When Making French Fries At Home, Should I Cut The Strips Into Water With Salt Added? Is That Correct? (2024)

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Q:

I read this on the internet about making fresh cut fries at home using a two-step method: If you want to pre-soak the potatoes to get rid of starch, sometimes it's fun to dump a ton of salt into ice water to make them extra salty.

A:

The main reasons to cut the potatoes and pre-soak in water are: To allow the excess starches and sugars to be removed from the outer surface of the fry strips AND to keep the potatoes from browning prematurely from exposure to air. Covering in water helps the potato from turning a dark color. Adding salt to the water to form a brine mixture may seem helpful and can impart a flavor to the potato strips, however, salt is a major contributor to the fry oil breaking down prematurely, so I don’t recommend it. There is a restaurant out in San Francisco that soaks their potatoes in a water and vinegar solution, it adds flavor to the finished fries but this water/vinegar solution in enough to brine the potatoes isn’t salt free. While 1 teaspoon of vinegar may not have sodium show up in the Nutrition Facts chart, 2 tablespoons will have 1 mg of sodium. The two step method is designed to rid the potato strips of excess water, so they turn out extra crispy the second time they are fried in oil. A typical Idaho russet potato is about 20% solids or starch and 80% water. Cutting the potatoes, blanching in oil and then letting the potatoes rest and frying a second time makes for an extra crispy fry.

When Making French Fries At Home, Should I Cut The Strips Into Water With Salt Added? Is That Correct? (2024)

FAQs

When Making French Fries At Home, Should I Cut The Strips Into Water With Salt Added? Is That Correct? ›

Yes, after they are cut into fries put them in a bowl of cold water with 1/2 sugar and 2 tbls salt. Put in fridge for a few hours. Drain and Dry thoroughly with paper towels before adding to hot grease.

Do you put salt in water for fries? ›

Salt. The theory some Chef's would tell you about the reason they add salt to the water the potatoes are dumped in when freshly cut is to draw out the natural starches and sugars from the potato. So, that's a possible positive. It enhances the finished fry flavor... Another positive.

Should you soak potatoes in salt water before frying? ›

Removing excess starch is key in making your potatoes crispy if you choose to fry or roast them. Soak them in salt water for about 4-6 hours, and then pat dry. It makes such a difference, you'll wonder why you never did it before.

What is the salt to fries ratio? ›

What is the perfect amount of salt to put on a serving of fries? - Quora. Two pinches (thumb and forefinger) for each potato you fry, sprinkled on either side of the horizontally laid out fries. For an added layer of flavor, try adding a pinch of white pepper for every two potatoes worth of fries as well.

Is it better to salt fries before or after cooking? ›

When to Season French Fries. Whether or not you season the french fries before or after they are cooked depends on the cooking method that you use: Deep Fried french fries are seasoned immediately after they're finished frying. Baked or Air Fried fries are seasoned before they're cooked.

Why do people soak fries in water? ›

This step is commonly missed in making homemade fries, but it might be one of the most important! Soaking your fries in cold water helps remove excess starch, which allows for crispy, golden fries! The cold water bath also helps the french fries retain their shape and contributes to a fluffy inside.

How long do potatoes need to sit in water 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.

What is a good salt ratio? ›

Proper Salting Proportions

FOR SOUPS, STOCKS, SAUCES, AND GRAVIES: Use 1-1/2 teaspoons Kosher salt per quart. If using table salt, reduce to 1-1/8 teaspoons per quart. FOR RAW MEATS, POULTRY, FISH, AND SEAFOOD: 3/4 to 1 teaspoon Kosher salt per pound. If using table salt, cut back to 1/2 to 3/4 teaspoons per pound.

How do you add salt to frozen french fries? ›

Place frozen French fries in a large bowl. Add olive oil and toss to coat. Season with salt and toss to coat again.

Do soaking potatoes make better fries? ›

Take a large bowl and soak the potatoes in cold water. Make sure that you soak the potatoes for at least 2-3 hours. Soaking the sliced potatoes in cold water is one of the main steps to prepare perfect French Fries. The cold water removes the starch present outside the potatoes so that you get perfectly crispy fries.

Do you add salt to frozen fries? ›

If you're baking your fries in the oven you can usually salt them before or after they are fully cooked, but when you fry them, you should stick to salting after, says Boss the Kitchen.

How to get salt to stick to air fryer french fries? ›

The key to getting salt to stick to fries is by seasoning them before you cook them. First toss the potatoes with oil to coat. Then add the salt and toss well again.

How do you get moisture out of fries? ›

Blot as much moisture as possible from the fries, and heat your oven to 400°F. Very lightly oil a baking sheet and heat the fries for five minutes, check them, and heat in five minute increments until they're crisped to your liking.

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