Chefs share 10 ways to make frozen french fries taste even better

R.J. Harvey, professional chef and culinary director at Potatoes USA, told Insider that you should make sure the oven is hot enough before adding your fries.

"A preheated oven will ensure the fries are crispy on the outside and light and fluffy on the inside," said Harvey.

Harvey also noted that for the best texture and flavor, you shouldn't let frozen fries thaw before cooking.

Try pairing frozen fries with acidic ingredients to enhance their natural potato flavor.

"Fries benefit from the addition of acid," Harvey told Insider. "Toppings like citrus juice, vinegar, hot sauce, and pickles contrast the richness of the crispy fries."

Be careful not to go overboard with liquid acidic toppings, as too much moisture can make fries mushy. Add a light spritz just after taking the fries out of the oven.

Though cooking frozen fries on a baking sheet is common, Harvey told Insider, it's worth taking the time to arrange fries on an open oven rack instead.

"Baking frozen fries on an oven rack ensures even cooking and allows air to flow all around the fries, which increases your chances of getting golden-brown fries from the oven," said Harvey.

If you're cooking fries with toppings or ingredients that could drip, be sure to line the bottom of your oven first for easy cleanup.

Lauren Koeppe, private chef and founder of Create Hospitality, told Insider that using an air fryer is a good way to get perfectly crispy french fries.

"Set your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 12 to 14 minutes. Make sure to pull out the tray at the five- or six-minute mark and toss the fries around, and they should come out perfect," said Koeppe.

If the salt seems to fall right off your fries, you might be seasoning them at the wrong time.

"Add salt immediately after cooking, while they're still piping hot," said Koeppe. "This helps you get the best flavor."

Using finely milled salt rather than coarse, flaky salt may also help the salt crystals stick to the fries.

Need an excuse to cook up a feast of frozen french fries? Here's a good one.

"If you leave leftover fries in an opened bag, they might develop ice crystals or freezer burn, and then they won't taste good at all," said Koeppe. "I'd recommend cooking the entire bag to make sure they are as fresh as possible."

If you're not looking to eat an entire bag of fries in one sitting, you can also transfer the uncooked fries to a freezer-safe, resealable container or use a secure bag clip.

You don't have to rely on plain salt to add flavor to your fries. Try raiding your spice drawer for quick and easy fry seasonings.

"Add a bit of gourmet flair to your fries by sprinkling them with some garlic powder, fresh rosemary, seasoned salt, or fresh virgin-olive [oil] or truffle oil," said Koeppe.

As well as adding flavor, a drizzle of oil can also help keep fries from sticking together in the oven.

Chef Jose Mendoza of the Great Oak Steakhouse in California told Insider that smothering your fries with extra toppings can easily transform them from side dish to entrée.

"My favorite version of loaded fries involves ladling cooked fries with French-onion-soup gravy, topping them with Gruyere and mozzarella cheese, and then baking them again in the oven until the cheese is melted," said Mendoza.

The possibilities for loaded fries are endless, but if you don't want to get too elaborate, consider simply adding some chopped chives and crumbled cheddar cheese before baking or after frying.

If you feel like going the extra mile with your frozen fries, you can opt to lightly fry them on the stove using a rich, homemade beer batter.

"Lightly coat the fries in the batter and add a little Cajun seasoning. This adds more crunch to your fries along with a light, spicy note from the seasoning," said Mendoza.

To make a quick beer batter, simply combine a cup of all-purpose flour with an egg and any seasoning you desire. Whisk to combine, and then slowly add about a cup of any beer you have handy.

Frozen french fries are surprisingly versatile. With a few minutes of prep time, they can take on the role of a delicious breakfast side or topping.

"Slightly thaw the fries so that you're able to cut through them. Then, dice them into cubes and cook until crispy. Use them a topper for your breakfast hash and more," said Mendoza.

Read More:

Chefs share 13 ways to make instant ramen even better

Pastry chefs and bakers share the 6 best and 4 worst desserts to order

7 foods you should put in the microwave and 6 you shouldn't

Chefs share the best and worst meals to make with ground beef