I used to think that frozen french fries were a culinary cop-out. Why settle for less-than-fresh when you can have the real thing? But then I had a mind-blowing realization: with the right cooking techniques, these french fries can actually be even better than fresh! Here are some how to cook frozen fries tips and tricks I’ve discovered that make these french fries come out crispy and delicious every time. Give them a try—you won’t be disappointed.
1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This may seem like an obvious step, but it’s an important one! Getting your oven nice and hot will help ensure that your fries get crispy on the outside while remaining soft on the inside. Trust me, it makes all the difference.
2. Spread your french fries out evenly in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Again, this may seem like common sense, but it’s the key to getting evenly cooked fries. If you pile them up on the baking sheet, they’ll steam instead of fry, and no one wants that.
3. Drizzle it with olive oil or any oil of your choice over these french fries and toss to coat. This step is optional, but I find that it really helps to create a crispy exterior. Plus, it adds a bit of healthy fat and flavor to the mix!
4. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp. Keep an eye on them towards the end of cooking so, they don’t burn—every oven is different, so you’ll need to experiment a bit to find the perfect cook time for your particular appliance.
5. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy! These are best eaten fresh out of the oven, but they’ll keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 24 hours if you need to make them ahead.
Yummy Recipe Ideas To Make With Frozen French Fries
Below are three of my favorite french frozen fries recipes:
1. Spicy Parmesan Fries
These spicy parmesan fries are the perfect blend of salty and spicy. To make them, you need to toss your french fries with some grated parmesan cheese and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Then bake according to package directions. The parmesan cheese will give the fries a nice crunch, while the cayenne pepper will add just the right amount of heat. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce, and enjoy!
2. Garlic Herb Fries
These garlic herb fries are bursting with flavor. To make them, toss all of the french fries with minced garlic, dried thyme, and dried basil if available. Then bake by following the package directions. The garlic and herbs will infuse the fries with flavor, making them irresistible. Serve with ketchup or your favorite dipping sauce, and enjoy!
3. Sweet and Spicy Fries
These sweet and spicy fries are the perfect balance of sweetness and heat. To make them, toss your french fries with some brown sugar and cayenne pepper. Then, bake the potatoes following the package directions. The brown sugar will enhance the fries with a slight sweetness while the cayenne pepper adds a bit of heat–but not too much. Serve with ketchup or your favorite dipping sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions: About Cooking Frozen French Fries
Do you need to defrost french fries before frying?
When it comes to frying up a batch of French fries, there is no need to let them thaw before cooking. In fact, it is best to keep them frozen until you are ready to use them. It ensures that the surface of the potato is sealed during the frying process, resulting in a crispy, high-quality fry.
How long should you fry frozen fries?
You can heat 1/4 cup of cooking oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Then, carefully add the frozen fries to the pan, making sure they are in a single layer. Fry for 7 to 12 minutes, turning frequently. When they are done, they should be a light golden color.
Do you season frozen fries before cooking?
Yes, frozen fries can be seasoned after they have been cooked. Seasoning after cooking helps to ensure that the fries are evenly seasoned.
Making Your Frozen French Fries Tastier
Frozen french fries are a weeknight dinner staple in my house—and now I know how to cook them so, they’re even better than restaurant quality!
With just a few simple tips and tricks, I was able to turn a box of frozen fries into a gourmet side dish or main course that everyone will love.
I’m Rachel, and I love food. I especially love writing about food – reviewing different brands and items, and sharing my thoughts on new frozen foods that hit the market.
Food is a huge part of my life, and I love trying new things. That’s why I’m so excited to be working on my blog Pickfrozenfood.com. I will be always innovating and coming out with new review, and I know that I’ll be able to try lots of great food with them.
