It’s not easy being a fast food brand in the 21st century. With consumers growing more conscious of what they eat and how it’s made, companies are having to up their game to stay relevant. One example of this is with fast food chains adding so-called ‘healthier options’ to their menus. In recent years, we have seen a rise in hybrid fast food restaurants offering healthier choices for people who want something quick, cheap, and convenient but without the downsides that come with eating prepackaged meals on a daily basis. The question remains: Can you Fry Alexia Fries?
What are Alexia Fries?
Alexia Fries are oven-baked fries made by the frozen food company Alexia, which is owned by the Swiss multinational food conglomerate Nestlé. The brand offers a variety of frozen potato dishes, including fries, tater tots, potato wedges, and potato dumplings. Alexia Fries are a baked version of fries, made with real potatoes and a light dusting of spices. They are a relatively healthy alternative to traditional fries, as they are lower in calories, fat, and sodium and are made with no preservatives or artificial ingredients. The Alexia website describes Alexia Fries as “crispy, crunchy golden fries made from real potatoes, baked to perfection and seasoned with sea salt.”
How are Alexia Fries Made?
There are a few variations of Alexia Fries in terms of what goes into their preparation, but we’ll focus on the classic variety. The first step in creating baked fries involves peeling real potatoes and slicing them into french fry-like pieces. Next, the slices are blanched in hot water for about two to three minutes in order to gain a softer texture; this step also helps to lock in the potato’s natural color. The potatoes are then dried and tossed with vegetable oil, sea salt, garlic powder, black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. The fries are then baked in a convection oven for about 12 minutes at about 425 degrees Fahrenheit. The final product is cooked to a golden brown and crispy texture on the outside and soft on the inside.
Are Alexia Fries Healthy?
As far as french fries go, Alexia Fries are pretty healthy. They contain little fat, which means they won’t clog your arteries like traditional fries. They also have more fiber than regular fries and are higher in protein. What’s not so healthy is the amount of sodium in these fries. If you have high blood pressure or are otherwise sensitive to sodium, it’s best to avoid eating these fries. A serving of Alexia Fries has more than half a day’s worth of sodium, which is around 480 mg. If you eat these fries in moderation as part of a balanced diet that also includes plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, they are not likely to cause you any harm. If you are eating them every day, though, you’ll probably want to cut back.
How to Fry Alexia Fries?
There are a few ways you can go about frying Alexia Fries. You could go the classic route and use a deep fryer. If you do this, make sure to monitor the temperature of the oil to prevent it from reaching a dangerously high level. Another option is to pan-fry the baked fries. Follow the same steps as if you were frying potatoes, but use a smaller amount of oil. You can also try baking the fries in an oven again and sprinkling them with spices.
Pros and Cons of Alexia Fries
Pros – They are lower in calories, fat, and sodium than regular fries. – They are made with real potatoes and contain more fiber than regular fries. – They can be enjoyed as a side dish or snack. – They can be baked or pan-fried. Cons – They are baked, not fried. – They are very high in sodium, which can harm people with high blood pressure. – They are not very healthy in general. – They have a short shelf life of just over a week.
Final Thoughts
In general, we do not recommend consuming fries frequently, as they are not a particularly healthy option. That being said, Alexia Fries are a slightly more nutritious version of fries and could be consumed every now and then. If you do decide to eat them, make sure to eat them in moderation and pair them with healthy options. If you are looking for a healthier alternative to french fries, consider baked sweet potato fries, baked tater tots, or veggie fries. For those who don’t consume potatoes, you can also make sweet potato or tater tots out of yams. If you are interested in trying out Alexia Fries, keep in mind that they have a short shelf life and are not meant to be kept in the fridge.