French fries are a classic snack that almost everyone loves. They are crispy, salty, and delicious. However, not everyone has access to a deep fryer or wants to consume that much oil. If you’re wondering how to cook French fries in a microwave oven, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to prepare and cook French fries in a microwave oven.

Preparing the French Fries

Before we jump into cooking the French fries, we need to prepare them first. Choosing the right type of French fries is crucial. While you can use frozen French fries, we recommend using fresh potatoes as they will yield better results. Look for potatoes that are firm and have a smooth skin, avoiding any that have bruises or green spots.

Cutting the fries into the desired shape and size is the next step. Cut the potatoes into thin, even slices that are about 1/4 inch thick. You can also cut them into the classic French fry shape, which is a thin rectangular shape. After cutting, soak the fries in cold water for 30 minutes to remove excess starch. This will help the fries become crispy when cooked.

Safety tip: Handle the knife with care while cutting the potatoes.

Cooking the French Fries in the Microwave Oven

Now that the fries have been prepared, it’s time to cook them. Start by setting up the microwave oven. Place a microwave-safe plate in the oven and preheat it for 2 minutes.

Next, place the fries on the preheated plate and season them with salt and other spices, such as paprika or garlic powder. Be careful not to overcrowd the plate, or the fries may not cook evenly.

Cook the fries in stages to ensure they cook evenly. Microwave the fries on high for 2 minutes, then take them out, flip them over, and microwave them for another 2 minutes. Repeat this process until the fries are crispy and golden brown.

Safety tip: Be careful when removing the plate from the microwave, as it will be hot. Use oven mitts or a towel to handle it.

Cooking the French Fries in the Microwave Oven (continued)

After cooking the fries in stages, it’s time to check their doneness. The texture and color of the fries are both indicators of how well they’re cooked. Using a fork, test the texture of the fries. If they’re still soft, they need to be cooked for longer. If they’re crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, they’re ready to be served.

Observing the color of the fries is another way to check their doneness. They should be golden brown and evenly colored. If they’re brown on one side and still white on the other, flip them over and cook for another minute.

If the fries are not cooked to your liking, adjust the cooking time as needed. The cooking time may vary depending on the power of your microwave oven and the thickness of the fries.

Safety tip: Be careful when handling the plate and the fries, as they will be hot.

Serving the French Fries

Once the French fries are cooked to perfection, it’s time to serve them. Remove the plate from the microwave oven using oven mitts or a towel. Place the fries on a serving dish and add condiments and other toppings, such as ketchup, mayonnaise, or cheese.

If you’re serving a large group of people, you can keep the cooked fries warm in the oven at a low temperature until ready to serve. Just be careful not to overcook them, or they may become soggy.

French fries are a classic snack that everyone loves, and now you can make them in a microwave oven. By following these simple steps, you can enjoy crispy, delicious French fries without the need for a deep fryer.