Can You Freeze Chip Shop Chips?
There’s nothing better than a portion of proper chip shop chips. I like mine with plenty of salt, plenty of vinegar and a big blob of ketchup on the side.
The only problem is that chip shops are often incredibly generous with their portions. It’s so easy to order what sounds like the right amount, only to get home and realise you’ve got enough chips to feed a small army.
With takeaways costing far more than they used to, throwing leftover chips away feels like such a waste. Thankfully, freezing them is an easy way to enjoy them another day.
Can You Freeze Chip Shop Chips?
Yes, you can freeze chip shop chips.
If you’ve ended up with more chips than you can eat, freezing them is a great way to reduce food waste and save money. They’ll keep in the freezer for 2-3 months and can be reheated straight from frozen.
For the best results, freeze them individually first so they don’t stick together. Yes, I know this sounds like a faff, but I promise it only takes a few minutes and it’ll be worth it in the long run.
Should You Freeze Leftover Chip Shop Chips?
Absolutely.
Chip shop chips aren’t exactly ‘cheap as chips’ anymore. A takeaway for the family can easily cost £20-£50, if not more, so if you’ve paid for those chips there’s no reason to throw them away just because the portions were bigger than expected.
I think most of us have ordered one portion too many at some point, especially when the portion sizes vary so much from one chip shop to another.
If you know you won’t eat them within the next day or so, freezing them is the best option.
Can You Refreeze Chip Shop Chips?
It’s best not to.
Once cooked chips have been frozen and thawed, freezing them again usually leaves them dry, soft and nowhere near as enjoyable.
If you’re freezing leftovers, try to portion them before freezing so you only take out what you need.
How To Freeze Chip Shop Chips
Flash freezing gives the best results.
- Allow the chips to cool completely.
- Spread them out in a single layer on a baking tray lined with greaseproof paper (parchment paper).
- Freeze for 2-3 hours until solid.
- Transfer them to a labelled freezer bag or freezer-safe container.
- Return them to the freezer with a label stating what they are and the date.
Flash freezing means you can grab a handful whenever you fancy rather than ending up with one giant frozen lump.
How Long Do Chip Shop Chips Last In The Freezer?
Chip shop chips are best eaten within 2-3 months.
After that they’ll still be safe if kept frozen, but they’ll gradually lose some of their texture.
How To Reheat Chip Shop Chips
There are several ways to reheat frozen chip shop chips.
Air fryer (my favourite)
If you own an air fryer, this is by far my favourite method.
Cook at 180°C for around 8-10 minutes, giving the basket a shake halfway through.
They won’t be exactly like fresh from the chippy, but they crisp up reasonably well.
Oven
Spread the chips onto a baking tray and cook at 180°C for around 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through.
Deep fat fryer
If you own one, fry for around 4-5 minutes until hot and crispy.
Microwave
You can use the microwave, especially if you’re just looking for speed, but the chips won’t crisp up. They’ll still taste fine, just be a little softer.
Whatever method you use, make sure the chips are piping hot before serving.
Can You Reheat Chip Shop Chips The Next Day?
Yes.
If you’re planning to eat them the following day, there’s no need to freeze them at all.
Simply:
- cool them as quickly as possible
- refrigerate them overnight
- reheat until piping hot
An air fryer is excellent for bringing next-day chip shop chips back to life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you freeze fish and chip shop chips?
Yes. Chip shop chips freeze well for up to three months.
Can you cook frozen chip shop chips in an air fryer?
Yes. In fact, I think it’s one of the best ways to reheat them because they crisp up much better than they do in the microwave.
Do chip shop chips taste the same after freezing?
They’re never quite as good as they are fresh, but they’re still far nicer than throwing them away. Reheating them in the air fryer or oven gives the best results.
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