Nicola Roy, a spare time writer for What's On, has shared a simple yet transformative tip for elevating frozen chips: ditch the salt and use a cheap cupboard staple. Writing in an opinion piece, Roy explains that a jar of Kerala Chinese salt and pepper seasoning from B&M can turn bland frozen chips into a restaurant-quality side dish.
The Secret Ingredient
Roy emphasizes that salt is not the answer. Instead, she relies on the B&M seasoning, which she describes as an "absolute godsend." According to Roy, this seasoning "immediately transforms your chips from dull and bland to packed with flavour" without affecting texture, unlike overpowering dipping sauces.
How to Make the Tastiest Oven Chips
Roy recommends using an air fryer for best results, as it produces crunchier chips in less time than a conventional oven. She prefers Aldi skin-on fries for their superior flavour and crispiness. The cooking method is straightforward: cook the chips at 180C for 20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. An extra couple of minutes may be needed for a truly golden finish.
Once cooked, Roy transfers the chips to a large stainless steel bowl, which she deems essential for even coating. She adds a small drizzle of olive oil to help the seasoning stick, then tosses with approximately a teaspoon of the seasoning per portion. The result is chips that are "wonderfully crispy" and packed with flavours reminiscent of a Chinese takeaway.
Why This Works
Roy notes that the seasoning elevates taste without altering texture, addressing the common problem of bland chips. She concludes by recommending the seasoning for anyone looking to upgrade their chips to a whole new level.
