These Easy Baked Masala Fries are delicious, crispy and, spicy! Baked fries are tossed in a tangy spice mix and then drizzled over with fresh lemon juice. You won't be able to stop at one bite, that's for sure!
Love snacks? Then you must try these Dorito Nachos with Cheese and Pizza Fries!
This recipe is spot on for when you're craving something spicy, crispy, and hot! After all, what can be better than french fries?
Table of contents
About this Recipe
This masala chips recipe is inspired by my favorite street food snack back home in Pakistan.
I remember getting these chips from the street vendors when we were finished shopping, and just wanted something delicious to snack on.
They would be sold in small paper bags made out of recycled paper, doused with a spicy seasoning, and just tasted out of this world!
Why this Recipe Works
While I was researching this recipe in order to be able to recreate my beloved snack, I realized that there are two different types of masala chips.
One is made with a dry spice mix, and the other is made with a tomato-based masala.
Now I've never heard of the latter, and I knew the 'thailay walay chips' that I used to enjoy back home were definitely made with a dry masala that's made with a combination of different spices.
Here are three reasons why I think these baked masala fries are the best and why you need to try this recipe ASAP:
- A Healthier Version: The fries that I'm obsessing about, were made in big deep fryers, so weren't the healthiest snack ever. However, I bake the frozen chips to make and it's so much easier and healthier to make masala chips without frying.
- Frozen Fries: Another shortcut that I use for these spicy chips is to use frozen crinkle cut fries. They're easier and just as delicious (if not more) than making fries from scratch.
- Spice mix: After several tries, I've found the perfect combination of spices that gives the exact same flavor as the original masala fries!
Ingredients You'll Need
- Baked chips: I use frozen crinkle fries and bake them according to package directions. You can also use any kind of frozen chips for this recipe, and potato wedges would be great here too. The reason I chose crinkle fries is because that's closest to the original recipe.
- Lemon juice: A little sprinkle of lemon juice over the fries brings out all the delicious flavors.
- Spices: The two most important spices here are chaat masala and dried mango powder (amchur powder).
What are Chaat Masala and Dried Mango Powder?
Chaat masala is a spice mix made with several dried spices and actually includes dried mango powder too.
Chaat masala is used on all things chaat such as chana chaat, aloo chaat, and fruit chaat, and is a popular spice mix in Pakistan and India.
Dried mango powder or amchur powder is made of unripe green mangoes and has a tangy, citrusy flavor.
We use additional mango powder in this recipe, to add more tanginess and citrusy flavor which is most associated with masala fries.
Substitutes
Chaat Masala: You can easily find chaat masala and dried mango powder in the ethnic spice aisle in big grocery stores, or any Indian store.
If you can't locate chaat masala you can also make it at home, and here is a helpful article for that.
Dried Mango Powder (Amchur): If you can't find it, you can substitute it with citrus acid, lemon salt, more lemon juice, or even tamarind powder.
How to Make It
- Mix all the spices together.
- Sprinkle over the baked fries.
- Mix with a spoon, and add the lemon juice.
- Toss the fries until they're evenly coated. Serve while hot and crispy.
Make the Chips from Scratch
You can also make these masala chips from scratch as well if you prefer.
The best potatoes to use would be russet or Idaho, as they have high starch content and give the crispiest results when fried.
Steps on how to make french fries from scratch:
- Rinse and peel the potato skins.
- Slice into 3-4 inch long strips that are about 1/3 inch in thickness.
- Soak in water for 15 minutes.
- Drain the water, and pat dry with a kitchen towel or kitchen paper.
- Deep fry on medium high heat for 7-8 minutes or until the chips are golden brown and cooked through.
Key Tips
- Chaat masala is a key ingredient in this recipe, and you should not skip it.
- Sprinkle over the spice mix while the fries are still hot.
- If you want the fries to remain super crispy, you can skip the lemon juice.
- You can also make your fries from scratch, and fry or bake them and then proceed with the recipe.
Recipe FAQs
Yes! You can certainly bake the fries in an air fryer, and then follow the recipe as written.
I recommend consuming these fries immediately as they taste the best when fresh. However, they can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 1-2 days.
The best way reheat would be to use the oven and bake for 3-4 minutes on low heat to make them crispy and fresh again.
Yes, this is a spicy recipe. However since you're making it at home you can adjust the spiciness according to your taste.
What to Serve with Masala French Fries
You can serve these spicy chips with ketchup, mayo, or my favorite way to enjoy this snack is to drizzle over this green chutney!
More Delicious Snacks
Mutabbaq Recipe (Saudi Street Style Paratha)
Easy Baked Masala Fries
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Baking Tray
Ingredients
- 250 grams frozen crinkle fries (baked according to package directions)
- 1/2 teaspoon chaat masala
- 1/4 teaspoon red chilli powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried mango powder (amchur powder)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
Instructions
- Place the baked fries into a mixing bowl.
- Combine all the spices and mix well.
- Sprinkle the spice mix over the fries and mix until the fries are evenly coated.
- Add the lemon juice and toss the fries well.
- Serve immediately!
Notes
- Fries: Use your favorite kind, whether it's straight-cut or even wedges. You can also make your chips from scratch, and then proceed with the written recipe.
- Chaat masala: This is a key ingredient for this recipe, so it cannot be skipped. It's available in most big grocery stores, Indian stores, and even online.
- Red chilli powder: This is not the same as the American chilli powder which is made from a combination of different spices and is milder. Red chilli powder on the other hand is made of dried spicy red chillies which are crushed into a fine powder and is very hot. You can adjust the amount according to your taste, or even skip it altogether.
- Dried mango powder: can be substituted with citric acid, lemon salt or even tamarind powder.
- Black pepper: adds an extra kick and can be adjusted to suit your taste.
- Lemon juice: Brings together all the flavors, but if you want super crispy fries you can skip it.
- Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer at 200 c and cook the chips for 10 minutes or until cooked through and crispy.
- Deep fry: This recipe is originally made by deep-frying the chips, and you can cook the fries according to the frying instructions on the package.
- Storage: The fries can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 1-2 days. However, they are enjoyed best when fresh and hot.
- Reheat: Bake on low heat in the oven for a few minutes until hot and crispy.
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