Crispy Masala French Fries is an Indian-style spicy potato recipe that's easy to make at home. Thinly cut potatoes are mixed with cornstarch and a blend of spices, then deep-fried until crispy. These flavorful fries make a great appetizer or a perfect accompaniment to cocktails.
Masala fries are a delicious, flavorful, and spicy variation of the classic potato french fries. They are popular in Indian cuisine and are often available in cafes, restaurants, or fast-food chains. Also, check out the recipe for air fryer sweet potato fries.
To make masala fries, you can use freshly cut or frozen French fries. Toss them in a blend of spices and herbs such as garlic powder, chili powder, and chaat masala. Then, choose your cooking method: deep fry, air fry, or bake them. Serve hot as a side dish or appetizer with your favorite dipping sauces, such as tomato ketchup, mayonnaise, sriracha mayo, or coriander mint chutney.
If you love potatoes, check out more of my Indian Potatoes Recipes
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Ingredients
- Potatoes: Russet potatoes (Idaho potatoes) work best for the fries, but you can also use Yukon gold potatoes. I have peeled the skin in this recipe, but you can also keep the skin on.
- Cornstarch: is added to make the fries crispier.
- Spices: I used red chili powder, black pepper powder, chaat masala powder, dry mint powder, and salt for seasoning. You may use any of your favorite go-to spices.
If you're looking for vegan recipes, check out the "70+ Best Vegan Indian Recipes" for a variety of delicious and plant-based options.
How to Make Crispy Masala French Fries Recipe
Peel, wash, and cut potatoes into French fries. I’ve used 1 large russet potato, which is the best variety for making crispy French fries.
Soak the potato in water and let it sit for 5-10 minutes (this removes excess starch from the potato). Drain the water well and lightly pat dry.
Mix 2 tablespoons cornstarch, ½ teaspoon red chili powder, ¼ teaspoon mint powder, ¼ teaspoon chaat masala, salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon lemon juice together.
Sprinkle the spice mix over the potatoes, toss well, and make sure all the fries are covered with spices. Don't add any water.
Heat the oil in a frying pan on medium-high heat. To check if the oil is ready, put the potato strip in the pan. The potato should sizzle.
Fry the fries until they are golden all around, turning them a few times during frying for even cooking. Once done, remove the masala fries from the oil and place them on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
Serve Indian-style Spicy French Fries hot and enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce.
Potato Fries in the Oven
Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the seasoned masala fries evenly in a single layer. Bake at 425˚F for 25-30 minutes, tossing occasionally or until crispy and golden.
Air Fryer Masala Fries
Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C). Add the seasoned masala fries to the basket of the air fryer and spread them in a single layer (cook in batches if required).
Air fryer them at 380°F (193°C) for 15-20 minutes or until crispy and golden. Toss the fries halfway through. If your fries are not crispy, then air fry them a bit longer. Cook time will depend on the thickness of your fries.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve masala fries with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ketchup, mayonnaise, or sriracha mayo with a cup of adrak chai. If you prefer, you can enjoy them on their own without any sides.
- You can also pair it with a burger, sandwich, or soup to make a complete meal.
Pro-Tips & Notes
- Cut fries into the same size: This helps to cook evenly and at the same rate.
- Frozen fries: You can also use frozen fries in this recipe.
- Cook in batches: While deep frying or air frying, don't overcrowd the fries, cook in batches if needed.
- Type of Potato: Russet potatoes work best for this recipe. However, you can use other potato varieties, but it will not yield the best results.
- Maximize Crispiness: After soaking your fries in water, make sure to dry them with paper towels, as this helps them crisp up.
Frequently Asked Questions
High starch and old potatoes like Russet potatoes are best for French fries. This is because they have less moisture in them. Red-skin potatoes, yellow potatoes, or new potatoes must be avoided.
Soaking peeled and cut fries in cold water helps to remove excess starch, prevents fries from sticking, and makes them crispy.
Leftover fries can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Crispy Masala French Fries Recipe (Potato French Fries)
Ingredients
- 1 large russet potato
- 2 tablespoons corn starch
- ¼ teaspoon dry mint powder (optional)
- ½ teaspoon red chilli powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper powder
- ¼ teaspoon chat masala powder increase according to your preference
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- salt to taste
- oil to fry
Instructions
- Peel, wash, and cut potatoes into French fries. I’ve used 1 large russet potato, which is the best variety for making crispy French fries.
- Soak the potato in water and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes (removes excess starch in potatoes). Drain the water well and lightly pat dry.
- Mix cornstarch, black pepper, mint powder, chat masala, salt, red chili powder, and lemon juice together.
- Sprinkle the spice mix over potatoes, toss well and make sure all the fries are covered with spices. Don't add any water.
- Heat the oil in a frying pan on medium-high heat.
- To check if the oil is ready, just put the potato strip in a frying pan. The potato should sizzle.
- Fry the fries till they become gold in color all around, turn the fries a few times while frying.
- Remove masala fries from oil and place on paper towel.
- Serve hot and enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce.
How to Make Masala Potato Fries in the Oven
- Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the seasoned masala fries evenly in a single layer. Bake at 425˚F for 25-30 minutes, tossing occasionally or until crispy and golden.
Air Fryer Masala Fries
- Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C). Add the seasoned masala fries to the basket of the air fryer and spread them in a single layer (cook in batches if required).
- Air fryer them at 380°F (193°C) for 15-20 minutes or until crispy and golden. Toss the fries halfway through. If your fries are not crispy then air fry them a bit longer. Cook time will depend on the thickness of your fries.
Notes
Pro-Tips & Notes
- Cut fries into the same size: This helps to cook evenly and at the same rate.
- Cook in batches: While deep frying or air frying, don't overcrowd the fries, cook in batches if needed.
- Type of Potato: Russet potatoes work best for this recipe. However, you can use other potato varieties, but it will not yield the best results.
- Maximize Crispiness: Make sure to dry your fries with paper towels after soaking them in the water as they help to crisp up the fries.
Nutrition
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Doug
What are your thoughts on using lentil flour instead of corn starch? Seems it would have better taste and texter and healthier.
Thanks,
Doug
Bhavana Patil
Hi Doug, Sorry for the late response.I personally haven't used lentil flour but chickpea flour should work well too.
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It was nice to go through your post. Thanks for sharing the recipe here. Keep up the good work.
Bhavana Patil
Thank you:)
Anonymous
awsome recipe
bhavana
thank you