FAQs
Covering in water helps the potato from turning a dark color. Adding salt to the water to form a brine mixture may seem helpful and can impart a flavor to the potato strips, however, salt is a major contributor to the fry oil breaking down prematurely, so I don't recommend it.
Should french fries be soaked in salt water? ›
There's moisture naturally found in potatoes, and moisture is drawn to higher concentrations of salt. (This is a process called osmosis.) So, if you put the potatoes in a salt water bath, that will help draw out some of their moisture, resulting in crispier fries.
What happens if you don't soak fries in water? ›
First let's talk about why cut potatoes need to be immersed in water to begin with. The reason is to prevent the potatoes exposure to air, which causes dehydration, oxidation, and discoloration. Immersing cut potatoes will also help rinse off excess starch.
Why soaking potato strips in water and vinegar produces better fries? ›
When a small amount of vinegar is added to the soaking water before frying, it can help impart a tangy flavor to the fries without making them taste overly vinegary. The acid in the vinegar can also help to slightly break down the surface of the potatoes, aiding in the development of a crispier texture during frying.
How long should you let fries soak in water? ›
In our homemade french fries recipe, we suggest soaking your potatoes for at least 15 minutes, but if you'd like to do this step ahead of time, they can soak overnight. Avoid excess water on the potatoes: make sure to pat them dry after removing them from the water bath otherwise you'll end up with limp fries.
Does soaking fries make a difference? ›
If you want to make flawless french fries, soaking the sliced potatoes may just help you achieve the perfect crispy texture for your fries. As fries cook in the oven or fry in oil, the heat can draw moisture out, which evaporates and contributes to the resulting crispy texture.
What is the best salt for salting fries? ›
In the world of French fries, Kosher salt is a fry's best friend. With a coarse texture, Kosher salt is easy to pinch, allows for more precise measuring and control, and has superior adhesion to stay on the fry's surface.
What is the best oil for deep frying french fries? ›
Refined peanut oil is the best oil to use for making french fries. You can also use canola or safflower oil. Additionally, restaurant fries are so crispy because, among other things, they use old oil continuously.
Why do restaurants soak potatoes before frying? ›
The soaking, Mr. Nasr said, is the secret to the crisp texture of the fries. It draws out the starch, making them more rigid and less likely to stick together. The cooks fry them twice, first blanching them until slightly limp in peanut oil heated to 325 degrees, and again in 375-degree oil to crisp and brown them.
Why do my fries come out soggy? ›
Fries have a very high starch content. When they are cooked at high temperatures, they absorb moisture which gives them their signature crispy exterior. When they are left out to cool, the starches secrete moisture, which eventually makes the fries' crust soggy.
Soaking potatoes in water helps remove excess starch. Excess starch can inhibit the potatoes from cooking evenly as well as creating a gummy or sticky texture on the outside of your potatoes. Cold water is used because hot water would react with the starch activating it, making it harder to separate from the potatoes.
Why do you add cornstarch to french fries? ›
WHY TOSS POTATOES IN CORNSTARCH? Using cornstarch (or arrowroot) is optional. However it does add a light coating to the fries and helps them brown and crisp up in the oven. Whisk to combine and set off to the side.
Why do you put potatoes in cold water before making french fries? ›
Make sure that you soak the potatoes for at least 2-3 hours. Soaking the sliced potatoes in cold water is one of the main steps to prepare perfect French Fries. The cold water removes the starch present outside the potatoes so that you get perfectly crispy fries.
What happens if I dont soak my fries? ›
The main reasons to cut the potatoes and pre-soak in water are: To allow the excess starches and sugars to be removed from the outer surface of the fry strips AND to keep the potatoes from browning prematurely from exposure to air. Covering in water helps the potato from turning a dark color.
What are the best potatoes for french fries? ›
And the clear winners are Idaho or russet potatoes.
These potatoes are dense and have less moisture, which is key to avoiding soggy fries. You can also use Yukon gold potatoes, which are an all-purpose potato that can be used for frying. You should avoid waxy potatoes like red-skinned, new, or fingerling potatoes.
Should you salt your fries before frying? ›
Unless a battered fry, they are not adding in salt during the process. I recommend not salting the fries till they come out of the fryer and even then, waiting for an order before salting as the fries can turn limp prematurely if salted too soon.
How long can you leave potatoes in salt water? ›
How long can peeled and cut potatoes sit in water before cooking, before they begin taking on too much water? A: We usually recommend no more than 24 hours. You can keep the potatoes from absorbing the water by making sure the water is not salted, and is chilled (you can even add ice to the water).
Should you soak french fries in water before air frying? ›
Soaking the potatoes does something magical with the starches—it helps achieve the coveted French fry crispiness and prevents the fries from sticking together.
Should you brine french fries? ›
A: You can, and some processors and operators swear by their prep, brine recipes. However, it is not necessary to brine at all. Simply store refrigerated, cut raw fries in clean, cold water with one tablespoon of citric acid per gallon (lemon juice or vinegar) up to 24 hours before needed to help prevent discoloration.