Crispy Mashed Potato Fries Recipe
Introduction
Crispy mashed potato fries are a delicious twist on traditional fries, offering a soft interior with a perfectly crunchy exterior. This simple recipe transforms leftover mashed potatoes into a snack or side dish that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
- 2 cups mashed potatoes
- 2 tablespoons oil (vegetable or olive oil)
- 1 teaspoon seasoning (such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, or paprika)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) if baking, or heat oil in a deep pan if frying.
- Step 2: Take the mashed potatoes and form them into fry-shaped sticks, about 1/2 inch thick.
- Step 3: Lightly brush or toss the fries with oil and sprinkle evenly with your chosen seasoning.
- Step 4: If baking, arrange the fries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 25-30 minutes, turning halfway, until golden and crispy. If frying, carefully place fries in hot oil and cook for 3-5 minutes until crisp and browned, then drain on paper towels.
- Step 5: Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Tips & Variations
- Use chilled mashed potatoes to help the fries hold their shape better.
- Add shredded cheese or chopped herbs to the mashed potatoes before forming fries for extra flavor.
- Try air frying instead of baking or deep frying for a healthier option with less oil.
Storage
Store leftover fries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a hot oven or air fryer to restore their crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as this can make them soggy.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh mashed potatoes or do they need to be leftover?
You can use freshly made mashed potatoes as long as they are chilled and firm enough to shape. Leftover mashed potatoes tend to work better because they are usually drier and hold shape more easily.
What is the best oil to use for frying these fries?
Use an oil with a high smoke point like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil for frying to ensure a crispy texture without burning the oil.
PrintCrispy Mashed Potato Fries Recipe
Crispy Mashed Potato Fries are a delicious twist on traditional fries, made by shaping creamy mashed potatoes into fry shapes and then baking or frying them until golden and crunchy. This recipe offers a satisfying texture contrast with a soft interior and crisp exterior, perfect as a snack or side dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 cups mashed potatoes
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or as needed for frying/baking)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: chopped fresh herbs (parsley or chives) for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Mashed Potatoes: Ensure your mashed potatoes are well-cooked, smooth, and cooled to room temperature. This will help in forming the fries without them falling apart.
- Form the Fries: Using your hands or a spoon, shape the mashed potatoes into fry-like sticks about 3 inches long and 1 inch thick. Place them on a clean plate or baking sheet to set.
- Season the Fries: In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Lightly brush the fries with vegetable oil to help them crisp and sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over them.
- Choose Cooking Method: You can either bake or fry the fries. For baking, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). If frying, preheat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the Fries: Arrange the fries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they are spaced apart. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the fries are golden and crispy on the edges.
- Fry the Fries: Gently place fries into the hot oil and fry for 3-5 minutes or until crispy and golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Serve: Serve the crispy mashed potato fries hot with your favorite dipping sauces and, if desired, garnish with fresh herbs.
Notes
- You can add shredded cheese to the mashed potatoes before forming fries for added flavor.
- Using day-old mashed potatoes or letting them chill can make the fries easier to shape.
- For extra crispiness, consider lightly dusting the fries with a small amount of cornstarch before cooking.
- Adjust seasoning to taste—smoked paprika or chili powder can add a nice kick.
- These fries are best enjoyed fresh for the optimal crispy texture.
Keywords: mashed potato fries, crispy potato fries, baked mashed potato fries, potato side dish, vegetarian fries, easy snack
