Here's Exactly Why Your Frozen French Fries Turn Out Awful

The enticing picture on the front of a package of frozen french fries makes you think you're in store for a savory treat that could rival anything served from restaurant ... but they never seem to come out that way. You're not alone. Folks commonly encounter limp potatoes, no fluffy interior, and a lack of flavor when they pull frozen fries from the oven. A big reason for this is the cooking instructions on the package aren't exactly the best. Our friends at Chowhound have a detailed video explaining how it should be done. 

Firstly, forget the fryers (air or oil). Air fryers are great for reheating pizza, but for frozen french fries use the oven. It's intuitive to follow the cooking directions on the package, but for crispy fries with a light, creamy interior, you'll need to make some adjustments. The suggested starting temperature varies by brand, but just begin by preheating to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (make sure the oven temperature is accurate by placing an oven-safe thermometer inside before cooking). Also, preheat the baking sheet the fries will be cooking on, though instructions generally omit this key tidbit. Pan and the oven need to both be fully preheated before the fries go in. 

Frozen potatoes should be as cold as possible before entering the oven. In other words, until the everything else is hot, the spuds ought to remain in the freezer. If everything is preheated as should be, you will hear the fries sizzle as they hit the pan.

Few brands of frozen french fries suggest seasoning the product, but neglecting this often-ignored step can lead to unimpressive flavor. Start with olive oil (you don't always need extra virgin olive oil, as its rich taste may break down in the hot oven). The oil helps the fries crisp up and will impart more flavor to the potatoes. Another liquid ingredient you'll want to utilize is a splash of vinegar. This adds acidic notes that cut through the rich oil and assist the crisp factor by slightly drying the exterior of the fries. Other seasonings you might want to add include salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. 

Blend the olive oil, vinegar, and dry spices in a large bowl. Take the frozen fries directly from the freezer and toss them in the seasoning mix. Once coated, carefully place them on the baking sheet without overcrowding the pan. If layered on top of one another, some of the fries will steam, leaving you with limp, lackluster potatoes.

Lastly, after 10 minutes of cooking at 375 degrees, crank up the oven to 475. This helps the fries firm up and, after a few minutes, will allow them to gain a beautiful golden-brown color. For a final chef's kiss, season with a touch of salt while they are still piping hot. That way, the salt sticks to the potatoes. It may seem like a lot of details to follow for humble french fries, but in reality, these steps will only take a few extra minutes. 

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