French fries are heaven for all. There is possibly no dish out there that doesn’t go well with french fries. And while a fresh, warm batch of french fries sounds like such a tempting offer, it isn’t always very convenient.
But ever since I’ve discovered the magical secret of freezing french fries, I’ve never looked back to the store-bought/restaurant french fries. But a few questions still remain unanswered. How to fry frozen french fries in a pan? How to make them just as crispy at home? And what are the other ways you could fry your frozen french fries?
Know The Basics!
If you think you can only ever deep fry your frozen French Fries, You’re wrong. There are uncountable ways to cook, bake, or even fry your French Fries. And when you get them right, each one gives out crispy golden-brown French Fries, just like the ones at your favorite restaurant!
If you wish to find out how to fry frozen French Fries in a pan. Or how to bake and air fry your frozen French Fries. Keep reading! I will also include my favorite way of making homemade French Fries, and freezing them right.
How to Fry Frozen French Fries In A Pan
A deep fryer isn’t the only way to get those warm and crispy fries at home, you can do it in your frying pan too!
While most people are unaware of this, frying your frozen french fries in the pan gives them an extra touch of crunch! Since frying pans have a larger surface area, it allows the oil to have an even temperature. Even your french fries get cooked faster and in a more uniform manner.
To fry frozen French Fries in a pan:
- First and foremost, let the oil heat in your frying pan. Ensure that you add at least a 2-inch layer of your oil, enough to coat the French Fries when you fry them
- Check to see that your oil is hot enough. I’d recommend using a food thermometer to be more precise.
- Throw in your favorite store-bought/homemade frozen fries. Do not overcrowd the pan. It is a better idea to cook in small-medium batches.
- Do not touch them for the first 2 minutes, and then gently move them around once they’re golden-brown from one side.
- Using a slotted spoon, take them out of the oil and hold them over the pan for a few seconds to let the excess oil pass.
- Transfer them to a dish covered with paper towels.
- Give them a few seconds to rest and then season them. Your French Fries are ready!
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How to Fry Frozen French Fries In A Deep Fryer
If you have a commercial deep fryer at your disposal, your job just got very easy. Commercial fryers are specifically meant to fry items like fries, chicken wings, and the like. And using this equipment will guarantee you restaurant-quality French Fries every single time.
To fry frozen French Fries in Deep Fryer:
- First, preheat your deep fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Next, fill your deep fryer basket halfway to its rim with frozen French Fries.
- Very carefully lower your basket into the deep fryer.
- Fry for 4-5 minutes or until golden brown.
How to Fry Frozen French Fries Using An Air-Fryer
An Air Fryer is one of the best ways to fry frozen French Fries. It ensures that your fries don’t get burned, and unlike cooking them with oil, you have total control over the temperature at which your fries cook.
Air Fryer fries are also so much more healthy! You won’t have to guilt-trip yourself into a gym session every time you eat a small portion of these fries!
To make your fries in the air-fryer, follow these steps:
- Preheat your air fryer to about 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Spray your air fryer basket with some oil.
- In another bowl, spray your French Fries with oil. Do not add too much oil or they’ll get mushy. Just enough to lightly coat them.
- You can add salt and other seasonings at this point.
- Air Fry them for about 20-25 minutes. If your air fryer basket does not rotate on its own, toss them halfway through to make sure they don’t burn.
- Once they turn golden brown, they should be ready!
You can also refer to this article for guidance.
How to Fry Frozen French Fries In An Oven
Using an oven to fry french fries, or rather bake them, is another healthier alternative that does not compromise their taste at all. And when it comes to frying your french fries in the oven, there is just one simple trick you need to follow.
But first, to use the oven method:
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Take your fries in a bowl and season them with salt and pepper. It is also best to oil them at this point.
- Line your baking tray with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
- Add your fries to the tray in a single layer. Remember to maintain some distance between them and do not overlap them.
- Heat for about 15-20 minutes.
- At this point, remove them from the oven and toss them around a bit. Put them back and turn the heat to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Allow them to cook for another 15-20 minutes and you’re done!
If your French Fries are completely frozen when frying them, you can also choose to bake them on an oven rack instead of a tray. This will prevent them from going soggy, and add an extra touch of crunch.
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How to Make French Fries And Freeze Them – The Best Way
French fries are a pretty easy recipe, right? But you are wrong if you think that you can just wing it every time without following a few sets of guidelines. Sure, you will still get French Fries if you decide to go improv with them. But following a certain recipe consistently will yield far better results each time!
If you ask me, I would suggest this recipe by Hebbars Kitchen, every time. It is very simple to prepare, and I can vouch for great results myself!
If you’re looking to freeze your French fries, however, there is one simple technique that will apply to all French fries recipes. All you will need to do is partially blanch them, and not cook them completely like you would with normal French fries. You can even refer to this recipe to find more secret tips and caveats to freezing your French fries!
FAQ
How long to cook frozen french fries?
You will generally need to cook frozen french fries for 15-20 minutes at around 375-400 degrees Fahrenheit. If your french fries are slightly bigger and thicker in shape, cook them for an additional 5 minutes.
Should I thaw french fries before frying them?
Although some recipes call for thawing or defrosting french fries before frying them, most would tell you not to. Directly cooking frozen fries makes them extra crunchy, and keeps them from absorbing too much oil. Don’t thaw them!
How to tell if my frozen french fries have gone bad?
Frozen French fries that have gone bad will spot a drastic color change, and may even develop mold or other types of fungus. French fries will typically last 6-12 months in the freezer. But if you feel it looks or tastes odd, throw them out.
Why are my french fries soggy after I fry them?
If your french fries turn out soggy even after you fry them, you’re most likely frying them in very low heat. Make sure the temperature is at least 400F. You can also put them in the air fryer for 4-5 minutes once you fry them to make them extra crispy.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know how to fry frozen French Fries in a pan and other great methods to fry them, You’ll never crave restaurant French Fries again! And if you do, you will have a fresh batch ready to fry at your fingertips!
I hope this blog helped you solve your French Fries-related worries. Should you have further queries, feel free to drop by!
Eva M. Smith is the owner of this website. She is a 4 year old mother of two kids and a professional chef. Eva loves to cook for her family, but being a working mom has a lot of challenges. From squeezing in time to do the groceries to make three meals for the day. Eva knows how challenging cooking can be without a kitchen game plan.
That’s why she perfected techniques of preserving staple ingredients and several foods so that you have something pre-cooked or pre-baked to use for an array of meals. And they do not come short in flavor! And she does not want to sacrifice flavor with convenience. That’s why she is the best person to ask.