French fries are a beloved snack all around the world. They’re crispy, salty, and delicious. No doubt, they are an excellent addition to any meal. However, traditional french fries are often deep-fried in oil. But then, how do you make french fries without oil?
There are many alternatives to frying. Have you tried boiling? Grilling? Baking? Microwaving? Or even using an air fryer. Using any of these options can make your fries have different tastes you’ll love. In this article, we will be showing you all the processes of how to make french fries without oil.
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What Do You Need To Know About French Fries
French fries, also known as “chips” in some parts of the world, are a popular side dish made from deep-fried strips of potatoes. They are among the most widely consumed foods globally and are often served alongside burgers, hot dogs, and other fast food items.
You can serve your french fries in a variety of styles. Most times, it depends on the region and the restaurant. In the United States, shoestring fries are very thin and crispy. Steak fries are thicker and more substantial.
In Belgium, fries are often served with mayonnaise or aioli. However, in Canada, poutine is a popular dish that consists of fries topped with gravy and cheese curds.
If you want to make French fries, the easier, and most simple way to make it is by cutting your potatoes into long, thin strips. Use any of the alternatives to deep frying. Your french fries are ready for serving If it has turned golden brown.
Some restaurants and fast food chains use frozen pre-cut fries, while others make their own from scratch. You can season the fries with a variety of spices, then serve them with ketchup, mayonnaise, or other condiments.
French fries are a popular and beloved food that has become a staple of fast food and casual dining around the world.
Read Also: What Equipment Should You Use To Reheat Food? (Find Out)
How To Make French Fries Without Oil
Frying fresh fries without oil is a better alternative to traditional deep frying. Frying fresh fries without oil can be done by using an air fryer. The process is simple because It uses hot air to circulate the food.
It helps to produce crispy fries without the need for oil. Air fryers are designed to mimic the texture and taste of traditional deep-fried foods but with significantly less oil or sometimes none at all.
Frying fresh fries without oil is more convenient and time-saving. Interesting! Right? Without the need for large amounts of oil and the time-consuming process of deep frying, cooking fresh fries in an air fryer can be faster and easier to clean up.
It is an excellent option if you want to enjoy your favorite foods while maintaining a sweet, tasty diet. Here are the various alternatives to frying. Generally, if you are trying some of the alternatives, you’ll need the following ingredients:
1. Potatoes (russet or Yukon gold)
2. Salt and pepper
3. Any other seasonings of your choice (garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, etc.)
1. Baked French Fries
Baking is one of the easiest ways to make french fries without oil. Apart from the ingredients mentioned above, you’ll still need a Baking sheet and a Parchment paper.
Steps:
1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C).
2. Cut the potatoes into thin, even-sized sticks. You can use a knife or a mandoline slicer.
3. Rinse the potatoes in cold water to remove excess starch. Dry them with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel.
4. Spread the potatoes out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure the potatoes aren’t overlapping each other. Season the potatoes with salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you like.
5. Bake the potatoes for 25-30 minutes, flipping them over halfway through the cooking time.
6. Once the potatoes are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
2. Air Fryer French Fries
Making french fries without oil is even easier if you have an air fryer. Note that you need an air fryer.
Steps:
1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (204°C).
2. Cut the potatoes into thin, even-sized sticks. You can use a knife or a mandoline slicer.
3. Rinse the potatoes in cold water to remove excess starch. Dry them with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel.
4. Season the potatoes with salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you like.
5. Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket. Make sure the potatoes aren’t overlapping each other.
6. Cook the potatoes for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes to ensure even cooking.
7. Once the potatoes are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
3. Grilled French Fries
Grilling is another way to make french fries without oil. You’ll need the general ingredients mentioned above, a Grill, and Skewers.
Steps:
1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. Cut the potatoes into thin, even-sized sticks. You can use a knife or a mandoline slicer.
3. Rinse the potatoes in cold water to remove excess starch. Dry them with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel.
4. Thread the potatoes onto skewers, making sure the potatoes are tightly packed together.
5. Season the potatoes with salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you like.
6. Grill the potatoes for 10-15 minutes, flipping them over halfway through the cooking time.
7. Once the potatoes are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the grill and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
4. Microwaved French Fries
Microwaving french fries are not as crispy as the other methods, but it is quick and easy. Here is a list of what you’ll need a Microwave-safe plate and a Microwave
Steps:
1. Cut the potatoes into thin, even-sized sticks.
2. Rinse the potatoes in cold water to remove excess starch.
3. Arrange the potatoes in a single layer on a microwave-safe plate.
4. Season the potatoes with salt, pepper, and other seasonings.
5. Microwave the potatoes on high for 4-6 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
6. Once the potatoes are tender, remove them from the microwave and let them cool for a few minutes.
7. Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C).
8. Spread the potatoes out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure the potatoes aren’t overlapping each other.
9. Bake the potatoes for 15-20 minutes, flipping them over halfway through the cooking time.
10. Once the potatoes are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving
What Are The Tips For Making French Fries Without Oil?
1. Russet and Yukon gold potatoes are the best potatoes for making french fries because they are starchy and hold their shape well when cooked.
2. Rinse the potatoes in cold water to remove excess starch. This will help the potatoes cook more evenly and become crispier.
3. Make sure the potatoes are cut into even-sized sticks so they cook evenly.
4. Season the potatoes with salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you like before cooking them.
5. Do not overcrowd the potatoes on the baking sheet or air fryer basket. Overcrowding will cause the potatoes to steam instead of becoming crispy.
6. Flip the potatoes halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.
7. Let the potatoes cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help them become crispier
Can You Make Fries In A Pan Without Oil?
Yes, you can make fries in a pan without oil. But then, they may not turn out as crispy as traditionally fried fries. Here’s a method you can try:
- Preheat a non-stick pan over medium-high heat, then cut your potatoes into thin fries. Rinse them in cold water to remove excess starch.
- Pat the fries dry with paper towels and place the fries in the preheated pan. Season with your desired spices (such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, or paprika).
- Cook the fries for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are crispy and browned.
- Remove the fries from the pan and serve immediately.
It is important to know that when you are using this method without oil, your fries may not get as crispy or browned as you would like. You may also need to adjust the cooking time and temperature to get the desired result.
Read: How To Neutralize Sweetness In Sauce (8 Quick Fixes)
Conclusion
In this article, we have shown you how to make french fries without oil. It is possible, and there are several methods to try. You can enjoy your delicious, crispy french fries by following these methods.