How to Make Crispy French Fries with Cornstarch?

French fries are a favorite snack in Pakistan and worldwide. Everyone loves crispy, golden fries with a soft, fluffy inside. If you’ve tried making fries at home but they turned soggy or soft, cornstarch can be the secret ingredient to achieve that perfect crispiness. In this article, we’ll guide you step-by-step on how to make crispy French fries with cornstarch and give tips for keeping them crunchy for longer.

Ingredients

• 4 large potatoes (preferably Russet or local Pakistani starchy potatoes)
• 2–3 tablespoons cornstarch
• Salt to taste
• 2–3 cups cooking oil (canola, sunflower, or peanut oil work best)
• Optional: black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, or chili flakes for seasoning

Step-by-Step Recipe For Crispy French Fries

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

Peel the potatoes and cut them into sticks. You can choose regular cut, shoestring, or thick steak fries. Make sure all pieces are roughly the same size for even cooking.

Step 2: Soak the Potatoes

Soak the cut potatoes in cold water for at least 30 minutes. Soaking removes excess starch, preventing fries from sticking together and helping them become crispier.

Step 3: Dry the Potatoes

Drain the water and pat the potato sticks dry with a kitchen towel. Removing excess moisture is important, as water can cause oil splatters and soggy fries.

Step 4: Coat with Cornstarch

Place the dried potato sticks in a bowl. Sprinkle 2–3 tablespoons of cornstarch over them. Toss gently to ensure each stick is lightly coated. Cornstarch creates a thin layer on the fries that becomes crunchy when fried.

Step 5: Heat the Oil

Pour oil into a deep pan or wok and heat to 160°C–170°C (medium heat). Use enough oil to submerge the fries for even cooking.

Step 6: First Fry (Blanching)

Fry the coated potato sticks in batches for 4–5 minutes until they are cooked but not golden. This step cooks the inside without browning the exterior. Remove fries and drain on paper towels.

Step 7: Second Fry (Crisping)

Increase the heat to 180°C–190°C (high heat). Fry the blanched potatoes again for 2–3 minutes until they turn golden brown and extra crispy.

Step 8: Seasoning

Immediately season the hot fries with salt and any optional spices you like. Toss gently to coat evenly.

Step 9: Serve

Serve the fries hot with ketchup, mayonnaise, or your favorite dips. They stay crispy for longer due to the cornstarch coating.

Tips for Extra Crispy Fries

1. Double Frying: Blanch first, then fry at higher heat. This ensures a soft inside and crispy outside.
2. Use Starchy Potatoes: Russet or other starchy potatoes from Pakistan work best for crispy fries.
3. Cornstarch Coating: A thin layer of cornstarch creates a crunch without changing the taste.
4. Do Not Overcrowd: Fry in small batches for even cooking.
5. Keep Warm in Oven: If making large quantities, keep fries in a preheated oven at 100°C to maintain crispiness.

Healthier Option

Baking fries with cornstarch is also possible. Toss coated potato sticks in a tablespoon of olive oil and bake at 200°C for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway. They will be slightly less greasy but still crispy.

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FAQs

Does cornstarch make your fries crispy?

Yes, cornstarch forms a thin coating that fries up crunchy, making French fries extra crispy.

How to make potatoes crispy with cornstarch?

Coat dry potato sticks with a small amount of cornstarch before frying. Double frying helps achieve the perfect crispiness, resulting in super crispy French fries.

What’s the secret to crispy French fries?

The secret includes using starchy potatoes, soaking them, double frying, and adding a cornstarch coating.

How to make crispy French fries at home?

Cut potatoes evenly, soak, dry, coat with cornstarch, and fry twice at different temperatures. Season immediately.

What is the secret ingredient for crispy roast potatoes?

Cornstarch is often used for roast potatoes as well to create a crunchy outer layer.

How do you keep French fries crispy?

Avoid overcrowding during frying, use double frying, and keep fries warm in the oven until serving.

Why do people avoid corn starch?

Some avoid it due to dietary preferences, gluten-free needs, or processed food concerns, though cornstarch is naturally gluten-free and safe in moderate amounts.

Verdict

Cornstarch is a simple and effective secret to achieving crispy French fries at home. By following these steps and tips, you can enjoy golden, crunchy fries just like your favorite restaurants.