Sometimes, there’s nothing quite like a plate of crispy French fries to elevate your meal or indulge in a late-night snack. They are a classic comfort food that pairs perfectly with burgers, sandwiches, or can even stand alone as a delightful treat. The best part? You don’t have to spend hours preparing them from scratch. With this easy recipe, you’ll learn how to cook crispy frozen French fries that will have everyone begging for more.
Whether you’re whipping them up for a weeknight dinner or serving them at a gathering, these French fries are sure to impress. Let’s dive into the details of how to make this delicious side dish!
Why You’ll Keep Making It
Crispy frozen French fries are not only simple to prepare, but they also offer an array of benefits. Here’s why you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe time and again:
- Quick and Easy: With minimal prep time, you can have delicious fries ready in no time.
- Versatile: They can be seasoned in countless ways to suit your taste preferences.
- Perfectly Crispy: This method guarantees a crispy exterior and fluffy interior—just how fries should be!
- Kid-Friendly: Children and adults alike adore French fries, making them a perfect side for family meals.
- Great for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and store them for quick meals throughout the week.
What to Buy
To prepare these crispy frozen French fries, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 lb frozen French fries
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon Season All salt
- Salt and pepper to taste
Make sure to select high-quality frozen French fries for the best results. Look for ones that are labeled as “crispy” or “extra crispy” for an ideal texture.
Appliances & Accessories
Having the right appliances and accessories can make the cooking process smoother. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Deep Fryer or Heavy Pot: A deep fryer is ideal, but a heavy pot can work just as well.
- Slotted Spoon or Spider Strainer: These tools are great for safely removing fries from hot oil.
- Kitchen Thermometer: Useful for ensuring your oil is at the right temperature.
- Paper Towels: For draining excess oil and keeping fries crispy.
Stepwise Method: How to Cook Crispy Frozen French Fries: Easy Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Gather all your ingredients and equipment. This will help streamline your cooking process. Measure out the vegetable oil and seasonings so you have everything ready to go.
Step 2: Heat the Oil
In your deep fryer or heavy pot, pour in 1 cup of vegetable oil. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches about 350°F (175°C). Use a kitchen thermometer to check the temperature for optimal frying.
Step 3: Fry the French Fries
Once the oil is hot, carefully add the frozen French fries to the oil in small batches. Avoid overcrowding the pot, as this can lower the oil temperature and lead to soggy fries. Fry for about 3 to 5 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy.
Step 4: Remove and Drain
Using a slotted spoon or spider strainer, remove the fries from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels. This will help absorb any excess oil, ensuring your fries stay crispy.
Step 5: Season the Fries
While the fries are still hot, sprinkle them with 1 tablespoon of Season All salt and add salt and pepper to taste. Toss gently to coat the fries evenly with the seasonings.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Transfer the crispy French fries to a serving dish and enjoy them while they’re hot! Pair them with your favorite dipping sauces like ketchup, mayonnaise, or even a spicy aioli for an extra kick.
Ingredient Flex Options
Feel free to customize your fries with these ingredient options:
- Different Oils: Experiment with oils like canola, peanut, or avocado for different flavor profiles.
- Seasoning Variations: Try garlic powder, paprika, or even cheese powder for a unique twist.
- Fresh Herbs: Add fresh parsley or rosemary after frying for a burst of flavor.
Notes from the Test Kitchen
- Always be cautious when working with hot oil. Keep a close eye on the temperature and never leave it unattended.
- For an extra crispy texture, consider double-frying the fries—fry them once, let them cool, and then fry them again for a few minutes.
- Be sure to drain the fries well after frying to avoid any sogginess.
- If you are using a deep fryer, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for safety and best practices.
Leftovers & Meal Prep
If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 10 minutes to restore their crispiness.
For meal prep, cook a large batch and freeze the fries after frying. They can be reheated directly from the freezer, making them a convenient option for quick meals throughout the week.
Top Questions & Answers
Can I use an air fryer for this recipe?
Absolutely! To cook crispy frozen French fries in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook the fries for about 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
What type of potatoes are best for homemade fries?
If you decide to make homemade fries, Russet potatoes are the best choice due to their high starch content, which results in a fluffy interior and crispy exterior.
How do I make sure my fries are crispy?
Ensure the oil is hot enough before adding the fries, and don’t overcrowd the pot. Also, draining the fries on paper towels helps eliminate excess oil, contributing to their crispiness.
What dipping sauces pair well with French fries?
Classic ketchup is always a favorite, but you can also try ranch dressing, barbecue sauce, garlic aioli, or even a spicy sriracha mayo for a fun twist!
Don’t Miss These
Make It Tonight
Now that you know how to cook crispy frozen French fries, it’s time to bring this easy recipe into your kitchen tonight! Whether you’re having a cozy dinner at home or entertaining guests, these fries are sure to be a hit. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you’ll have a delicious side dish that everyone will love. So go ahead, indulge in the crispy goodness of these French fries, and enjoy every bite!
How to Cook Crispy Frozen French Fries: Easy Recipe
Equipment
- Deep Fryer or Heavy Pot
- Slotted spoon or spider strainer
- Kitchen Thermometer
- Paper Towels
Ingredients
- 1 lb frozen French fries
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon Season All salt
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Stepwise Method
- Gather all your ingredients and equipment. Measure out the vegetable oil and seasonings so you have everything ready to go.
- In your deep fryer or heavy pot, pour in 1 cup of vegetable oil. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches about 350°F (175°C). Use a kitchen thermometer to check the temperature for optimal frying.
- Carefully add the frozen French fries to the hot oil in small batches. Avoid overcrowding the pot. Fry for about 3 to 5 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
- Using a slotted spoon or spider strainer, remove the fries from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- While the fries are still hot, sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of Season All salt and add salt and pepper to taste. Toss gently to coat evenly.
- Transfer the fries to a serving dish and enjoy them hot. Pair with your favorite dipping sauces if desired.
Notes
- Always be cautious when working with hot oil; monitor temperature closely and never leave unattended.
- For extra crispiness, try double-frying the fries—fry once, cool, then fry again briefly.
- Drain fries well after frying on paper towels to avoid sogginess.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days; reheat in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes.
- Customize fries by using different oils or seasoning variations like garlic powder or paprika.
