El motivo por el que los chefs aconsejan añadir maicena a las patatas antes de freírlas
If you want to improve fried potatoes, a simple trick is to sprinkle a little cornflour on the spuds before frying. Chefs say it can make home-cooked fries closer to restaurant style. So why does it work?
The trick to better fried potatoes
Chefs use cornflour to get potatoes golden and properly crisp. It changes the surface texture and helps produce a more even browning.
Cooks report that the outer layer becomes noticeably crisper and browns more evenly. The flour draws moisture from the surface, reducing the steam that can make fries soggy. The result is a golden, crunchy exterior.
How it actually works
Cornflour absorbs surface moisture. Sprinkled on the potatoes before they go in the pan, it helps form a golden crust. The flour also creates a light barrier that reduces sticking, which improves both texture and presentation.
By removing excess moisture, cornflour reduces steam during cooking and supports better browning, producing a crisper, well-browned surface.
Step-by-step guide to the perfect fry
For anyone keen to try this at home, follow these steps:
- Peel and cut the potatoes into sticks or your desired shape.
- Wash them thoroughly to remove any excess starch.
- Dry them well using a cloth or kitchen paper to remove all moisture.
- Sprinkle a small amount of cornflour over the drying potatoes.
- Mix well to ensure an even distribution of the flour on the potatoes.
- Fry the potatoes in very hot oil, ideally between 170°C and 180°C.
Following these steps improves the chance of achieving the intended balance of crispness and colour.
Getting restaurant-style results at home
This method can improve texture, especially with wetter potatoes, without adding unfamiliar ingredients.
A few practical tips when frying this way:
- Do not overuse the flour. A small amount works well; too much can give the potatoes a pasty texture.
- Ensure the oil is sufficiently hot to prevent the potatoes soaking up excess oil and becoming greasy.
- Cook in batches if needed to keep the oil temperature steady and get the best results.
Embracing the technique
Using cornflour when frying is a common technique among chefs. Whether you are just starting out or have been cooking for years, it can make a noticeable difference. Try it at home to see how it affects texture.
For more kitchen tips, see related pieces such as “Don’t Discard the Potato Cooking Water: 4 Tricks to Use It and Give It a Useful Purpose.” Small, practical tips like these can change cooking technique and outcomes.