Belgian Frites with Black Truffle Aioli
Crispy double-fried Belgian frites topped with truffle salt and served with black truffle aioli. Tips for temps, prep, make-ahead, and oven/air fryer options.
Served in a paper cone with mayo and ketchup, these babies are an addictive riot of textures – soft and fluffy inside, surrounded by a crunchy , golden crust , dipped in luxuriously flavorful sauces.
- Double-fry for best texture: cook low to cook through, then fry hotter to crisp the outside.
- Dry potatoes well and fry in small batches to avoid soggy fries and oil temperature drops.
- Make the truffle aioli by mixing mayo and black truffle tapenade, season lightly with truffle salt.
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Preparation Instructions:
1. Pour enough oil into a deep fryer to reach at least halfway up the sides of the pan but not more than three-quarters of the way up. Heat the oil to 350°F.
2. Cut the potatoes into sticks 1/2 inch wide and 2 1/2 to 3 inches long. Dry all the pieces thoroughly in a clean dish towel. This will keep the oil from splattering. Divide the potato sticks into batches of no more than 1 cup each. Do not fry more than one batch at a time.
3. When the oil has reached the desired temperature, fry the potatoes for 4 to 5 minutes per batch. They should be lightly colored but not browned. If your fryer has a basket, simply lift it out the remove the fried potatoes. Otherwise, use a long-handled skimmer to lift out the potatoes. Be sure to bring the temperature of the oil back to 325°F in between batches. At this point the fries can rest for several hours at room temperature until you are almost ready to serve them.
4. Heat the oil to 350°F. Fry the potatoes in 1-cup batches until they are nicely browned and crisp, 1 to 2 minutes. Drain on fresh paper towels or brown paper bags and place in a warmed serving bowl lined with more paper towels. Sprinkle with truffle salt and serve. Never cover the potatoes to keep them hot as they will immediately turn soft and limp.
5. Mix the mayo with Truffle Tapenade in a small bowl and serve immediately.
Optional: Sprinkle with shaved Parmesan cheese and enjoy.
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More About This Recipe
If you are inclined to perfectionism, leave some potatoes to fry halfway through the meal so you can serve them crisp and piping hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which potatoes work best for Belgian frites?
Use starchy potatoes like Russet or Idaho for a fluffy interior and crisp crust. Yukon Golds work if you prefer a creamier center. Cut into uniform 1/2 inch sticks and pat completely dry before frying.
Why does the recipe call for double frying and what temperatures should I use?
Double frying gives a tender inside and a crunchy outside. Par-fry first at about 325°F for 4 to 5 minutes to cook through. Let them rest, then finish at 350 to 375°F for 1 to 2 minutes until golden and crisp.
How do I make the black truffle aioli?
Stir together 3 tablespoons mayonnaise and 2 tablespoons black truffle tapenade. Taste and add a small pinch of truffle salt or a squeeze of lemon if needed. Serve immediately or chill briefly.
Can I bake or air fry these instead of deep frying?
Yes. For oven fries, toss sticks with a little oil, spread on a baking sheet, and bake at 425°F to 450°F for 25 to 35 minutes, flipping once. For an air fryer, preheat to 375°F, work in single layers, and cook 15 to 20 minutes, shaking halfway. Texture will be less like classic deep fried frites but still tasty.
How do I keep fries from getting soggy?
Dry potatoes thoroughly before frying, fry in small 1-cup batches so oil temperature stays steady, drain on fresh paper towels, and do not cover the fries. Serve right after the final fry for best crispness.
Can I prepare the fries ahead of time?
You can par-fry the sticks, cool them, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Finish the second fry just before serving. Fully cooked fries are best eaten right away, but leftovers can be reheated in a hot oven or air fryer to restore some crunch.
How much truffle salt should I use and can I add Parmesan?
Sprinkle truffle salt lightly because it is potent. Taste as you go. If you like, finish with shaved Parmesan for an extra savory note. Add cheese right after frying so it melts slightly but does not make fries soggy.
What safety tips should I follow when deep frying?
Use a deep pot filled no more than three quarters full, monitor oil with a thermometer, lower potatoes gently to avoid splashes, and never leave hot oil unattended. Keep a metal lid or a Class K or ABC fire extinguisher nearby to smother any fire. Do not pour water on a grease fire.
Which potatoes work best for Belgian frites?
Use starchy potatoes like Russet or Idaho for a fluffy interior and crisp crust. Yukon Golds work if you prefer a creamier center. Cut into uniform 1/2 inch sticks and pat completely dry before frying.
Why does the recipe call for double frying and what temperatures should I use?
Double frying gives a tender inside and a crunchy outside. Par-fry first at about 325°F for 4 to 5 minutes to cook through. Let them rest, then finish at 350 to 375°F for 1 to 2 minutes until golden and crisp.
How do I make the black truffle aioli?
Stir together 3 tablespoons mayonnaise and 2 tablespoons black truffle tapenade. Taste and add a small pinch of truffle salt or a squeeze of lemon if needed. Serve immediately or chill briefly.
Can I bake or air fry these instead of deep frying?
Yes. For oven fries, toss sticks with a little oil, spread on a baking sheet, and bake at 425°F to 450°F for 25 to 35 minutes, flipping once. For an air fryer, preheat to 375°F, work in single layers, and cook 15 to 20 minutes, shaking halfway. Texture will be less like classic deep fried frites but still tasty.
How do I keep fries from getting soggy?
Dry potatoes thoroughly before frying, fry in small 1-cup batches so oil temperature stays steady, drain on fresh paper towels, and do not cover the fries. Serve right after the final fry for best crispness.
Can I prepare the fries ahead of time?
You can par-fry the sticks, cool them, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Finish the second fry just before serving. Fully cooked fries are best eaten right away, but leftovers can be reheated in a hot oven or air fryer to restore some crunch.
How much truffle salt should I use and can I add Parmesan?
Sprinkle truffle salt lightly because it is potent. Taste as you go. If you like, finish with shaved Parmesan for an extra savory note. Add cheese right after frying so it melts slightly but does not make fries soggy.
What safety tips should I follow when deep frying?
Use a deep pot filled no more than three quarters full, monitor oil with a thermometer, lower potatoes gently to avoid splashes, and never leave hot oil unattended. Keep a metal lid or a Class K or ABC fire extinguisher nearby to smother any fire. Do not pour water on a grease fire.
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