Overfilled Fry Baskets and the Danger of Ruining French Fries

French fries are at the top of the heap in the world of side dishes. That’s because they’re a customer favorite based on their delicious taste. It is also a favorite for the operator because they’re a highly profitable menu item. But while making fries seems like a quick and easy item to make, that’s not always the case, and one of the most common mistakes is overfilling the fryer basket. 

While upgrading to a larger basket can alleviate the issue, more complex details are at play. So, operators and workers must understand the elements that combine to create delicious French fries.

Texture Matters: Crafting Crispy Delights 

One of the best things about fries is that they’re highly versatile. Operators can serve them in many ways, using unique shapes (i.e., crinkle-cut vs. julienne), seasonings, sauces, and more. However, while everyone has their preferences, there’s one universal constant—no one likes soggy fries.

As a rule, French fries should be rigid, although some varieties, such as steakhouse fries, may be softer than others. This rigidity is necessary to dip the fries in different sauces like ketchup or ranch. If the fries are too soggy, it will be virtually impossible to dip them while also creating an unappetizing mouthfeel.

Unfortunately, customers are less likely to try other menu options if they are dissatisfied with the fries. Because fries are so universal, a batch of soggy potatoes can make it seem like the kitchen staff lacks an eye for detail. While a few stragglers might get overlooked, an entire plate of bad French fries can ruin the customer experience.

The Golden Rule of Balancing Oil, Heat, and Space

At first glance, whipping a batch of French fries seems easy. You dump cut potatoes into a commercial fryer basket, drop the basket into hot oil, and wait for them to cook. However, while the process is simple, it’s also more delicate than one may realize.

Three factors can affect whether fried foods can come out soggy or delicious. Heat, oil, and space all must combine perfectly with each dish. The results can be less than desirable if even one component is missing or not working correctly.

For example, commercial fryers operate at high temperatures. However, because fries and other foods are often prepared from frozen, the cold temperature can reduce the amount of heat in the fryer. So, overfilling a basket can lead to “cold zones” within the batch, meaning some fries won’t get cooked thoroughly.

Operational Efficiency and Navigating Overfilled Fry Basket Woes

In a busy commercial kitchen, every second counts. A slight delay can substantially impact the rest of the shift when the lunch or dinner rush hits. Unfortunately, overfilled fryer baskets can cause delays for a few reasons.

When fries overflow the basket and fall into the oil, workers must retrieve them. However, because the oil is so hot, staff has a higher chance of being burned. Burnt fries also create an acrid flavor in the oil with each new batch, so staff can’t ignore those wayward fries. 

Another problem with overfilled baskets is that it takes longer for the fries in the center to cook thoroughly. As a result, each batch takes more time, and some of the fries may get burnt in the process.

Finally, if some fries get burned because of overfilling, workers must change the oil during a shift to avoid complaints and having orders returned. Changing the oil is time-consuming and eats into profits. 

Solutions for Perfect Fries with Pitco Fryers

Sometimes, the solution to overfilled fryer baskets is to train employees to put fewer fries at once. However, if French fries are a significant source of profitability, operators want to be able to put out as many orders as possible. In that case, upgrading to a larger fryer that can handle bigger batches may be better.

Fortunately, Pitco’s Fryer Selection Tool makes it easy for operators to compare models and find the one that works best for their foodservice business. By answering a few simple questions, such as about what’s being cooked and output, you’ll find the Ptico fryer to help keep everyone happy.