4 Easy Ways to Fry Frozen French Fries

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Last Updated on March 21, 2024 by Share My Kitchen

This crispy goodness can be found in almost all grocery stores and farmer’s markets. French fries can be prepared as fresh potatoes, cut into wedges, or frozen from the grocery store freezer then cooked perfectly. In our previous post, we discussed how to deep fry frozen french fries but this one gives you step-by-step guidance on other baking and cooking methods!

Are you ready for those crispy chips?

Easy Ways To Frying Frozen French Fries

Here is a quick guide on how to fry your French Fries:

1. Oven Method

The oven is a great option for those who don’t want to use oil and prefer healthy, fresh-tasting French fries. Simply follow these steps to get crispy French fries:

  1. Preheat the oven to 450°F.
  2. Keep the frozen French fries in the refrigerator while you are preheating the oven. It’s not necessary to thaw the French fries at this stage.
  3. While the oven heats up, prepare a nonstick baking sheet. However, you can use cooking spray or a little bit of butter or olive oil to coat your baking pan if you don’t have a nonstick one.
  4. After preheating the oven, take out the frozen French fries from the fridge and place them on a baking sheet evenly.
  5. Then bake in the oven for 10-12 minutes, until they are golden brown.
  6. Flip the fries once the first side has been baked. Then bake the other side for another 10 minutes.
  7. Take them out of the oven once both sides are golden brown, then let it cool for 2 to 3 minutes.
  8. Serve with ranch dip and your favorite burger. Enjoy!

2. Deep Fry Method

Deep-frying is the best way of cooking frozen French fries. It’s mostly due to this chemical reaction that occurs between frozen French fries and hot oil, which makes them wonderfully crispy after being fried. If you want to enjoy a classic deep-fried French fry, this is the method for you.

  1. Heat oil in a deep fryer until it reaches the temperature of 350°F.
  2. Next, take your fryer basket and add the frozen French fries. Remember to spread them evenly in the basket, because overcrowding the basket will cause it to not cook well and result in sloppy fries. To make sure that it is crispy on the outside and tender inside, fill 1/4 of the basket.
  3. Then lower your frying basket onto the deep fryer slowly. Be careful to not burn yourself as the oil may splatter from time to time.
  4. Cook the fries for 4 minutes each batch, until they turn a beautiful golden brown color.
  5. After the fries have been cooked, place them on a paper towel to absorb any excess oil.
  6. Continue the process with all remaining frozen French fries.
  7. There! Serve them with ranch-dip or drizzle them with stretchy cheese and bacon.

3. Stove Method

This is another way to get crispy French fries. For this method, you will use the stovetop but approach it the same as you will when using a deep-fryer.

  1. Set up a nice skillet on the stovetop.
  2. Fill the skillet with oil, at least 1/4 inch high.
  3. Set your stove on medium heat until it reaches 350°F.
  4. You can also try this trick: sprinkle drops of water on the oil, it will make a fire crackling sound if it’s ready.
  5. Next, add the first batch of frozen French fries to the skillet and evenly spread it. Make sure you only put enough French fries that the oil can coat it.
  6. Make sure to cook the French fries until they are crispy and golden brown.
  7. Then, remove the French fries from the oil using a spatula, then place them on a paper towel to remove the excess oil
  8. Repeat the steps for all remaining frozen French fries.
  9. Finally, season the fries with salt. Serve them with your favorite dip. Have fun snacking!

4. Air Fryer

This is the modern way to fry frozen French fries without oil. Your favorite snack should not be unhealthy and should be guilt-free crispy, fried goodness.

  1. Rub your air fryer basket with olive oil or lard. But if you have some cooking spray, the process is much faster. Spray it on the surface of the fryer basket.
  2. Next, arrange your frozen French fries evenly in the fryer basket. You can add French fries depending on the size of your air fryer, but remember not to overcrowd your fryer basket.
  3. Then air fry your French fries for 18 minutes at 400°F.
  4. Randomly shake the fryer basket to flip the fries and evenly spread the heat on them.
  5. Check it to see if it’s golden and crispy. If it needs to be cooked some more, just return it to the air fryer.
  6. Repeat the process for the next batch of fries.
  7. You can serve it plain or add your own homemade dip.

FAQ on Frying Frozen French Fries

Do I need to defrost French fries before frying them?

Experts have shown that it is best to fry frozen French fries right away.

French fries that have been defrosted will be drenched in water. Since the fries absorb the water, it will affect the crispiness of the French fries when they are cooked later. You may do a quick experiment and see what it looks like.

It will produce a completely different result than if you fry it while it’s still frozen. As mentioned earlier, the frozen French fries have a chemical effect with the hot oil that makes them deliciously crispy.

The exterior of the fry remains crispy and intact when cooked frozen, unlike when it is thawed which makes it crumbly or flaky.

Is it possible to cook frozen French fries in the frying pan?

Yes. You can use the same steps for deep-frying frozen French fries if you are using a frying pan. Just make sure the oil doesn’t run dry when you cook potatoes because they absorb it quickly.

If the oil runs out, the French fries won’t cook as well. They will become soft instead of crispy.

The same applies to frying in deep fryers. Don’t fill the pan with too many French fries. If the pan is overcrowded, it will catch more steam from the evaporating liquid.

The liquid won’t evaporate properly because there isn’t enough space, the French fries would absorb it instead. Also, cook your French fries in batches. This will prevent them from becoming mushy and less crispy.

How to reheat French fries?

Reheating is easy. Simply pop the French fries in the microwave for three minutes until they look crispy again. However, you can only heat the French fries one time, especially if they are from a frozen package.

To avoid food poisoning and upsetting your stomach, it is important to practice food safety. It’s best to dispose of it if it has been in your fridge more than two days.

That’s it! These are the best ways to fry frozen French fries. Enjoy cooking!

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