Making a restaurant-grade French fry does not appear to be rocket science, at least until you try it. While most people excel at frying, they don’t know what to put on fries to give more flavor and aroma and improve the overall taste. Well, that’s why we are here. Our experts have compiled a list of the best seasonings for French fries to try and a couple more tips to help you impress your friends.
Seasonings and Spices for French Fries
Parsley, garlic powder, salt and pepper, and dried oregano are some of the seasonings you need for fries. Likewise, thyme, basil, and any other spice of choice.
Salt and pepper
Sea salt is better than table salt. Nonetheless, you can use either. Salt allows the natural flavor of the potato to shine. Pepper adds a great texture and a bit of warmth to the blend. Depending on the level of heat you want, use different peppers. Examples include cayenne pepper, white or black pepper, bell pepper, and more.
Garlic and Onion Powder
Garlic powder provides a savory and aromatic flavor, while onion powder offers a subtle sweetness that complements other seasonings. You can substitute onion powder for garlic powder or use the granulated versions of the two, as they are less likely to clump over time.
Paprika and Oregano
Paprika is available in different versions. Use smoked paprika to add smokiness to the flavor and sweet paprika for a slight sweetness. However, if you want something spicy, use hot paprika. Oregano substitute for thyme. They pair with potatoes and add a subtle earthiness.
When to Season French Fries
There are two ways to season your fries – before or after frying. Seasoning before frying allows the flavor to penetrate the potatoes and give the fries a seasoned interior. On the downside, seasonings with high salt content will affect the potatoes by drawing out moisture.
Seasoning the potatoes after frying provides better control over the amounts of spices you use. Likewise, it maintains the crispiness. The disadvantage is that the exterior may not absorb flavors as deeply as when you season it before frying. This routine is common with deep-fried French fries.
One way to maximize your seasonings is to try the combination approach. Coat the raw fries in a light oil and seasoning coating before frying. After frying, sprinkle the fries while they are still hot with additional seasonings. That said, follow these tips to achieve the best result:
- Use high-quality potatoes.
- Cook your fries to perfection to ensure the right texture for seasoning.
- Try different seasonings to create a unique flavor
- Don’t overcrowd the pan or fryer to ensure even cooking.
Best French Fry Seasoning
The best seasonings for French fries provide a balanced combination of salty, savory, and a hint of spiciness or sweetness. Meanwhile, they enhance the fries without overpowering them and adhere without causing sogginess. Instead of buying each herb and spice separately, the best bet is to buy a product that combines multiple ingredients into one. Below are our top picks:
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Gourmet French Fry Seasoning Set $38.50 on Virginia Boys Kitchens
These six packs of seasoning sets are the best gift for a French fry lover. They are not just perfect for fries but are versatile for various cooking techniques. For instance, marinating, air fries and stir-fries, baking, and roasting. You can sprinkle savory salt & vinegar and add heat with green Jalapeño sea salt. Overall, the seasonings are perfect kitchen additions to impress your friends and taste buds.
Products in the Collection
- Everything But The French Fry Seasoning: Garlic, Onion, Sea Salt, Paprika, Cane Sugar, Black Pepper, Red Bell Pepper, Parsley, White Distilled Vinegar, Chives, Red Cayenne, Butter (Sweet Cream, Salt, Annatto Color, Non-Fat Milk Solids).
- English-Style Savory Salt & Vinegar Seasoning: Garlic, Sea Salt, Vinegar (White Distilled Vinegar, Maltodextrin), Rosemary, Parsley, Thyme, Chili Pepper, White Pepper.
- French Onion Seasoning: Sea Salt, Onion, Sugar, Dill Tips, Chives, Garlic, Basil, Chervil, Tarragon, White Pepper, Parsley.
- Rosemary Sea Salt: California Sea Salt, Rosemary.
- Green Jalapeño Sea Salt: Sea Salt, Green Jalapeño, Garlic, Onion, and Cilantro Powder.
- Garlic Basil Sea Salt: Sea Salt, Garlic, Basil.
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Fiery Flavors Gourmet Seasoning and Rub Collection $23.10 on Virginia Boys Kitchens
The fiery flavors of gourmet seasoning are best for individuals who love spicy French fries. The spices are inspired by Morocco, Jamaica, and Louisiana Cajun cooking. As a result, each rub is authentic. Together, they provide spicy flavors and aromas. The seasonings are fantastic dusters for French fries and mashed potatoes, allowing you to turn simple dishes into signature plates.
Products in the Collection
- Taste of Cajun: Oregano, Thyme, Black Pepper, Ground Celery Seed, Red Pepper, Paprika, Salt, Onion, and Garlic.
