The fryer at a restaurant or drive-through is usually a concern for those with food allergies. In some cases the same fryer is used to make all types of foods, often including those made with gluten, dairy, eggs, and seafood. In other cases the fries themselves are coated with flour usually wheat flour. The best way to avoid these problems is to make fries at home. My favorite way to enjoy these is reheated after freezing; this will result in the crispiest fry!
Ingredients
- 3 large russet potatoes, peeled (optional) and sliced into sticks about ¼ inch (6.5 mm) thick
- Cold water to cover
- 1 to 2 teaspoons salt
- 8 to 10 cups (1920 to 2400 ml) of sunflower oil (or high-heat oil of choice)
How to Make It
- Place the potato sticks in a large bowl and cover them with cold water. Give them a quick swirl in the water to remove excess starch, then drain them. Soak the potato sticks for at least an hour in clean cold water and 1 teaspoon of salt.
- Use a strainer to drain the potato sticks, then squeeze them between paper towels to remove as much liquid as possible.
- A deep fryer can be used to make the fries, following the instructions for your fryer. Otherwise, use a medium non-reactive pan with high sides. Fill the pan with 2 to 2½ inches (5 to 6.5 cm) of oil. It should not be filled more than halfway.
- Heat the oil over high heat. Try to maintain an oil temperature between 350°F and 380°F (180°C to 190°C). Watch carefully as you do this, and keep the kids away from the stove as hot oil can splatter and burn.
- Work in small batches and use a heat-resistant slotted spoon. Add 4 to 5 potato sticks at a time to the oil until you have added between 15 and 20 sticks. The oil will bubble up rapidly as any remaining water boils off. Fry them for 2 to 3 minutes, until golden brown. Scoop them out using the slotted spoon and let them drain on a plate or rack covered with a paper towel. Repeat until all of the fries are cooked.
- Fries made without a deep fryer may be softer than you expect. For crispier fries, follow these steps after frying: preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the fries, on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, in a single layer for 12 to 14 minutes.
- Sprinkle the fries with salt, if desired.
