Unveiling the secrets to perfect homemade crispy fries
Perfect fries should be soft on the inside and golden and crispy on the outside. Achieving this effect in a home kitchen is not difficult. Just ensure proper preparation before frying.
The potato is a versatile vegetable, able to transform into delicious creations, from mashed potatoes to baked potatoes to crispy fries. The latter are extremely popular with both children and adults. Fries served in well-known chains always receive praise, but homemade ones can turn out to be even better. The secret is to soak them well before preparation.
What type of potatoes for fries?
Every delicious dish starts with a good product, and the same goes for fries. When buying potatoes, consider the type you choose. Although all potatoes can be fried, the final result won't always be equally satisfying.
Type C potatoes, rich in starch and low in water, are perfect for frying. During the cooking process, their starch becomes a crispy crust, while the interior remains soft. This makes fries and other dishes prepared from these potatoes crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. All-purpose type B potatoes are also a good choice for making fries. While slightly less starchy than type C, they still provide a crispy crust and soft interior.
How to make crispy fries?
Once the potatoes are bought, peeled, washed, and cut, it's time for the next steps. Do not throw them immediately into hot oil or an air fryer. Place the potato sticks in a bowl and cover them with cold water with 1-2 teaspoons of sugar dissolved in it. Set it aside for 30 minutes. During frying, the sugar caramelises, giving the fries a beautiful golden colour and enhancing their crispiness. Cold water also helps retain firmness and texture.
You can also parboil thicker fries a bit before frying. Remember to cool and dry them afterwards; otherwise, the oil may splatter.
Frying fries
For frying, choose an oil with a suitably high smoking point, such as rapeseed oil, and heat it to about 120-150°C. Add the fries and fry for about 5 minutes until they become translucent and lightly golden. Remove them, drain off the oil, and let them cool for a few minutes.
How to make fries in an air fryer? Simply place the previously prepared potatoes in the air fryer basket. Then set the temperature to about 180-200°C and the time to about 15-25 minutes, depending on the desired crispiness and fry thickness.
Serve the ready fries as a side dish or with your favourite sauce. Enjoy your meal!
