Why do you blanch fries?

Blanching also works to reduce the moisture content of the French fry, helping them crisp up much more easily when fried. When the potatoes are transferred to the cold water after the hot liquid dip, the cells of the potato shrink, ensuring the fry will not absorb as much oil when it is later fried.

What happens if you don’t blanch fries?

The un-blanched fries can turn out dark (especially if the potatoes were stored too cold before they got to you).

What is the purpose of blanching potatoes?

Blanching (scalding vegetables in boiling water or steam for a short time) is a must for almost all vegetables to be frozen. It stops enzyme actions which can cause loss of flavor, color and texture. Blanching cleanses the surface of dirt and organisms, brightens the color and helps retard loss of vitamins.

Why do people soak their fries?

Soaking peeled, washed and cut fries in cold water overnight removes excess potato starch, which prevents fries from sticking together and helps achieve maximum crispness.

Why are my fries not crispy?

Make sure you deep-fry them at a hot temperature (180-190°C or 355-375°F). If they aren’t crisp enough for you after two minutes, leave them in for another minute and check again. Another thing I’ve heard a lot (but without actual proof) is that you best not rinse the potatoes after you’ve cut them.

How long should I blanch fries?

Working in small batches, fry the potatoes until they go from shiny to matte, 3 to 5 minutes (this is also called blanching). Drain well on paper towels.

Should you blanch chips before frying?

Blanching the potato in water before frying makes the mealy centre of a chip drier and more fluffy. Once blanched in oil, it doesn’t really matter whether the potatoes are left to cool before the final crisping or whether they are fried at once.

How long soak fries before frying?

Place them in a large bowl and cover with cold water. Allow them to soak, 2 to 3 hours. (You can also stick them in the fridge and let them soak overnight.) When you’re ready to make the fries, drain off the water and lay the potatoes on 2 baking sheets lined with paper towels.

How do you blanch homemade French fries?

Add potatoes to a small but deep saucepan filled with cold water and bring to a boil. Once boiling, let potatoes cook for about 5 minutes and then remove. Air dry on paper towels; about 10 minutes.

Why Soak potatoes before cooking?

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.

How long do you blanch potatoes?

3. Blanch the potatoes. Carefully lower potatoes into the boiling water and leave them there to cook for a few minutes. Blanching time depends on the size of the spud—baby potatoes, or any potato that has been cut in one-inch thick pieces, should blanch for three to five minutes from the moment they hit the water.

Why are my homemade fries soggy?

When fries are cooked at a very high temperature, the starches in them are hydrated (moisture goes in), puffing them up and helping the outer skin get nice and crisp. When these same fries cool, the starches secrete moisture, which makes its way to the fries’ crust, leaving them soggy and limp.

Can you soak potatoes too long?

Don’t soak cut potatoes longer than overnight.



If keeping potatoes in water for more than an hour, refrigerate. However, don’t soak them any longer than overnight—after that, the potatoes start to lose their structure and flavor.