- Taste of Morocco: Ginger, Basil, Red Pepper, Cumin, Cardamom, Black Pepper, Garlic, Sugar, Onion, Red Bell Peppers, Cilantro, Turmeric Extract, and Garlic Oil.
- Taste of Jamaica: Garlic, Thyme, Black Pepper, Cumin Seed, Cinnamon, Allspice, Ginger, Red Pepper, Nutmeg, Sage, Onion, Paprika, Sugar, Salt, and Jalapeno.
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Sauce Lovers Gift Set $57.20 Virginia Boys Kitchens
The 8-pack of artisanal seasoning does not contain artificial flavors, MSG, or fillers. Each seasoning is crafted in small batches to prevent wastage and has magnetic backings that stick to metal surfaces. You can sprinkle it over French fries, potatoes, and popcorn. Likewise, they are suitable for marinating roasted chicken or dusting vegetables before roasting.
Products in the Collection
- Not Just For Salad Caesar Seasoning Contains: Sea Salt, Garlic, Onion, Sugar, Sour Cream Powder, Truffle Zest, Blue Cheese Powder (Milk, Salt, Cultures, Enzymes), Dill Tips, Celery Seed, Chives, Garlic, Basil, Chervil, Tarragon, White Pepper, Parsley.
- Spicy Green Pesto Seasoning Contains Salt, Minced Garlic, Granulated Garlic, Onion, Basil Leaves, Basil Powder, Sugar, White Cheese, White Pepper, Lemon Peel, Wasabi Powder, Jalapeño Powder, and Chives.
- Roasted Red Pepper Pesto Seasoning Contains Garlic, Onion, Red Bell Pepper, Sugar, Coarse Salt, Fine Salt, White Cheddar, Oregano, Black Pepper, and White Pepper.
- All Natural Cool Ranch Seasoning Contains Sea Salt, Onion, Sugar, Sour Cream Powder, Blue Cheese Powder (Milk, Salt, Cultures, Enzymes), Dill Tips, Chives, Garlic, Basil, Chervil, Tarragon, White Pepper, and Parsley.
- Creamy Truffled Ranch Seasoning Contains Sea Salt, Onion, Garlic, Sugar, Sour Cream Powder, Blue Cheese Powder (Milk, Salt, Cultures, Enzymes), Dill Tips, White Cheddar, Chives, Basil, Chervil, Tarragon, White Pepper, Parsley, Truffle Zest, Basil Leaves, White Pepper and Parsley.
- Jalapeño Lime Ranch Seasoning Contains Sea Salt, Onion, Sugar, Sour Cream Powder, Blue Cheese Powder (Milk, Salt, Cultures, Enzymes), Dill Tips, Chives, Garlic, Basil, Chervil, Tarragon, White Pepper, Parsley.
- Red Hot Ranch Seasoning Contains Sea Salt, Onion, Sugar, Sour Cream Powder, Blue Cheese Powder (Milk, Salt, Cultures, Enzymes), Dill Tips, Chives, Garlic, Basil, Chervil, Tarragon, White Pepper, and Parsley.
- French Onion Seasoning: Sea Salt, Onion, Sugar, Dill Tips, Chives, Garlic, Basil, Chervil, Tarragon, White Pepper, Parsley.
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Painter's Palette Collection $38.50 on Virginia Boys Kitchens
This collection contains six different salts, allowing you to cook your French fries with more flexibility. They include blue cheese sea salt, smoked sea salt, and mustard sea salt. You can sprinkle on a dusting before serving to bring heat and color and add depth to your French fries.
Products in the Collection
- Green Tea Sea Salt: California Sea Salt, Matcha.
- Red Cayenne Sea Salt: California Sea Salt, Cayenne Pepper.
- Indian Tandoori Sea Salt: California Sea Salt, Coriander, Cumin, Nutmeg, Red Pepper, Garlic, Paprika, Onion Powder, and Sea Salt.
- Smoked Sea Salt: California Sea Salt.
- Dijon Mustard Sea Salt: California Sea Salt, Dijon Mustard (Distilled Vinegar, Salt, Acid, Spices), Maltodextrin, Food Starch, Natural Flavor.
- Blue Cheese Sea Salt: California Sea Salt, Blue Cheese (Milk, Salt, Cultures, Enzymes), Disodium Phosphate.
Conclusion
The best seasonings for French fry won’t compromise the crispiness of your fries. They provide an appetizing aroma to make the meal more enticing and are flexible enough to let you adjust the quantities based on your taste preference. Lastly, the collections above are inexpensive and are ideal for seasoning other meals apart from French fries.
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