Crispy Fried Potatoes Recipe
Prepare to indulge in the ultimate crispy fried potatoes that bring a delightful crunch and spicy kick to your plate. This recipe, adapted from the Aquavit cookbook, requires a bit of time and patience but rewards you with perfectly crispy fries that are seasoned to your liking. A one-hour freezing time between frying stages is essential to achieve the perfect texture. Whether you’re serving these as a snack or a side, they are sure to impress!
Ingredients:
- 2 large russet potatoes
- 4 cups canola oil (for frying)
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper (for seasoning)
- Additional salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Prep the Potatoes:
- Begin by peeling the russet potatoes and cutting them into sticks approximately 1/2 inch thick and 4 inches long. This uniform cut ensures even cooking and a satisfying crunch.
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Soak and Dry:
- As soon as you cut the potatoes, drop them into a bowl of cold water. This step helps prevent discoloration and removes excess starch. Let them soak for about 15 minutes. After soaking, drain the potatoes thoroughly and pat them dry with paper towels. Ensuring they are completely dry is crucial for achieving crispy results.
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Initial Frying:
- Pour 3 inches of canola oil into a deep fryer or a large, heavy-bottomed pot. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, you can test the oil by dropping in a small piece of potato; if it bubbles vigorously, it’s ready.
- Working in batches, add the potatoes to the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the fryer. Fry them for about 5 minutes or until they just begin to turn golden brown. They do not need to be fully cooked at this stage.
- Remove the fries from the oil using a slotted spoon and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Repeat with the remaining potato sticks.
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Freeze for Crispiness:
- Arrange the partially fried potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Place the baking sheet in the freezer for one hour. This step is key to achieving a crispy exterior after the second fry.
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Prepare the Coating:
- While the potatoes are freezing, prepare the breading mixture. In a blender or food processor, finely process the panko breadcrumbs until they are almost powdery. Transfer this to a shallow bowl.
- In a separate shallow bowl, mix the flour with kosher salt and cayenne pepper.
- In another bowl, lightly beat the egg.
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Coat the Potatoes:
- Once the potatoes are frozen, remove them from the freezer. Roll each potato stick in the seasoned flour, making sure it is fully coated. Dip the floured potato sticks into the beaten egg, allowing any excess to drip off, and then roll them in the processed panko mixture. For extra crunch, repeat the coating process a second time. Place the coated fries in a single layer on a baking sheet.
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Final Fry:
- Heat the oil to 375°F (190°C). Fry the coated potatoes in batches again, this time for 3-4 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Make sure the oil temperature is consistent, and bring it back up to 375°F between batches.
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Drain and Season:
- Once the fries are crispy and golden, remove them from the oil and let them drain on paper towels. While still hot, sprinkle with additional salt and ground black pepper to taste.
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Serve:
- Serve your crispy fried potatoes immediately, either as a stand-alone snack or alongside your favorite meal. They’re perfect for dipping in ketchup, aioli, or your preferred dipping sauce.
Enjoy the delightful crunch and spicy kick of these crispy fried potatoes, perfect for any occasion or as a special treat!
Cooking Time:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes (excluding freezing time)
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 4785.6
- Fat Content: 447.7g
- Saturated Fat: 34.2g
- Cholesterol: 317.2mg
- Sodium: 1589.6mg
- Carbohydrates: 172.8g
- Fiber: 10.5g
- Sugar: 8.8g
- Protein: 32.5g
Whether you’re craving a delicious side or a savory snack, these crispy fried potatoes will not disappoint. Enjoy every crispy bite! 🍟✨