You love crispy and golden homemade fries, but you need to learn how to achieve the perfect result at home? Cool & Simple sheds light on the subject!
In this article, we will explore different methods of cooking frozen fries, from the classic deep fryer and oven to the trending air fryer. We will also provide tips for enjoying your fries and creating tasty and balanced meals for the whole family.
Whether you're a novice in the kitchen or a culinary expert, you'll find all your answers here to prepare the best fries!
Frozen fries, a convenient option for indulgence
Frozen fries are a convenient and delicious option for fry lovers. Unlike fresh fries, they are already cut and ready to cook, saving precious time in the kitchen. Moreover, frozen fries are made with the best potatoes for this type of cooking.
Cooking fries in the fryer
Choice of cooking oil
Choosing the right oil is essential for achieving perfectly crispy fries. Cool & Simple recommends an oil suitable for frying, which retains heat well and withstands high temperatures.
Here are a few options:
Canola oil: neutral in taste and affordable, though it can develop an unpleasant smell at high temperatures (smoke point: 107°C/225°F);
Sunflower or grape seed oil: neutral and resistant to high temperatures, these oils are ideal for frying (smoke point: 107°C/225°F);
Peanut oil: it has a slightly lower smoke point, but be mindful of allergies (smoke point: 160°C/320°F);
Olive oil: although more expensive, it offers unmatched flavour. Opt for regular olive oil over extra-virgin for its stability at high temperatures (smoke point: 216°C/420°F);
Animal fat: a traditional option for authentic flavour (duck, beef, etc.), but it's also richer (smoke point: 210°C/410°F).
Step 1: Preheating
Before plunging your fries into the oil, adequately preheat your fryer. Set the temperature according to the recommendations on the fries' packaging, usually between 350°F and 375°F (175°C —190°C).
Step 2: Batch cooking
Avoid pouring the entire bag of fries into your fryer and overloading it for perfect cooking. Instead, opt for small quantities for even cooking and to prevent them from sticking together. Too many fries in the basket can also cause a drop in oil temperature!
Step 3: Cooking time
The cooking time for fries varies depending on their size and thickness, usually between 3 to 5 minutes. Observe the colour: the fries should turn golden and crispy. Although the second cooking is not always necessary for frozen fries, it can improve their texture.
Step 4: Removal and draining
Once the fries are golden brown, use a slotted spoon to remove them from the fryer or remove the basket. Drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil and preserve their crispiness. Add a little salt, and they're ready to serve!
Cooking frozen fries in the air fryer
Cooking frozen fries in the air fryer is one of our favourites because it allows you to make delicious fries with almost no added fat. Yes, you heard that right! This cooking method mimics a convection oven but in a smaller format. The air fryer quickly preheats while ensuring the perfect cooking of the fries. Learn more about the air fryer.
Step 1: Preheating
Before starting the cooking process, preheat your air fryer to the temperature recommended by the manufacturer. This essential step ensures even cooking and a crispy texture.
Step 2: Basket preparation
Spread the fries evenly in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd them. Once again, even distribution and not overloading the basket allow uniform cooking and a crispy texture.
Step 3: Light oil spraying (optional)
Although the air fryer requires much less oil than a traditional fryer, a light oil spray on the fries can enhance their crispiness. Use an oil sprayer for a lighter and tastier result. Otherwise, drizzle a tablespoon of your preferred oil over the fries; it works just as well!
Step 4: Cooking at a high temperature
Another advantage of the air fryer is that preset settings allow you to cook your fries at the perfect temperature for the ideal duration. Since manufacturers know this is one of the most commonly prepared foods in the air fryer, you can't go wrong!
Step 5: Shake midway through cooking
At the halfway point of cooking, pause the air fryer, gently shake the basket to flip the fries, and press the cooking button again.
Step 6: Cooking time
The cooking time is often preprogrammed thanks to the existing "fries" program.
Baking French fries in the oven
If you’re craving fries but don’t have an air fryer, baking in the oven is another option. However, this process involves longer cooking times, so patience is required!
Step 1: Preheating the oven
Before starting the cooking process, preheat your oven to the temperature recommended on the fries' packaging, usually between 350°F and 375°F (175°C —190°C).
Step 2: Arrangement on the baking sheet
Arrange the fries in a single layer on a baking sheet. Refrain from overcrowding them to ensure even cooking.
Step 3: Drizzle of oil
To enhance crispiness, drizzle olive or vegetable oil over the fries (optional for a healthier version). Gently toss to evenly distribute the oil and achieve a golden and flavorful texture.
Step 4: Center rack baking
Place the baking sheet in the center of the oven. Halfway through baking, flip the fries to ensure balanced browning on all sides.
Step 5: Cooking time
The cooking time varies depending on the size and thickness of the fries, but it is usually between 20 and 30 minutes. Check the oven to achieve perfectly golden and crispy fries.
Step 6: Removal and resting
Once cooked, remove the fries from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes on the baking sheet. This resting period allows the crispiness to stabilize before serving.
Spices and seasonings for gourmet fries
Let your culinary creativity shine, and add spices or seasonings to "pimp" your fries! For a smoky or herbaceous aroma and taste, sprinkle salt, freshly ground black pepper, smoked paprika, fresh thyme, or herbs de Provence on the fries before or after cooking.
A perfect side for your favourite dishes
What's great is that you can pair fries with various dishes and sauces for a complete and gourmet meal experience. For classic fish & chips, serve the fries with our crispy cereal-breaded fish fillets. They also pair perfectly with pork ribs or as a delicious side in our vegan BBQ-marinated tofu slices. As for dips, indulge yourself! Enjoy your fries with traditional ketchup or mayo, or try out new recipes here.