Frozen french fries are a quick and easy side dish that can be paired with many meals. However, plain frozen fries can be a bit boring. Dressing up frozen fries with different seasonings and toppings can take them from bland to delicious. Here are some tips for how to dress up frozen french fries.
Should You Thaw Frozen French Fries Before Cooking?
When cooking frozen french fries, you have the option to thaw them first or cook them directly from frozen. Both methods can produce decent results, but thawing does have some advantages.
- Thawed fries will cook more evenly all the way through.
- Thawing helps remove excess ice and moisture, resulting in crisper fries.
- Thawed fries tend to get more browned and crispy on the outside.
To thaw frozen fries, place them in a single layer on a sheet pan and allow them to sit at room temperature for 30-60 minutes. You can also thaw them overnight in the refrigerator. Thawed fries can be kept refrigerated for 2-3 days before cooking.
Oil and Seasonings
Oil and seasonings are key for getting the best flavor from frozen fries. Coating the fries in oil helps them get crispy and browned. Seasonings like salt, pepper, herbs and spices add flavor. Here are some oil and seasoning ideas:
- Extra virgin olive oil – Has a delicious rich flavor and healthy fats
- Avocado oil – Has a high smoke point so less likely to burn
- Coconut oil – Gives fries a subtle tropical flavor
- Sea salt – Large salt crystals add bursts of saltiness
- Garlic powder – Adds a savory, robust garlic taste
- Paprika – Provides both flavor and color
- Cajun seasoning – Brings on the heat with a blend of spices
- Ranch seasoning – Gives a cool, herby ranch taste
Toss the thawed fries with about 1-2 Tbsp of oil along with desired seasonings. Mix well so the fries are evenly coated before baking.
Baking Instructions
Baking is the most common and easiest cooking method for frozen fries. Follow these steps:
- Preheat oven to 425°F.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
- Toss fries with oil and seasonings in a bowl.
- Spread fries in a single layer on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes, flipping once halfway through.
- Increase baking time for extra crispy fries.
Watch closely near the end to avoid burning. Fries are done when golden brown and crispy.
Topping Ideas
Dress up your fries with fun and flavorful toppings. Here are some delicious topping combinations:
| Topping | Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Chili Cheese Fries | Shredded cheddar, chili, chopped onions |
| Ranch Fries | Ranch dressing, bacon bits, shredded cheese |
| Poutine | Gravy, cheese curds |
| Chicken Fajita Fries | Shredded chicken, peppers, onions, salsa, avocado |
| Loaded Baked Potato Fries | Bacon, cheddar, sour cream, chives |
| Cheeseburger Fries | Ground beef, pickles, ketchup, mustard, cheese |
Get creative and make your own topping combinations! Some other ideas include buffalo chicken, philly cheesesteak, veggie supreme, or breakfast hash fries.
Air Fryer Method
Using an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make frozen fries nice and crispy. Follow these air fryer instructions:
- Toss fries with 1-2 Tbsp oil to coat.
- Air fry at 400°F for 5-7 minutes until starting to brown.
- Shake basket and air fry 5 more minutes until crispy.
- Check often to avoid burning.
- Toss with seasonings when done.
An air fryer can cut the cooking time in half compared to baking. Adjust time as needed based on quantity of fries.
Oven Frying Method
Oven “frying” is another way to make frozen fries crispy without deep frying. Try this method:
- Preheat oven to 450°F.
- Heat 1/4 inch oil in a cast iron skillet to medium high heat.
- Working in batches, fry fries in oil for 2-3 minutes until starting to brown.
- Transfer fried fries to a paper towel lined plate.
- Once all fries are initially fried, transfer to a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes until crispy and golden brown.
- Toss with seasonings while hot.
The initial frying helps the fries get extra crispy and browned. Peanut oil or vegetable oil work well for oven frying.
Deep Frying
For the crispiest fries, deep frying is tough to beat. Here is a deep frying method:
- Heat 2-3 inches oil to 325°F in a deep pot or dutch oven.
- Fry fries in batches for 2-3 minutes until just tender.
- Transfer to a paper towel lined plate to drain.
- Increase oil to 375°F and fry fries again for 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
- Remove immediately and season while hot.
The double fry method helps ensure the fries are cooked through while also getting super crispy on the outside. Peanut oil works well for deep frying due to its high smoke point.
Stovetop Pan Frying
Pan frying on the stovetop is a quick single-batch method. Follow these steps:
- Heat 1/4 inch oil in a skillet over medium high heat.
- When oil shimmers, add fries in a single layer.
- Fry for 4-6 minutes, flipping occasionally until browned and crispy.
- Transfer to a paper towel lined plate.
- Sprinkle with desired seasonings while hot.
Use a skillet with high sides or be careful of splattering oil. Cast iron skillets work great for evenly browning the fries.
Microwave Method
For a quick microwave method, try this:
- Place fries on a microwave-safe plate in a single layer.
- Microwave for 2 minutes until slightly tender.
- Remove plate carefully (will be hot) and toss fries to coat in any oil/moisture.
- Microwave 2-3 more minutes until crispy.
- Season and serve immediately.
Microwaving won’t get fries as crispy as frying methods. But it’s a fast option in a pinch! Reduce cooking time for fewer fries.
Grilled Method
For fun flavor, try grilling frozen fries. Follow these grilling steps:
- Toss fries in oil to coat and add seasonings.
- Place in grill basket or perforated foil.
- Grill over direct medium heat for 8-12 minutes, flipping occasionally.
- Move to indirect heat if fries start to burn.
- Cook until crispy and browned.
The grill adds great charred flavor you can’t get from the oven. Wood chips or hardwood charcoal enhance the flavor even more.
Conclusion
Dressing up frozen french fries takes them from boring to gourmet. Thaw and coat fries in oil and seasonings before cooking for maximum flavor. Baking is the easiest way to cook them, but frying, grilling or microwaving all work too. Top with fun spices and toppings like ranch, chili, cheese, bacon or chicken. With the right preparation, frozen fries can be restaurant-quality delicious.