Frozen oven chips can be made tastier and crispier by coating them in a homemade spice mix before cooking, according to a recipe shared by Tesco. The preparation takes just five minutes and uses cupboard ingredients.
Simple spice coating recipe
The recipe calls for 500g of frozen oven chips, vegetable oil, half a teaspoon of smoked paprika, a quarter teaspoon of sea salt flakes, half a teaspoon of dried rosemary and a quarter teaspoon of garlic granules. For those who prefer a spicier result, a quarter teaspoon of cayenne pepper can be added.
To prepare, place the chips on a large baking tray, drizzle with vegetable oil, and sprinkle over the paprika, salt, rosemary and garlic granules. Toss the chips well to ensure each one is coated, then cook according to the packet instructions.
Golden and crisp results
The vegetable oil helps the chips turn golden and crisp, while the four-ingredient spice mix adds flavour. The method can also be used in an air fryer if the packet instructions allow, and the circulating air may make them even crispier.
Tesco's recipe notes said: “These aren’t just any oven fries, they’re covered in an array of tangy and exciting flavours. Enjoy a little lift from the herbs and spices, then bake them until golden and crisp.”
From-scratch alternative
For those cooking chips from scratch, Tesco suggests using Maris Piper potatoes, about 350g for two people. Boil them for three minutes, leave to steam-dry for five minutes, then transfer to a baking tray with a little oil and salt. Bake in a 220°C (200°C fan) oven for 18 to 20 minutes, turn them over, and bake for a further eight minutes.
For sweet potato fries, rinsing is not necessary, but adding a little olive oil, sugar and salt before baking is recommended for extra flavour.
