how to cook frozen fries

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

loaded fries french fries food meal — To take frozen fries to the next level, try adding toppings.

- Insider asked chefs how to make frozen french fries taste better.
- Salting your fries straight out of the oven can help the seasoning stick better.
- Preparing fries in an air fryer or in the oven on an open rack can make them crispier.
- Visit Insider's homepage for more stories.

Frozen french fries are a quick and tasty side, but knowing the right cooking techniques can take premade fries from bland to gourmet.

Here are some of the best ways to make frozen fries taste better, according to professional chefs.

Don't let your fries thaw first, and be sure to preheat your oven.

Don't let the fries thaw before you cook them.

RJ Harvey, a professional chef who is the 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," Harvey said.

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

An acid will help bring out the flavor of your fries.

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.

Bake fries on an open rack for optimum air flow.

Be sure to put a pan under the rack if you're worried the fries may drip.

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," Harvey said.

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.

Always salt your fries while they're still hot from the oven.

The salt may stick to your fries better when they are fresh out of the oven.

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

"Add salt immediately after cooking, while they're still piping hot," Koeppe said. "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.

When possible, cook the entire bag of frozen fries in one sitting.

If you leave an opened bag of fries, they may get freezer burn.

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," Koeppe said. "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.

Add herbs and spices for extra flavor.

You don't have to rely on plain salt to add flavor to your fries. Try raiding your spice drawer for quick and easy 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," Koeppe said.

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

Load up your fries with toppings to turn them into the main course.

Melted cheese pairs well with french fries.

The chef Jose Mendoza of the Great Oak Steakhouse in California told Insider that smothering your fries with extra toppings could 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," Mendoza said.

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.

Dip them in beer batter for crispy results.

To make beer-battered fries, you'll need flour.

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," Mendoza said. "This adds more crunch to your fries along with a light, spicy note from the seasoning."

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.

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