Soaking starches in water for better frying
I'm going to make some sweet potato fries here shortly and I'm using a technique that I saw on television. I cut up my sweet potatoes into fries and I have been letting them soak in water. My intent is that some of the starch will dissolve into the water and help the fries crisp up better. Has anyone else tried this?
Best Answer
This is a common technique and should work well. It is important that you dry the fries thoroughly before adding them to the oil, otherwise it will boil out of the pan.
If you have the time, you can lay the fries on a rack and place in the fridge for a couple of hours, which dehydrates the surface nicely. If not, pat them dry with lots of kitchen paper.
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Quick Answer about "Soaking starches in water for better frying"
In addition to drawing out potassium, soaking also draws out starches – doing something similar to the first low-temperature fry. Coating the potato in cooking oil and baking it has the effect of crisping the surface starch, just like the second high-temperature fry.Is it good to Soak potatoes in water before frying?
The soaking, Mr. Nasr said, is the secret to the crisp texture of the fries. It draws out the starch, making them more rigid and less likely to stick together. The cooks fry them twice, first blanching them until slightly limp in peanut oil heated to 325 degrees, and again in 375-degree oil to crisp and brown them.Why do you Soak potatoes in water before air frying?
Soaking the potatoes after they're cut draws out some of the starch which is naturally present in potatoes. This will result in a crispier fry. A thirty minute soak in cold water does the trick but you may soak them longer if you want. After soaking, be sure to dry the potatoes before you fry them.What is the benefit of soaking potatoes in water?
Soaking potatoes in water helps remove excess starch. Excess starch can inhibit the potatoes from cooking evenly as well as creating a gummy or sticky texture on the outside of your potatoes. Cold water is used because hot water would react with the starch activating it, making it harder to separate from the potatoes.How do you Soak potatoes for frying?
Place them in a large bowl and cover with cold water, then allow them to soak for two or three hours. (You can also stick them in the fridge and let them soak for several hours or overnight.) When you're ready to make the fries, drain off the water and lay them on two baking sheet lined with paper towels.Tips for Frying Potatoes⎢Martha Stewart's Cooking School
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