Beer batter fries are crispy, fried, delicious potato sticks. French fries battered on the outside gives them a great tempura like coating, but still fluffy inside. Like our Ninja Foodi French fries but deep fried on your stove this time.
Battered fries are all the rage! You may have tried these at your favorite restaurant or at a street fair with a burger. Now you can sizzle and fry a batch up any time you want with some russet potatoes or any variety you love.
This coating is similar to our Tempura Batter recipe except no egg is required. Instead the liquid used is your favorite lager which gives it a ton of flavor!
Yes of course we have made Homemade Fries in Oven too. Those have nothing on them but some olive oil, salt and pepper. Though wonderful that way too, these jack it up to a whole new level. Think fair food, how every bite is just beyond comfort food. They are like that, with every single bite.
I suggest having a paper towel lined plate handy so when these are fried to a deep golden brown you can lay them there. Reason being is that you want to absorb the excess oil so you don’t eat it, and they stay crispy. If you want to make a whole meal you can grab some breasts and slice into tenders to make Beer Battered Chicken Tenders with the same batter too.
Ingredient Notes
We used a total of 6 russet potatoes sliced into equal size sticks. The thicker they are the longer it will take to cook thru to the center.
You will want some all purpose flour to create a sort of batter with your seasonings and liquid (lager).
For seasonings I will typically use some paprika and granulated garlic but use whichever you love
And then for the liquid element to make the beer batter you need just that. The darker the color the stronger the flavor will be.
As far as dips of course ketchup is a given but there are others like Ranch dressing, Thousand Island is fun and How to Make Fry Sauce is one of our favorites here in Idaho.
What is the Best Beer for Beer Batter?
Use whatever type you love. The stronger the flavor the more it will alter the taste of the meat inside. I like a light lager for Beer Batter Shrimp or this because it isn’t my favorite drink however a light flavor of it and the effervescence makes the coating wonderful.
If you do find you have some left over you can make a few Tempura Chicken Nuggets with the batter that is left over.
Tips
For best results, after slicing, allow them to soak for at least 30 minutes to an hour, or even longer if possible. You can even soak them in the refrigerator overnight for the best results. After, drain and pat the potato pieces dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels before frying.
If you want to make fish and chips, just use the same batter for Beer Batter Halibut and serve together!! Such a great combo.
If you want another fun side with the rest of your larger can I would make our 3 Ingredient Beer Bread too. I mean with a few dips you can enjoy them both before a meal or as appetizers during Super Bowl.
Beer Batter Fries Recipe
Equipment
- 1 cutting board
- 1 pot
- 2 dishes shallow
- 1 knife
Ingredients
- 6 large potatoes, sliced into equal size sticks
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp granulated garlic
- 1/2 cup beer
Instructions
- Heat about 3 cups oil in a saucepan. Recommended frying temperature is 350 F before adding any food.
- Peel and cut the potatoes into sticks, then rinse with cold water. le. Set on top of a few paper towels, fold over and press to remove as much water on outside as possible.
- In a deep bowl, mix beer, half the flour and half the spices. Mix thoroughly.The beer batter should not be too liquid so that it sticks well to the potatoes.
- Mix the remaining flour in another bowl with the remaining salt and spices. Roll each piece of potato in it. Dip each potato stick into the beer batter until completely coated.
- Transfer the potatoes to hot oil and fry for about 7 minutes, stirring with a spatula so that the pieces do not stick together. Place the fried potatoes on a napkin to absorb excess oil when done. Then transfer to a plate and serve with sauce.
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
FAQ
Yes. Potatoes contain starch, which can make the fries gummy or overly sticky if not properly removed. Soaking helps to release and wash away some of this excess starch. Without soaking, your fries may not have the desired texture, and they may stick together during cooking.
Soaking helps ensure that the interior of the fries cooks evenly. Without soaking, you might end up with fries that are crispy on the outside but still undercooked or mushy on the inside.
They will still be able to be made but the outcome may not be as crispy and fluffy inside as you had hoped. Soaking in water for 30 minutes – 1 hour before frying will create a less starchy bite, allow it to brown easier, crisp up the best, and overall have the best texture.
This added step may also helps to remove some of the surface sugars from the potatoes. This is important for achieving a golden-brown color when frying. Fries that haven’t been soaked might not brown properly and could look pale or unevenly cooked.
It can improve the flavor of the fries by removing any excess sugar or bitter compounds from the potatoes. Fries made without soaking may not be as flavorful. If I am pairing these with our Beer Can Chicken in Oven I will make when the meat is about halfway cooked.
Do Beer Battered Fries Have Alcohol?
Beer battered fries typically contain a small amount of alcohol from the beer used in the batter, but most of it cooks off during frying due to the high heat. The purpose of beer in the batter is to add lightness, crispiness, and flavor, thanks to the carbonation and yeasty notes. While a trace amount of alcohol might remain, especially if the fries are cooked at a lower temperature or for a shorter time, it’s generally not enough to cause intoxication. However, for individuals who avoid alcohol entirely—such as for health, religious, or personal reasons—it’s worth noting that even minimal residual alcohol could still be present.
