French fries are a popular dish that can be cooked in a variety of ways. One method is to deep fry them in a fryer, but many people wonder if it’s possible to cook french fries on a Blackstone griddle.
The Blackstone griddle is a versatile outdoor cooking appliance that’s typically used for grilling and cooking various types of food. It’s known for its large, flat cooking surface, which makes it ideal for cooking burgers, hot dogs, and other grilled foods.
However, cooking french fries on a Blackstone griddle can be a bit tricky. The griddle’s flat surface doesn’t allow for deep frying, which is the traditional cooking method for french fries. Instead, you would need to adapt the cooking process to achieve a crispy and delicious result.
How to Cook French Fries on a Blackstone Griddle
Cooking French fries on a Blackstone griddle is a quick and easy way to achieve crispy results. Follow these steps to make delicious fries that are golden on the outside and soft on the inside:
- Preheat your Blackstone griddle to medium-high heat, around 375°F (190°C).
- While the griddle is heating up, wash and peel the potatoes. Cut them into evenly sized French fry shapes, about 1/4 inch (6mm) thick.
- Place the cut potatoes in a large bowl and cover them with cold water. Let them soak for about 30 minutes to remove excess starch.
- Drain the potatoes and pat them dry with paper towels.
- In a separate bowl, toss the dried potatoes with a generous amount of oil, such as vegetable or canola oil, to coat them evenly.
- Once the griddle is hot, spread the oiled potatoes out in a single layer. Be sure to leave space between each fry to allow for even cooking.
- Cook the fries for about 8-10 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides. You can flip them occasionally with a spatula for even browning.
- Remove the fries from the griddle and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil. Season with salt or other seasonings of your choice while they are still hot.
- Serve the French fries immediately as a delicious side dish or snack.
With a Blackstone griddle, you can easily make crispy French fries that are sure to impress your family and friends. Experiment with different seasonings and dipping sauces to customize the flavor to your liking. Enjoy your homemade fries straight from the griddle!
Preparing the Blackstone Griddle
Before cooking french fries on your Blackstone griddle, it is important to properly prepare it to ensure the best results. Here are some steps to take:
1. Clean the griddle surface
Start by cleaning the griddle surface with a grill brush or scraper to remove any debris or leftover food particles. This will provide a clean cooking surface and prevent any unwanted flavors from transferring to your fries.
2. Season the griddle
Next, season the griddle by coating it with a thin layer of cooking oil. Use a paper towel or cloth to spread the oil evenly across the surface. This will create a non-stick surface and help prevent the fries from sticking to the griddle.
3. Preheat the griddle
Before cooking the fries, preheat the griddle on medium-high heat for about 10-15 minutes. This will ensure that the griddle reaches the optimal cooking temperature and help the fries cook evenly.
4. Check the temperature
Use a griddle thermometer to check the temperature of the cooking surface. Ideally, the temperature should be around 375-400°F (190-205°C) for frying french fries. Adjust the heat as needed to maintain the desired temperature throughout the cooking process.
5. Oil the griddle
If desired, you can add a small amount of cooking oil to the griddle surface just before cooking the fries. This can help enhance the flavor and crispiness of the fries. Use a brush or oil dispenser to lightly coat the griddle surface.
Following these steps will ensure that your Blackstone griddle is properly prepared for cooking delicious french fries. Now you’re ready to start cooking and enjoy your crispy, golden fries!
Choosing the Right Potatoes
When it comes to making French fries on a Blackstone griddle, selecting the right type of potato is crucial. The choice of potato can impact the overall taste and texture of your fries.
Russet Potatoes
Russet potatoes are a popular choice for making French fries. They have a high starch content and a low moisture content, which makes them ideal for achieving crispy fries on the griddle. Russet potatoes are known for their fluffy texture and ability to absorb seasoning well.
Yukon Gold Potatoes
Yukon Gold potatoes are another great option for making french fries. They have a buttery, creamy flavor and a medium starch content. While they may not get as crispy as russet potatoes, they still produce delicious fries with a slightly softer texture.
Other potato varieties, such as red or white potatoes, can be used for making fries on a griddle as well. However, they may not yield the same level of crispiness as russet or Yukon Gold potatoes. It ultimately comes down to personal preference and the desired texture of your fries.
When selecting potatoes, look for ones that are firm and free from sprouts or green spots. Avoid using potatoes that are soft, as they may not produce the desired results. Additionally, consider the size of the potatoes. Smaller potatoes will cook faster and may result in crispier fries.
Cutting the Potatoes
Before you can cook french fries on a Blackstone griddle, you will need to start by cutting the potatoes into the desired shape. Most people prefer to cut their fries into thin, uniform strips, similar to traditional fast food style fries.
To achieve this, you will need a sharp knife and a cutting board. Start by rinsing the potatoes under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Then, use the knife to carefully slice off a small section of the potato to create a stable base.
Uniform Fries
Once you have a stable base, you can proceed to cut the potato into uniform strips. Aim for a thickness of around 1/4 inch (0.6 centimeters) for best results. This will help ensure that the fries cook evenly on the griddle.
