I still vaguely remember my first introduction to frozen French fries way back when as a child. The promise then, as now, was the same: enjoy fabulously crisp fries, without any of the need to deep fry. Of course back then, the promise and expectation always exceeded the reality. Skip forward some 30+ years and companies are still trying to perfect the science of the faux-fried-fry.
Lets be clear of course, they’re still no match for deep fried potatoes. Like teleporters and hangover free beer, the technological marvel of a deep fried like spud from the microwave remains tantalizingly just out of our grasp as a civilization. For now. In the interim, these might sate your cravings if you don’t want to break out the deep fat fryer.
The fry exterior does indeed crisp up to some degree using the intriguing cooking system (see below). And the interior of the fry also remains pillow soft and fluffy. There’s not a huge portion per box, but nor is the price high either.
Ore-Ida Extra Crispy Crinkle French Fries – what’s in the box?
When you peel back the lid on these french fries, this is what you’ll see.
Ore-Ida Extra Crispy Crinkle French Fries
These fries from Ore-Ida promise extra crispy fries in just five minutes, direct from the microwave. How do they stack up? Not bad actually.
Here’s the final cooked product.
Ore-Ida Extra Crispy Crinkle French Fries cooking instructions
Be sure to read the rear of the packaging before you rip open the packaging on these fries. The five part process isn’t tricky per se, but it’s unlike most other microwavable products. Be sure you understand the instructions before doing anything else.
You cook the fries in the box they come in, using the lid pressed down against the fries top. Presumably the interior plastic material acts as some sort of reflecting device to crisp the potatoes.
Don’t toss the package into the garbage thinking you just heat these on a plate!
Nutritionally speaking, don’t expect miracles here either. There’s a decent amount of salt and fat in each package. As a once in a while treat, they’re not too bad of course.
How much are Ore-Ida Extra Crispy Crinkle French Fries?
I paid $1.08 for the single serve box, in March 2019, from Walmart.
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Overall
Are Ore-Ida Extra Crispy Crinkle French Fries any good?
These microwaved fries are far from a replica of the real deal, deep fried variety. That said, they’re not a half bad facsimile offering a moderately crisp exterior and fluffy soft interior. If you’re looking to scratch a small French fry itch at home, they offer a reasonable way to satisfy the craving quickly and cheaply.
Other Ore-Ida products
- Ore-Ida Golden Steak Fries
- Ore-Ida Golden Waffle Fries
- Spicy fish and chips
- Burger and fries burrito
- Egg n’ Chips with a Southwest twist
- Loaded OreIda crinkle cut fries with chipotle mayo
- Ore-Ida Extra Crispy Fast Food French Fries review
- Review: Ore-Ida Golden Crinkles French Fried Potatoes
- Review: Ore-Ida Extra Crispy Crinkle French Fries
Hi, I’m Stuart, nice to meet you! I’m the founder, writer and wrangler at Gastronomic SLC – Utah’s biggest and oldest online food magazine; I’m also a former restaurant critic of more than five years, working for the Salt Lake Tribune. I’ve worked extensively with multiple local publications from Visit Salt Lake to Salt Lake Magazine, not least helped to consult on national TV shows.
I’m a multiple-award winning journalist and have covered the Utah dining scene for the better part of fifteen years. I’m largely fueled by a critical obsession with rice, alliteration and the use of big words I don’t understand. I started Shop Smart to catalogue my adventures in the grocery store and kitchen. Follow along on Instagram too!