French fries deserve as much attention as your crispy, golden chicken chops. While they may play the side role, their quality can make or break your customers’ dining experience. Perfectly cooked fries don’t just fill the plate; they elevate the entire meal, driving repeat business and ultimately increasing your bottom line.
If your fries are coming out soggy or bland, it's time to upgrade your approach. Master how to make french fries with optimal crisp, golden perfection, and bold flavours in this guide.
Choose Better Potatoes
Frozen french fries are budget-friendly, convenient, and offer consistent results – just be sure to choose high-quality options.
Your choice of potatoes lays the groundwork for exceptional french fries. The right type can make a significant difference in texture, taste, and overall quality.
If you’re aiming for a gourmet or artisanal touch, fresh potatoes are your best bet. They allow full control over every step of the process, from cleaning to cooking. If possible, source Russet or Idaho potatoes, which have high starch content and low moisture – ideal for achieving that crispy texture. While fresh potatoes might be pricier, their premium quality can elevate your fries.
However, frozen potatoes offer a practical solution if cost-efficiency and convenience are your priorities. Pre-blanched and ready-to-cook frozen fries simplify preparation during peak hours. All you need to do is fry them to perfection.
Although frozen options provide consistency and ease, they limit your ability to customise. Remember, not all frozen fries are created equal, so choosing high-quality brands is crucial.
Ace Your Potato Prep
After selecting the right type, proper preparation is key before sending them into the fryer. If you’ve opted for frozen potatoes, the prep is minimal – just keep them frozen until you’re ready to cook. Thawing isn’t necessary and can lead to less crunchy results.
For fresh potatoes, the first step is deciding whether to peel them. Leaving the skins on gives your fries a rustic appeal, while peeling them creates a more uniform texture and better crispness. Peeled fries also absorb seasonings more evenly.
Next is the cutting process. Consistency in thickness is a must. Irregular cuts might look homemade, but they often cook unevenly, leading to some fries being golden while others remain undercooked. Invest in a fry cutter or mandoline for precision. For added visual appeal and a playful touch, go for crinkle-cut french fries.
After cutting, soak the potatoes in cold water for at least 30 minutes or overnight. Once done, dry the potatoes thoroughly to rid them of extra moisture and avoid oil splatters when frying. French chef and TV personality Jean-Pierre Bréhier confirms that, at this stage, you can freeze the potatoes for months without compromising their quality.
Fry Like a Pro
Achieve that sought-after crunchy exterior and tender interior in french fries by double-frying.
Frying might seem straightforward but involves some technique. First, choose the right oil – peanut, canola, or sunflower oils with high smoke points work best. These oils can handle high heat without altering the potatoes’ flavour.
Now for the crucial step: double-frying.
First, blanch the potatoes at a lower temperature (around 160ºC) for three to five minutes. This softens the fries without browning. After resting them for at least 10 minutes, fry them again at a higher temperature (around 190ºC) for two to three minutes until they’re golden and crisp. To ensure precision, use a frying thermometer, suggests chef and culinary instructor Frank Proto.
Optionally, you can also go for a triple-cook process, which celebrity chef Joshua Weissman recommends. Before double-frying, boil the cut potatoes in water with baking soda and salt for 30 to 45 seconds. This step creates a crispier crust while keeping the inside tender and fluffy.
Season to Perfection
Chef Joshua also advises seasoning your fries immediately after draining the flavour sticks. Go beyond the usual salt for this. Black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder are terrific starting points, but you can get more creative.
Take inspiration from global flavours, like Indian curry, Cajun spice, or Italian seasoning blends. Dried herbs are also helpful in creating unique profiles for your french fries recipe. Rosemary, oregano, or sage add an aromatic touch, while freshly grated Parmesan can offer a gourmet twist.
Feel free to mix and match flavourings to achieve complex profiles. For something tangy-spicy, combine Knorr Lime Flavoured Powder, Knorr Pasti Sedap, and chilli flakes.
Get Creative With Dips and Toppings
To elevate your french fries recipe even more, explore dips and toppings. Sure, ketchup is always an option, but why not enhance it with sambal or tamarind paste? Your mayo deserves a glow-up, too. Consider stirring in roasted garlic for aioli or Knorr Golden Salted Egg Powder and sugar for a rich mentai sauce.
Cheese french fries with a creamy sauce always draws a crowd. Add diced jalapeños, bacon, or extra cheese for extra oomph. Or, go Japanese with an authentic curry sauce made with Knorr Demi Glace Brown Sauce and Knorr Chicken Stock. Go all out with chilli con carne with minced beef, kidney beans, and green peas.
Upgrading your french fries takes effort and experimentation, but it’s an investment that can pay off. Turn to these techniques to transform a basic side dish into an unforgettable part of your chicken chop meals. Soon, your customers will taste the difference, and your business will reap the rewards.
