Battered Fries: 10-Minute Easy & Delicious Recip

Battered fries are a delicious twist on classic French fries. Instead of simply frying potatoes, we coat them in a light, crispy batter. This creates a wonderful contrast in textures—perfectly crunchy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. Forget those soggy fries! With this recipe, you’ll learn how to make battered fries that are golden brown and irresistible. They’re the perfect side dish for burgers, sandwiches, or even just a tasty snack. If you enjoy experimenting with different potato dishes, you might also like these easy potato green chile tacos.

Why these Battered Fries are Special

My family devours these battered fries every time I make them! They’re easy to prepare, even on a busy weeknight. The secret ingredient? A touch of paprika in the batter gives it a subtle smoky flavor that sets these fries apart. Plus, the whole family can get involved in the prepping, making it a fun kitchen activity.

Ingredients

For the Fries:

• 2 lbs russet potatoes (about 4 large)
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• Salt, to taste

For the Batter:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 cup cold milk
• Vegetable oil, for frying

Ingredient Spotlight: Potatoes

Russet or Idaho potatoes are the ideal choice for battered fries. Their high starch content results in a fluffy interior and a crisp exterior when fried. Avoid waxy potatoes like red potatoes, as they tend to hold their shape and won’t achieve the same fluffy texture. Looking for gluten-free options? Check out this helpful guide on gluten-free breadcrumbs.

Equipment Needed

• Large bowl
• Whisk
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Deep fryer or large, heavy-bottomed pot
• Tongs or slotted spoon
• Paper towels
• Thermometer (optional, but recommended for checking oil temperature)

Instructions

Preparing the Potatoes

1. Wash the potatoes thoroughly and peel them if desired. While peeling is optional, it does create a slightly smoother finished fry.
2. Cut the potatoes into French fry shapes, about ½ inch thick. Try to keep the fries as uniform in size as possible so they cook evenly. If some fries are significantly thicker than others, they’ll finish cooking at different times.
3. Place the cut potatoes in a large bowl and toss with 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. This helps prevent them from sticking together and promotes even browning.

Making the Batter

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. These dry ingredients create the base of our flavorful batter.
2. Gradually whisk in the cold milk until the batter is smooth and lump-free. The batter should be thick enough to coat the potatoes but not so thick that it becomes gloppy. If it seems too thick, add a little more milk, a tablespoon at a time.
3. Let the batter rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the gluten in the flour to relax, resulting in a lighter, crispier batter. For more vegan and gluten-free recipe ideas, check out our collection of gluten-free vegan recipes.

Frying the Fries

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large, heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to ensure the oil reaches the correct temperature.
2. Working in batches, dip the potato fries into the batter, ensuring they are fully coated.
3. Carefully add the battered fries to the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Overcrowding will lower the oil temperature, resulting in soggy fries. For a healthier take on crispy snacks, consider this recipe for crispy air fryer butternut squash.
4. Fry for 3-4 minutes, then flip the fries and continue frying for another 3-4 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
5. Remove the fries with tongs or a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Looking for other delicious ways to use potatoes? This rice hack recipe for dumplings may inspire you!
6. Season immediately with salt to taste. Serve hot and enjoy! For more information on the health benefits of potatoes, visit this informative article on Healthline.

Tips and Variations

Achieving Extra Crispy Fries

For extra crispy battered fries, try double frying. Fry the potatoes once as directed, then remove them from the oil and let them cool slightly. Increase the oil temperature to 375°F (190°C) and fry the potatoes a second time for 1-2 minutes, until extra crispy. Peanut oil or canola oil are excellent choices for frying, as they have high smoke points and create a neutral-flavored fry.

Seasoning Ideas

While salt and pepper are classic choices, don’t be afraid to experiment with other seasonings! Try adding a sprinkle of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or cayenne pepper to the batter. For a cheesy twist, mix in some grated Parmesan cheese. Ranch seasoning, Cajun seasoning, or even a touch of Old Bay seasoning can add a burst of flavor. Get creative and find your favorite combination! This smothered steak recipe pairs perfectly with these fries.

Oven-Baked Option

For a healthier alternative, you can bake the battered fries. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the battered fries in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy. While oven-baked fries won’t be quite as crispy as fried ones, they’re still a delicious and healthier option.

Serving Suggestions

Battered fries are delicious on their own, but even better with dipping sauces! Ketchup, mayonnaise, ranch dressing, and honey mustard are all popular choices. My family loves dipping them in a spicy sriracha mayo. Serve your battered fries as a side to burgers, sandwiches, or grilled chicken. They also make a great snack with a side of chili or cheese sauce. For more healthy snacking inspiration, check out these healthy snack ideas for kids from Healthline.

FAQ

What do battered fries mean?

Battered fries are simply French fries that have been coated in a batter before being fried. This batter creates a wonderfully crispy outer layer, adding a satisfying crunch to every bite. The batter can be a simple mixture of flour, liquid, and seasonings, or it can be more complex, incorporating spices, herbs, or even cheese.

What are the 4 types of fries?

Four common types of fries are straight-cut, steak-cut, crinkle-cut, and waffle-cut. Straight-cut fries are the classic, rectangular shape. Steak-cut fries are thicker and wider. Crinkle-cut fries have a wavy edge. Waffle-cut fries are lattice-shaped, creating a larger surface area for extra crispiness. These shapes are achieved by using different cutting techniques or specialized tools.

What is the coating on fries?

Fries can have various coatings, each serving a different purpose. Batter provides a crispy, even coating. Breading, typically made from breadcrumbs or panko, creates a textured crust. Seasonings, added either directly to the fries or mixed into the batter or breading, enhance the flavor. These coatings not only add texture but also contribute to the overall taste and appeal of the fries.

What is the difference between fried and battered?

Fried food is cooked in hot oil. Battered food takes it a step further. Before frying, the food is dipped in a liquid batter. This batter creates a crispy coating that regular fried foods don’t have. Think of onion rings – they’re battered and fried, giving them that signature crunchy exterior.

Serving and Storage

Best Served With

Battered fries are incredibly versatile. They’re a classic side for burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, and wraps. In my family, we love them alongside grilled chicken or fish. For dipping, ketchup and mayonnaise are always a hit, but don’t stop there! Try them with ranch dressing, honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or aioli. My girls especially love a side of cheesy dipping sauce. For a heartier meal, serve them with chili or pulled pork.

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover battered fries (which is rare in my house!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. Avoid reheating in the microwave, as this will make them soggy. For best results, enjoy your battered fries fresh and hot right out of the fryer!

Conclusion

These battered fries are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The crispy, flavorful batter combined with the soft, fluffy interior makes them irresistible. They’re easy to make, customizable with your favorite seasonings, and perfect for any occasion, from a casual weeknight dinner to a weekend gathering. So ditch those frozen fries and give this homemade battered fries recipe a try! I’m confident they’ll become a new family favorite. Let me know in the comments how your battered fries turn out – I love hearing from you!

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