Quick Answer
Yes, you can fry a whole potato! Frying whole potatoes makes for a fun and tasty side dish or snack. The key is to parboil the potatoes first before frying to ensure they cook through. Make sure to fry them in hot oil, turning occasionally, until the outside gets crispy and golden brown. Fried whole potatoes go great with a variety of seasonings and dipping sauces.
What is the best way to fry a whole potato?
Here are some tips for frying whole potatoes successfully:
- Choose relatively small, uniform sized russet or Yukon gold potatoes. Larger potatoes may not cook through.
- Wash and peel the potatoes if desired. Peeling isn’t mandatory but will help them get extra crispy.
- Parboil the potatoes for about 5-10 minutes until barely fork tender. This helps them cook through when frying.
- Drain the parboiled potatoes and let them dry and cool slightly.
- Heat about 1-2 inches of oil to 350°F in a heavy bottomed pan.
- Fry potatoes in batches, turning occasionally, for 4-6 minutes until deep golden brown.
- Drain fried potatoes on a paper towel lined plate and season while hot.
The parboiling step before frying is key for whole potatoes. It helps them cook through and get tender, while the frying makes the outside deliciously crispy. Frying at the right temperature, around 350°F, prevents them from getting greasy.
What kind of oil is best for frying whole potatoes?
The best oils for frying whole potatoes are:
- Canola oil
- Peanut oil
- Vegetable oil
- Sunflower oil
- Safflower oil
These neutral tasting oils have high smoke points, which allow them to withstand the high heat of frying. Their neutral flavors let the natural potato flavor shine through. Olive oil is not ideal for frying at high heat because of its low smoke point.
Here is a table comparing smoke points of common frying oils:
| Oil | Smoke Point (°F) |
|---|---|
| Canola oil | 400°F |
| Peanut oil | 450°F |
| Vegetable oil | 450°F |
| Sunflower oil | 440°F |
| Safflower oil | 510°F |
| Olive oil | 375°F |
As you can see, olive oil’s lower smoke point makes it a poor choice for deep frying whole potatoes. Stick with high heat oils like canola, peanut or vegetable oil.
What temperature should you fry potatoes at?
The ideal frying temperature for whole potatoes is between 325°F and 375°F. Heating the oil to 350°F is right in the sweet spot.
Higher heat helps the potatoes get crispy and browned on the outside while cooking through. Frying at too low of a temperature can lead to greasy or soggy potatoes.
Use a deep fry thermometer to monitor the temperature and maintain it at the ideal 350°F. The temperature will drop slightly when adding the potatoes but should come back up quickly.
Adjust the heat as needed to keep the oil within the best frying range. This helps ensure perfectly crisped, golden potatoes every time.
How long does it take to fry whole potatoes?
It takes 4-6 minutes to fry whole parboiled potatoes at 350°F oil temperature. Fry them in batches, turning occasionally, until deep golden brown all over.
The parboiling step before frying shortens the frying time. It allows the potatoes to cook through so they only need several minutes in the hot oil to get crispy and browned.
Fry smaller potatoes for 4-5 minutes per batch. Larger potatoes may need up to 6 minutes for the outside to crisp up nicely. Flipping them halfway helps them brown evenly.
If the raw potatoes are added straight to the hot oil, it can take 10+ minutes for them to fully cook and crisp. Parboiling first guarantees better results.
How to tell when whole potatoes are done frying?
Fried whole potatoes are done when:
- They are deep golden brown on all sides
- The skin is crispy and cracked in spots
- They are tender when pierced with a fork
- The inside looks fully cooked, not raw
The potato should feel crisp but not hard or crunchy all the way through. Poking it with a fork or toothpick helps check that the interior is completely tender, with no uncooked bits.
If the potato isn’t browned enough yet, fry for 1-2 more minutes until it reaches the desired color. Don’t over fry or they can get greasy or burnt.
How to keep fried whole potatoes crispy?
To keep fried whole potatoes crispy and delicious:
- Drain freshly fried potatoes on a paper towel lined plate
- Allow excess oil to drip off and moisture to evaporate
- Season or toss the potatoes immediately while still hot
- Serve fried potatoes as soon as possible
- Avoid steaming or covering after frying
Letting the excess oil drain off is key. The paper towels will soak up extra grease to prevent sogginess.
Seasoning the potatoes right after frying also helps seal in the crispiness. Toss them in salt, spices, Parmesan or herbs while the outside is still hot.
Steaming or covering the potatoes will make them lose their crunch. Serve them soon after frying for the best texture.
What seasonings go well with fried whole potatoes?
Some tasty seasonings for fried whole potatoes include:
- Sea salt or kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Garlic powder or onion powder
- Paprika or cajun seasoning
- Chili powder or cayenne pepper
- Dried parsley, oregano or dill
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Lemon juice or zest
Keep seasoning simple to let the potato flavor shine. A sprinkle of salt and pepper is all you need! Or jazz them up with garlic powder, Parmesan or cajun spices.
Herbs like parsley, dill or oregano add fresh flavor. A squeeze of lemon brightens up the crispy potatoes.
Dip the hot fried potatoes in ranch dressing, aioli or ketchup for extra tastiness. The options are endless!
What are the best dipping sauces for fried potatoes?
Delicious dipping sauces for fried whole potatoes include:
| Dipping Sauce | Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Ranch | Ranch dressing |
| Aioli | Mayonnaise, garlic, lemon juice |
| Ketchup | Ketchup |
| BBQ sauce | BBQ sauce |
| Honey mustard | Honey, mustard, mayo |
| Buffalo | Hot sauce, ranch |
Cool and creamy ranch dressing is a classic pairing for crispy potatoes. Spicy buffalo sauce and tangy bbq sauce are also excellent options.
For a special treat, whip up a quick aioli or honey mustard dipping sauce. The possibilities are endless!
What are good potato fry side dishes and meals?
Fried whole potatoes pair deliciously with:
- Burgers or hot dogs
- Fried chicken or fish
- Roasts or steaks
- Salads
- Eggs and breakfast
- Dips like chili or baked beans
As a side dish, they go great with classic barbeque and summer fare. For breakfast, enjoy them alongside eggs, bacon and toast.
For a heartier meal, make fried potato tacos or sandwiches. Top with meat, cheese sauce and veggies. Potatoes make fantastic vessels for loaded toppings!
What are some fried whole potato recipes and serving ideas?
Some delicious ways to serve up fried whole potatoes include:
- Greek potatoes – Top with feta, lemon, oregano, olive oil, salt and pepper
- Cheesy Ranch potatoes – Toss hot potatoes in ranch dressing and shredded cheddar
- Chili Cheese Fry – Top with homemade chili, shredded cheese and chives
- Breakfast potatoes – Enjoy alongside eggs, bacon, sausage and toast
- BLT potato bites – Top potatoes with crispy bacon, lettuce, tomato and mayo
- Taco potatoes – Fill potatoes with taco meat, beans, cheese, salsa and sour cream
You can also toss the hot fried potatoes in buffalo sauce, ranch or bbq sauce for easy appetizers. The possibilities are endless!
Conclusion
Frying whole potatoes makes for a super tasty and fun side dish or snack. Parboil them first before frying at 350°F until crispy and browned. Season the hot potatoes right after frying to seal in maximum crispiness. Pair them with great dipping sauces and loaded toppings to take them over the top. Crispy, golden fried potatoes are sure to be a hit at any barbecue, potluck or summer gathering.