How to Microwave Frozen Fries

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Are your frozen fries always turning out soggy and mushy? French fries are a great addition to burgers, sandwiches and steaks as they can be easily prepared to complete the meal.

Furthermore, frozen fries last long and can be heated up quickly in the microwave. When done correctly, there is no concern about destroying the taste or texture.

Can you microwave frozen fries? Yes, you can microwave frozen fries, but they may turn out soggy and chewy without the proper tool or technique. As a result, it is best to use either oven or air fryer to cook frozen fries. 

Microwave is great kitchen gadget to cook frozen or reheat french fries that are leftover from a previous meal. Whether it is homemade or store-bought, fries can be cooked and retain their crispiness when following the proper steps with additional tools.

If you are looking to crisp up frozen fries in the microwave, this article shares expert tips. Answered below are frequently asked questions that walk you through the process without resulting in sogginess. Let’s dive in to find out more about microwaving frozen french fries!

Is microwaving fries bad?

No, microwaving fries is not bad. It is known that incorrectly heating up fries in the microwave results in sogginess that destroys the original texture.

The microwave appliance triggers water molecules in the fries to raise the temperature. As a result, fried foods tend to loose their original texture. 

Additionally, microwaving fries is known for uneven heat and limp mass with burnt ends. Furthermore, the cooking oil ends up tasting rancid. 

Why do fries get soggy in the microwave?

Microwave ovens work by heating the inside of the fries first, and the moisture inside turns into steam. As the steam evaporates out of the fries, the outside looses its crispness. 

Therefore, it’s important to use a microwave crisper pan or place parchment paper to maintain its crispy outer part. Also, add a tablespoon of olive oil to coat the fries so they stay moist but continue to crispy up while heating.

Do you defrost frozen fries before cooking in microwave?

No, you do not need to defrost frozen fries when microwaving. In fact, frozen fries can be cooked in microwave right away from freezer within 10 minutes.

Never thaw frozen fries because the surface of the potato is sealed during the frying process in the factory so the fries become crispy. But when the fries are defrosted before cooking, they may absorb more fat and become greasy.

Frozen fries may have ice particles all around, so do not overcrowd the pan and divide the portion into small batches. This will allow the frozen fries to cook more efficiently. 

Tips to microwave frozen fries

It is widely known that microwaved frozen fries tend to not turn out exactly the same as oven roasted. However, this does not mean it is impossible to make the fries crunchy when microwaving. 

If you are wondering how a microwave can make fries crunchy, understand the way microwave works. It uses internal fans to circulate hot air which helps to heat the food evenly. 

Also, microwave helps to transfer heat in both inward and outward to help cook fries quickly.

To microwave frozen fries without loosing its crispiness, follow the useful tips below:

• Spread out the frozen fries and do not overcrowd them. 
• Use microwave crisper pan or place a sheet of parchment paper on a microwave-safe plate.
• Microwave fries in 3/4 cup or 250 grams at a time to cook frozen fries quickly.
• Check to see if the microwave is 1000 wattage. 
• Cook the fries on high power and avoid using defrost setting.
• Turn the fries over at equal intervals to cook evenly. 
• Watch carefully and do not overheat fries as they dry out and loose softness quickly.

Best way to microwave frozen fries

There are handful ways to cook frozen fries from air fryer to oven. When in hurry, microwaving also works well to cook frozen fries to get crispy and delicious results.

In order to microwave frozen fries, remove any ice particles so there won’t be any excess water puddling up during the cooking process.

Place 3/4 cup of frozen fries in a single layer on a microwave crisper pan or microwave-safe plate lined with a baking sheet.

Drizzle olive oil or vegetable oil on the fries to give additional moisture and help the fries retain their crispiness.

Microwave on high power for 2 minutes. Then, stop the microwave and flip the fries on the other side to heat for another minute. 

Repeat the cooking process until the fries are evenly heated and look golden brown. Do not cook more than 5 minutes in total as this can dry up and cause the fries to burn. 

Remove the dish carefully with oven mitt and transfer the fries to a serving dish. Serve hot with ketchup or any other favorite dipping sauce. 

Microwaving Frozen Fries: Conclusion

Frozen fries are already cooked twice before they are baked so it is easy and fast to simply heat up and serve. Microwave is safe, efficient, and convenient cooking method for frozen fries. 

It is faster than oven, and you can be able to achieve the same effect as frying. In fact, it can be healthier to consume less oil compared to frying. 

Place one serving of fries and lightly coat with vegetable oil or olive oil. Transfer the frozen fries on microwave crisper pan or baking sheet on a microwave-safe plate.

Ensure the microwave you are using is 1000 watts or more. Set the microwave on high or full 100% power to cook for 2 minutes.

After the first interval, shake the fries so it flips on the other side. Continue to microwave on high for another 2 minutes or until the fries become piping hot and golden brown. 

Garnish with salt, pepper, and add ketchup on the side. Serve the microwaved frozen fries while hot and enjoy!