French potato sticks, also known as pommes allumettes, are a classic French appetizer and snack food. They are made by cutting potatoes into thin matchstick shapes and deep frying them until crispy and golden brown. While simple, their delicious flavor and fun shape makes them a tasty treat.
Common Ingredients
The primary ingredients in French potato sticks are:
- Potatoes – Typically russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are used for their starchy texture.
- Oil – Canola, vegetable, peanut, or corn oil is used for frying.
- Salt – Salt is added to the potato sticks after frying for flavor.
Beyond this, French potato sticks are made with just a few additional ingredients:
Flour
A light dredging of flour helps create a crispy exterior on the fries. All-purpose flour is most commonly used. Rice flour can also be used as a gluten-free option.
Spices and Herbs
Different spices and herbs can be added to the flour for extra flavor. Common options include:
- Paprika – For color and mild spiciness
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Dried parsley
- Cayenne pepper – For heat
Egg Wash
Some recipes call for dredging the potato sticks in an egg wash before the flour. The egg helps the flour coating stick better and makes the fries extra crispy when fried.
The Potato Stick Making Process
Making perfect French fry sticks takes a bit of technique. Here is an overview of the basic process:
- Wash and peel the potatoes. Cut into French fry shaped sticks.
- Rinse the cut fries in cold water to remove excess starch.
- Pat the fries very dry. This helps them get extra crispy.
- Fry the potatoes once at a lower temperature to cook them through.
- Let the par-fried fries cool slightly, then fry again at a higher temperature until golden brown.
- Toss the fries with salt to season.
Drying the potato sticks properly before frying is one of the most important steps. Excess moisture can cause them to cook unevenly. Frying twice at different temperatures also ensures the fries are light and crispy, not soggy.
Choosing the Best Potatoes
The type of potato used makes all the difference for perfect fry sticks. The two best options are:
Russet Potatoes
Russet potatoes have a fluffy yet starchy interior that fries up light and crispy. Their thick skin also helps them hold their shape well during frying. Russets are the most common choice.
Yukon Gold Potatoes
Yukon golds have a smooth, buttery flavor and hold their shape nicely when cut into sticks. Their moderate starch content gives great frying results.
Other types of potatoes like red potatoes can also work but may not get quite as crispy due to their waxy texture.
Choosing the Best Oil for Frying
The oil used for frying also impacts the taste and texture of the fries. The best oils include:
| Oil | Features |
|---|---|
| Peanut Oil | Has a high smoke point and neutral flavor |
| Canola Oil | Also has a high smoke point and mild flavor |
| Corn Oil | Another high smoke point neutral oil |
| Vegetable Oil | A budget-friendly option with a decent smoke point |
Oils like olive oil and butter have lower smoke points and strong flavors that can overwhelm the potatoes. The high smoke point neutral oils above are best for perfect fries.
Flour Coating Tricks
For a light, crispy coating on the fries, follow these tips when dredging in flour:
- Use all-purpose flour or alternatively, rice flour for gluten-free fries.
- Season the flour with salt, pepper, and spices for extra flavor.
- For maximum crispness, toss the fries in the flour twice.
- Let excess flour shake off before frying so the coating isn’t gummy.
The flour helps seal in moisture and gives the fries a delicate crunch. Be sure to use a light hand when coating to avoid a thick bready texture.
How Shape Impacts Texture
Cutting the potatoes into thin uniform sticks is important. Here’s how the shape affects the fry texture:
- Thinner sticks fry up crisper than thick wedges or chunks.
- A thin even shape means they cook at the same rate for consistency.
- The high surface area gets ultra crispy.
- Matchstick skinny sticks are the classic shape and give the best crunch.
Take the time to cut the potatoes into perfectly even fry sticks for the best results. Rushing the cutting step can lead to poor texture.
Serving Suggestions
On their own, French fry sticks make a delicious snack or appetizer. But there are also lots of tasty ways to serve them:
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley, garlic powder, or chili powder.
- Dip in sauces like ketchup, mayo, or aioli.
- Toss in a fresh green salad for added crunch.
- Top nachos, tacos, burgers, or hot dogs for a potato crunch.
- Pair with a sandwich or burger instead of regular fries.
Let your creativity run wild when it comes to serving options! The seasonings and sauces paired with the fries can be tailored to match any cuisine.
Storage Tips
To maintain peak freshness:
- Store unused raw cut fries in cold water in the fridge for 24 hours max.
- Let cooked fries cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat leftover cooked fries in a 400°F oven until warmed through and crispy.
- Don’t store fries in open air or they’ll lose their crispiness.
With proper storage, both cooked and uncooked fries can be kept for a short time without sacrificing texture or taste.
Common FAQs
Why do the fries need to be fried twice?
Frying twice, once at a lower then higher temperature, ensures they cook through without burning and get ultra crispy exteriors.
How thin should the sticks be cut?
About 1/4 inch thick is ideal for the classic French fry stick shape.
What’s the best potato type to use?
Starchy russet or slightly waxy Yukon gold potatoes make the best fry sticks.
What oil is healthiest for frying?
Peanut and canola oil are on the healthier end of the spectrum compared to some other frying oils.
How long do they last in the fridge?
Raw fries keep 24 hours max, while cooked fries last 2-3 days in an airtight container.
The Perfect French Fry Sticks
With fluffy centers and crispy edges, French fry sticks are the ultimate appetizer.
Follow the steps above for potato selection, slicing, flour coating, and double frying to achieve the perfect fry texture. Adjust the seasonings to your taste and get creative with serving ideas. Made right, these delicious matchstick fries will disappear fast!