Alright, let’s talk slow cooker French fries. You know, the kind of fries that are so perfectly crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside that they just melt in your mouth? Those are the kind of fries we’re going for here.
Now, I know what you’re thinking: “French fries in a slow cooker? That’s weird!” But trust me, it works. It’s actually a really easy way to make fries that are way less messy than deep frying. Plus, it’s perfect for those lazy days when you don’t feel like standing over the stove.
Think of it as a slow-frying method. It’s super chill, and the results are seriously amazing. I’m talking about fries that are so good, you’ll never want to go back to the fast frying method.
Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
Potatoes: You can use any kind of potato, but russet potatoes are my go-to for fries. They have the perfect amount of starch to make them nice and crispy.
Oil: You’ll need a little bit of oil to help the fries cook evenly and get crispy. I like to use olive oil, but vegetable oil or canola oil will also work.
Salt and pepper: Of course, you can’t have fries without salt and pepper!
Here’s how to make slow cooker French fries:
1. Get your potatoes ready. Start by peeling your potatoes and cutting them into fries. It’s important to make your fries pretty uniform in size, so they cook evenly. If you have a mandoline, it’s super helpful, but a good knife will do the trick!
2. Soak those fries. I know this sounds strange, but soaking your fries in cold water for about 30 minutes helps to remove some of the starch, which makes them crispier.
3. Give your fries a bath. Pat your potatoes dry after they’ve soaked. You want to make sure those fries are dry before you start cooking.
4. Toss those fries with oil. Toss your potatoes with a little oil. Don’t be shy with the oil, because the more oil you use, the crispier your fries will be! I usually like to use a tablespoon or two, but it depends on how much you’re making.
5. Season those fries! Now, it’s time to season your fries! Salt and pepper are essential, but feel free to get creative with your seasonings. Garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, or even some herbs are great additions.
6. Set the stage for those fries. Place the fries in the bottom of your slow cooker. You want to make sure there is room for the fries to cook evenly, so don’t crowd the slow cooker. I like to use a slow cooker with a removable pot, so I can just slide the pot out and pour the fries into a baking sheet when they’re done.
7. Let those fries cook. Cook the fries on low heat for about 4-6 hours, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
8. Time for the big finish. When your fries are done, scoop them out of the slow cooker and onto a baking sheet lined with paper towels. Let them drain and cool for a few minutes, then sprinkle with a little more salt and pepper if needed.
Here’s a little table that breaks down the different cooking times:
| Time | Temperature | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 hours | Low | Fries will be softer and more tender |
| 6 hours | Low | Fries will be crispier and golden brown |
Here are a few more tips for making the best slow cooker French fries:
Use a non-stick slow cooker. This will help prevent the fries from sticking to the bottom.
Don’t overcrowd the slow cooker. Give the fries plenty of room to cook evenly.
Shake it up. Every hour or so, give your fries a good shake or stir to ensure they cook evenly.
Keep an eye on those fries. Check on your fries every couple of hours to make sure they’re not burning.
Now, here’s the thing about slow cooker French fries: It’s pretty hard to mess them up. The whole point of this method is to slow cook them until they are perfectly cooked. So, if you’re looking for an easy way to make some delicious fries, give this method a try! You’ll be happy you did!
