You know the feeling all too well. It’s late at night and you just want some delicious, crispy fries from the frozen goodness in your freezer. But can you even cook them in the microwave? Do they need to be defrosted first? Is there a special way to arrange them on the plate? I’ll answer all of your questions and more in this article.
So Can You Cook Frozen Fries In The Microwave?
Yes, you can microwave frozen fries, but you should be aware that microwaving can cause the fries to become soggy and lose their crunchy texture. This is why microwaving is the least recommended method of cooking frozen fries.
However, not all hope is lost. There are a number of microwave-friendly fries on the market designed to give you perfectly crispy, golden-brown fries in your microwave. One such product is McCain’s Quick Chips, which are straight-cut fries that are specifically designed to cook in the microwave.
Or you can also use a microwave crisper pan if you cook regular frozen fries in the microwave. This pan will help to crisp up the fries and prevent them from getting soggy.
After I’ve tried both options, both microwave-friendly fries and a crisper pan do give me slightly browner and crunchier fries in the microwave. But ultimately, if you’re looking for the best results when it comes to microwaving frozen fries, your best bet is to use an oven or to pan-fry the fries instead.
How Long Does It Take to Microwave Frozen Fries?
If you’re wondering how long it will take to microwave frozen fries, the answer depends on the power of your microwave and the number of fries being cooked. Generally speaking, a single serving of frozen fries can be cooked in 4-5 minutes on high power.
If you need to cook larger quantities of frozen fries, you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. Nevertheless, for the best results, I would recommend cooking the fries in several small batches to ensure that they cook evenly and fully.
How to Cook Frozen Fries in the Microwave: Step-by-step instructions
Now, let’s go over the steps for cooking frozen fries in the microwave:
- Add a baking sheet on top of a microwave-safe plate.
- Place the frozen fries in a single layer on the plate.
- Lightly spray the fries with olive oil or canola oil.
- Microwave on high power for 2 minutes.
- After 2 minutes, flip the fries and microwave for another 2-3 minutes.
- Carefully remove the fries from the microwave and enjoy!
If you don’t have a baking sheet, you can also use a paper towel. We need either the baking sheet or the paper towel to help absorb any excess moisture and prevent the fries from getting soggy. The baking sheet also helps to maintain microwave energy, ensuring that the fries are cooked evenly.
As for the oil, if you don’t have spray, you can brush on the oil lightly with a pastry brush. The oil will help to crisp up the fries although it might not make much of a difference if you don’t use a microwave crisper pan.
Better Ways To Microwave Frozen Fries
There are several different better ways to microwave frozen fries, depending on your preferences and cooking methods. Here’re a few options to consider:
1. Use a microwave convection oven
One of the best ways to cook frozen fries is in a microwave convection oven. Just like the regular oven, a microwave convection oven circulates hot air to cook the food. This will give you perfectly crisp and browned fries every time.
2. Use a microwave crisper pan
Another great way to cook frozen fries is in a microwave crisper pan. Crisper pans are specially designed with special surface materials that help crisp up food while it cooks.
Some people were satisfied with the results they got from using a microwave crisper pan, but others found that it only made a slight difference. Feel free to experiment and see what works best for you!
To cook frozen fries in the microwave using a microwave crisper pan follow these steps:
- Preheat a microwave-safe crisper pan on high power for 4 minutes or according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Place a layer of frozen fries in the pan, making sure they are spread out evenly.
- Spray or brush a light layer of oil over the fries.
- Microwave on high power for 4-5 minutes, or until the fries show signs of browning.
- Carefully remove the pan from the microwave and let the fries cool for 30 seconds before serving.
3. Buy microwave oven fries such as McCain’s Quick Chip
If you want the absolute easiest way to cook great-tasting frozen fries, simply buy a box of microwave oven fries such as McCain’s Quick Chip. Quick Chips are pre-cooked frozen fries that come in their own microwavable box. Simply place the box in the microwave and follow the cooking instructions on the package—it’s that easy.
Even though the result might not be quite as crisp and flavorful as pan-fried or oven-baked fries, Quick Chips are a great option for anyone who is short on time or simply wants a quick and easy way to enjoy some fries.
How to Store Microwaved Fries
When it comes to storing your cooked French fries, there are a few different options available. If you’re short on time, simply pop them in the fridge in shallow airtight containers. This will prevent them from drying out and keep them fresh for 3-5 days.
If you want to ensure maximum freshness, though, take the extra step of wrapping your fries tightly in heavy-duty aluminum foil or plastic wrap before refrigerating. This will help keep moisture and oxygen out, both of which can cause spoilage.
Whichever method you choose, just be sure to eat your fries within 5 days for optimal flavor and texture.
Alternative Methods for Cooking Frozen Fries
Microwaving frozen fries is the quickest method but results in less crispy fries. Oven frying takes a bit longer but yields crispy, evenly cooked fries. Toaster oven frying is a good middle ground- it’s faster than oven frying but yields better results than microwaving. Pan or deep-frying is my favorite method for cooking frozen fries as it guarantees to give you crispy, golden brown fries every time.
For oven frying, preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit then bake your fries for 15-20 minutes. For toaster oven frying, simply preheat your toaster oven to 425 degrees and bake the frozen fries for 15-20 minutes.
To pan-fry, heat a generous amount of oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. Add your frozen fries and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
What to Serve with Fries
Fries are like the little black dress of the food world—they pretty much go with everything. But sometimes you want to step up your fry game and serve them with something a little more special than ketchup (not that there’s anything wrong with that). Here are five of the best foods to serve with fries.
1. Butter Burger
You can never go wrong with a classic burger and fries combo. But why not take it to the next level by slathering your burger in butter? Okay, maybe that’s taking it too far. But a little bit of butter on your burger definitely won’t hurt. Just make sure you don’t put so much on that it starts dripping down your arms. That would be a little bit too greasy.
2. Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich
This is one of those perfect food combinations that just can’t be beaten. The savory Philly cheesesteak pairs perfectly with the salty goodness of fries. Plus, you can use the fries as a vehicle for delivering even more sandwich goodness into your mouth. It’s a win-win!
3. Barbecue Pulled Pork
If you’re looking for something a little bit different, why not try pairing your fries with barbecue pulled pork? The sweet and smoky flavors of the barbecue sauce will contrast perfectly with the salty fries. And if you’re feeling really adventurous, you could even try dipping your fries in the barbecue sauce. Trust me, it’s delicious!
4. Marinated Flank Steak
For a slightly more sophisticated fry pairing, try the marinated flank steak. The rich flavor of the steak pairs perfectly with the crispy fried potatoes. Plus, it’s a great way to impress your dinner guests if you’re having them over for a meal. Just make sure you don’t overcook the steak—you want it to be nice and rare so that it stays juicy and flavorful.
5. Beer-Battered Fish
This is another great option if you’re looking for something a little bit different. The beer batter gives the fish a nice crispy coating that pairs perfectly with fries. And if you’re feeling really fancy, you could even try serving the fish and fries with tartar sauce or malt vinegar on the side. Yum!
Related: Is Microwaving Battered Fish Safe?
Conclusion
Although you can microwave frozen fries, it is not the most recommended cooking method because they will likely become soggy. However, there are a number of microwave-friendly fries on the market that will give you crispy results. Alternatively, you can use a microwave crisper pan to help achieve better results.
FAQ
1. Should You Defrost Frozen Fries Before Microwaving?
Microwaving fries right from the freezer might seem counterintuitive, but it’s not necessary to defrost frozen fries before cooking them in the microwave. In fact, doing so can actually result in limp, soggy potatoes.
