potatoes are created equal when it comes to making French fries. Russet potatoes are the best choice because they have a high starch content and low moisture, which helps them crisp up nicely when fried. Avoid waxy potatoes like red or fingerling potatoes, which tend to become soggy when fried.
- Soak the potatoes: Soaking your sliced potatoes in cold water for at least 30 minutes before frying can help remove excess starch, which can make your fries gummy. This step also helps prevent the potatoes from sticking together during frying.
- Dry the potatoes: Once you’ve soaked the potatoes, it’s important to dry them thoroughly before frying. Use a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to pat them dry, or even use a salad spinner to remove excess water.
- Use the right oil: For the crispiest fries, use an oil with a high smoke point, such as canola or peanut oil. These oils can handle the high heat needed for frying without burning. Avoid using olive oil, which has a low smoke point and can impart a bitter taste to your fries.
- Fry twice: To achieve maximum crispiness, fry your potatoes twice. First, fry them at a lower temperature (around 325°F) for about 5-7 minutes, or until they’re cooked through but not yet browned. Remove them from the oil and let them cool for a few minutes. Then, fry them again at a higher temperature (around 375°F) for another 2-3 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and crispy.
- Drain and season: After frying, place your fries on a paper towel-lined plate to drain off any excess oil. Then, season them with salt and any other desired seasonings, such as garlic powder or paprika.
To achieve a crispier result, you can use a batter for French fries which is typically made from a mixture of flour, cornstarch, and seasonings. Here is a simple recipe for French fries batter:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup cold water
Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Gradually add the cold water to the dry ingredients, whisking constantly to combine. Mix until the batter is smooth and free of lumps.
- Dip each potato slice into the batter and shake off any excess.
- Fry the battered potato slices in hot oil until golden brown and crispy.
Note that the batter is optional and can be skipped altogether if you prefer to make plain French fries. However, adding a batter can help to create a crispy outer layer and add extra flavor to your fries.