Why should you double fry French fries?

Turns out that the true reason double frying is necessary has nothing to do with the very center of the fry—only with its outermost layers. The key lies in the fact that not all water in a potato is equal. Some of it is bound within the potato’s structure more tightly then the rest, requiring more energy to expel it.

What is the purpose of double frying?

He explains the reason why chefs double fry: The first time you fry, the outside may be dry but some of the moisture inside the secondary layer of coating migrates to the outside layer, so when you fry it again, you eliminate more moisture to get that extra-crispy crust.

Why do you soak french fries before cooking?

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.

How long should you double fry?

The second fry is at 350°, a higher temperature than the first go-round, to really get the outside all crispy. After 6-8 minutes, you’re good to go.

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 know when fries are done frying?

Leave the fried potatoes to cook thoroughly until they float to the top of the oil. Once they float up to the top and stay there for one full minute, they are done. The key to knowing when they are done is that they will all float and stay on the surface of the oil.

How do you keep french fries crispy after frying?

The best way to keep fried foods crispy? Just place them on a cooling rack set over a baking sheet. If you’re frying multiple batches, throw the whole setup into a low oven to keep everything warm as you keep frying and adding to the rack.

What happens if you don’t soak fries?

If you don’t soak them, the finished fries won’t be as crisp as they could and should be. It doesn’t matter how good your potatoes are, how fresh and hot your oil. The fries may look great, but they won’t be crisp. Then, after soaking, you fry them not once, but twice.

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.

What temperature do I deep fry fries?

Use a thermometer to ensure the temperature is correct: 325 degrees for French fries, 375 degrees for shoestring and basket-weave fries. Carefully add potatoes to oil in small batches so as not to lower the temperature of the oil.

Why do you fry chicken wings twice?

Traditionally, wings are fried once for several minutes between 365 degrees F and 375 degrees F. But this can result in wings that either aren’t well crisped outside, or aren’t nicely cooked inside. To fix this, fry the chicken twice. With this approach, the wings take an oil bath for several minutes at 275 degrees F.

How do you double fry?

Raise heat of oil to 350 degrees F. Cook potatoes again, 2 handfuls at a time, until golden brown, about 2 minutes. Remove from oil, shake off excess oil, and season lightly in a bowl with salt and pepper. Repeat until all potatoes are cooked.