Discover how to properly use a deep fryer: tips, recipes and tricks for making crispy and tasty homemade fries.
What is a Northern Fryer?
The Northern fryer is a traditional fryer, typically used in the Hauts-de-France region, renowned for its beef fat cooking and ultra-crispy finish. It is generally made up of:
- From an enamelled tray
- From a metal basket
It is ideal for preparing homemade fries like in the best chip shops in Lille or Dunkirk 🍟
Why choose a Northern fryer?
✅ For the authentic taste:
cooking in animal fat or vegetable oil of your choice
✅ For its ease of use:
no electronics, only manual control
✅ For its versatility:
also perfect for donuts, croquettes, acras or samosas
✅ For its durability:
A good, well-maintained Northern fryer lasts for years
How to use it correctly?
Choosing your fat
- Beef fat (beef white): for typical northern cooking
- Vegetable oil (peanut, sunflower, rapeseed): more neutral, lighter
💡 Tip: Never mix different types of fat.
Preheat the fryer
- Fill the tank to the recommended level (usually 2 to 3 liters)
- Heat to 160°C for initial cooking (blanching)
- Then 180-190°C for the second cooking (browning and crisping)
Use a cooking thermometer if your fryer does not have one.
Prepare the fries
- Cut floury potatoes (Bintje type) into sticks
- Rinse them in cold water to remove the starch
- Dry them thoroughly with a clean cloth
Two-stage cooking (Belgian method)
- First cooking at 160°C for 5-6 minutes: the fries should remain pale
- Rest outside the fryer for a few minutes
- Second cooking at 180-190°C for 2-3 minutes: they become golden and crispy
Drain, add salt, serve hot!
What else can you cook in a Northern fryer?
- Sweet doughnuts (churros, bugnes, donuts)
- Cod fritters
- Spring rolls, samosas
- Cheese or potato croquettes
- Fried fish (whiting, goujons)
💡 Tip: Reuse the same oil 4 to 5 times maximum, filtering it after each use.
Maintenance and safety
- Allow to cool before cleaning.
- Filter and store the oil in a closed container
- Clean the tray with a non-abrasive sponge
- Never leave the fryer unattended when it is switched on.
In summary
Using a Northern fryer means rediscovering the authentic taste of chip shop fries at home. With the right techniques and the right fat, you'll get golden fries that are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. And that's not all: it also allows you to vary the pleasures with delicious sweet or savory recipes.