For traditional straight-cut fries, start by cutting the potato into long, thin slices. Then, stack several slices together and cut them into smaller strips. Repeat this process until all the potatoes are cut into fries.
Seasoning Options
After cutting the potatoes, you can choose to season them before cooking. This can be done by tossing the fries in a mixture of oil and seasonings, such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, or paprika. This will help add flavor to the fries as they cook on the griddle.
Once the potatoes are cut and seasoned, you are ready to cook them on your Blackstone griddle. Preheat the griddle to medium-high heat and spread a thin layer of oil over the cooking surface. Place the fries on the griddle in a single layer and cook until golden brown and crispy, flipping once to ensure even cooking.
Seasoning the Potatoes
Before you start cooking your french fries on the blackstone griddle, it’s important to season the potatoes. This will help enhance the flavor and create a delicious crispy texture.
Choosing the Right Potatoes
When it comes to making french fries, not all potatoes are created equal. It’s best to choose a potato variety that has a high starch content, such as Russet potatoes. These potatoes have a fluffy texture on the inside and will crisp up nicely on the griddle.
Cutting the Potatoes
Once you have chosen the right potatoes, it’s time to cut them into french fry shapes. Start by peeling the potatoes and then cut them into rectangular shapes, about 1/4 inch thick. For traditional thin french fries, cut the potatoes into long, thin strips. If you prefer thicker fries, you can cut them into wider strips.
Pro Tip: It’s important to cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces to ensure they cook evenly on the griddle.
Seasoning the Potatoes
After cutting the potatoes, it’s time to season them. In a mixing bowl, toss the potato strips with a generous amount of salt, pepper, and any additional seasonings you prefer, such as garlic powder or paprika. Coat the potatoes evenly with the seasonings to ensure a balanced flavor.
Pro Tip: You can also add a small amount of oil to the seasoning mixture to create an extra crispy crust on the fries.
Allow the seasoned potatoes to sit for about 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse into the potatoes.
Cooking the French Fries
To cook French fries on a Blackstone griddle, follow these simple steps:
- Preheat the Blackstone griddle to medium-high heat.
- Fill a large pot with vegetable oil and heat it on the griddle.
- While the oil is heating, cut the potatoes into thin strips, about ¼ inch wide. You can leave the skin on or peel them depending on your preference.
- Once the oil reaches a temperature of around 350°F (175°C), carefully add the potato strips to the oil using a slotted spoon or tongs.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the griddle. Cook the fries in small batches to ensure they cook evenly and become crispy.
- Let the fries cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until they turn golden brown. Use a cooking thermometer to monitor the oil temperature and adjust the heat if necessary.
- Once the fries are cooked, remove them from the oil and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate or tray to drain excess oil.
- Season the fries with salt or any other desired seasonings, such as garlic powder, paprika, or Cajun seasoning.
- Serve the hot and crispy French fries immediately. They are perfect as a side dish or a snack.
Remember to exercise caution when working with hot oil to avoid any accidents. Enjoy your homemade French fries cooked to perfection on the Blackstone griddle!
If you prefer a healthier alternative, you can also cook French fries on a Blackstone griddle using an air fryer attachment, which requires little to no oil.
Questions and answers
Is it possible to cook french fries on a blackstone griddle?
Yes, it is possible to cook french fries on a blackstone griddle. The griddle provides a large, flat cooking surface that can evenly cook the fries to perfection.
What is the best way to cook french fries on a blackstone griddle?
The best way to cook french fries on a blackstone griddle is to preheat the griddle to a high temperature and spread the fries in a single layer. Cook them for a few minutes on each side, flipping occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy.
Can I use frozen french fries on a blackstone griddle?
Yes, you can use frozen french fries on a blackstone griddle. Simply spread them out in a single layer on the preheated griddle and cook them according to the instructions on the package.
What kind of oil should I use to cook french fries on a blackstone griddle?
You can use any type of oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil or canola oil, to cook french fries on a blackstone griddle. These oils can withstand the high heat of the griddle without burning.
How long does it take to cook french fries on a blackstone griddle?
The cooking time for french fries on a blackstone griddle can vary depending on the thickness of the fries and the desired level of crispiness. Generally, it takes about 10-15 minutes to cook french fries on a blackstone griddle, flipping them occasionally until they are golden brown.
Can you cook french fries on a blackstone griddle?
Yes, you can definitely cook french fries on a blackstone griddle. The flat surface and high heat make it perfect for achieving crispy and delicious fries. Just make sure to preheat the griddle and use enough oil to ensure even cooking.
What is the best way to cook french fries on a blackstone griddle?
The best way to cook french fries on a blackstone griddle is to preheat the griddle to a high temperature, around 375-400°F. Cut the potatoes into uniform sticks and soak them in water for about 30 minutes to remove excess starch. Pat them dry and toss with oil, salt, and any other desired seasonings. Spread the fries out in a single layer on the griddle and cook for about 10-15 minutes, flipping occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy. Remove from the griddle and serve hot.