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Dry the potatoes thoroughly:
After soaking, drain the potatoes and lay them out on a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Pat them dry to remove as much moisture as possible. The dryer the potatoes, the crispier the fries will be when cooked.
Season the fries:
In a large bowl, toss the potato strips with 2 tablespoons of oil, making sure the fries are evenly coated. You can use olive oil for a slightly richer flavor or vegetable oil for a neutral taste. If you like, add seasonings such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika to taste. Toss again to evenly coat the fries with the seasonings.
Option 1: Baking French Fries (Healthier Option)
Step 3: Bake the Fries
Time: 25-30 minutes
Preheat the oven:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easier cleanup or lightly grease it with oil.
Arrange the fries on the baking sheet:
Spread the seasoned fries in a single layer on the baking sheet. Make sure they’re not overcrowded so they cook evenly and get crispy.
Bake the fries:
Bake the fries in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Halfway through, flip the fries with tongs to ensure they cook evenly on both sides. Keep a close eye on them toward the end of cooking to prevent burning. The fries are done when they are golden and crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Optional crispy finish:
For extra crispiness, you can broil the fries for the last 1-2 minutes of baking. Just be sure to watch them carefully, as they can burn quickly under the broiler.
Step 4: Serve
Time: 1-2 minutes
Remove from the oven:
Once the fries are crispy and golden, remove them from the oven. Let them rest for a minute, then transfer them to a serving plate. Sprinkle with a little extra salt if desired.
Garnish and serve:
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or thyme for added flavor and color. Serve immediately with ketchup, aioli, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Option 2: Deep Frying French Fries
Step 3: Heat the Oil
Time: 5 minutes
Prepare the oil:
Fill a large, heavy pot or deep fryer with about 2-3 inches of oil. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). You can use a deep-frying thermometer to check the temperature. If you don’t have a thermometer, drop a small piece of potato into the oil; if it sizzles immediately, the oil is ready.
Step 4: Fry the Potatoes
Time: 15-20 minutes (depending on batch size)
Fry the potatoes in batches:
Using tongs or a slotted spoon, carefully lower a batch of fries into the hot oil. Don’t overcrowd the pot, as this will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy fries. Fry the potatoes for about 3-5 minutes, or until they are golden and crispy. If you prefer thicker fries, they may need a bit longer.
Remove and drain:
Once the fries are crispy, use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Repeat the frying process:
Continue frying the remaining batches, making sure to let the oil heat back up to 350°F between batches.
Step 5: Serve
Time: 1-2 minutes
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