Frozen chips are a true kitchen staple in the UK, but many make a common mistake that leaves them soggy. Culinary experts have shared the best ways to keep them crisp.
The Overcrowding Error
Chef David Nayfield from Che Fico insists that frozen chips can rival restaurant standards every time you prepare them, as long as you follow the proper technique. This involves steering clear of cramming your oven trays or air fryer baskets, which NYC chef George Duran calls the 'biggest mistake' people make when cooking fries at home. To nail that perfect crunch, your chips require enough room to crisp up properly. Squeezing too many in too tightly will cause them to steam instead of bake.
Preheating Is Essential
David also stressed the significance of pre-heating your appliance before you begin cooking. Putting them directly into a cold oven or air fryer is almost certain to deliver soggy or inconsistently cooked chips. A helpful rule of thumb is to warm your appliance to approximately 200C before cooking the chips, to secure that ideal golden texture.
Air Fryer vs. Oven
And when it comes to the ongoing debate between deploying an air fryer or a conventional oven to cook your chips, chefs have a definite preference. George Duran says that cooking your chips in an air fryer is like 'giving them a fast-track to crispy heaven'. Not only is this approach frequently faster than traditional oven cooking, meaning you can tuck into those delicious crispy fries much sooner, but it also removes the danger of burns or injuries from handling scalding hot cooking oil, making it a considerably safer option all round.
Seasoning for Extra Flavour
For a bit of extra flavour in your fries, adding a quick seasoning mix can be a real lifesaver - and it's a lot cheaper than buying pre-seasoned chips too. Kelly Jaggers, a chef and cookbook author, recommends her blend of a teaspoon of onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper. Mix it well and sprinkle as desired, alongside your salt. Make sure to do this when the fries are piping hot, and they'll be even more delicious.
