Perfectly Crisp Potato Fries

Perfectly Crisp Potato Fries is a classic side dish that has been enjoyed by many for its simplicity and versatility in pairing with various main courses such as burgers, steaks, or even on their own. If you're looking to serve up some delicious fries this weekend, we've got the recipe down right! These fries will be crispy on the outside yet tender on the inside - a perfect balance of textures that will make any meal more enjoyable.

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time: 30-40 minutes

Servings: 4-6 people

Ingredients:

• Large Idaho potatoes (2-3)
• Peanut oil or vegetable oil for frying (about 1/2 inch depth)
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Optional: garlic powder and paprika for extra flavor

Instructions:

To prepare the fries:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wash two or three large Idaho potatoes thoroughly with water. Peel them if you like, but some people prefer their skins for extra flavor.
2. Cut each potato lengthwise into French fry strips of uniform thickness. Make sure they are about 1/4 inch wide and long enough to reach the bottom of your pot when standing upright in it. A sharp chef’s knife is recommended here as a standard kitchen knife may not cut through tough skins easily.
3. Fill a large saucepan with water, bring it to a boil, and add potatoes. Boil them for about 10 minutes until they are fork-tender but still slightly firm - you want them to be crisp rather than mushy once cooked fully.
4. Lift the fries out of the boiling water using a slotted spoon or colander. Drain them well over another bowl. Then, gently toss them in oil so that each fry gets a good coating. The amount should cover at least half an inch depth of your frying pan.
5. Deep-fry the potatoes until golden brown and crispy. This may take about 10-12 minutes depending on how hot your oil is maintained during this time (ideally around 350°F). As they come out, lay them onto a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.

To finish cooking:

6. Once the fries have cooled slightly enough so that you can handle them without burning yourself, transfer them into your preheated oven at 350°F. Bake for another 10 minutes to allow their interiors to get fully heated through and to dry out any remaining moisture inside.
7. Sprinkle with kosher salt, garlic powder (optional), and paprika (optional) right before serving. Enjoy immediately!

Tips for Success:

• Use cold water when cutting potatoes - this helps maintain the crispiness of fries during cooking.
• The key to achieving perfectly golden brown crispy fries is maintaining an even heat throughout frying process; avoid turning the stove off and on while deep-frying. A thermometer can help ensure the oil stays at its ideal temperature.
• For best results, don't overcrowd your pot while frying; cook them in batches if necessary so that they have enough space to float freely without touching each other. Overcrowding leads to soggy fries rather than crisp ones.

The secret to perfect Perfectly Crisp Potato Fries lies not just in the cooking method but also in selecting high-quality ingredients like fresh Idaho potatoes and appropriate amounts of oil for frying. With these tips, you'll be able to serve up a mouthwatering batch every time! Whether you're hosting friends or having a quiet night at home, this dish is sure to impress.

Enjoy your perfectly crisp potato fries with your meal today! Remember the combination of proper techniques and quality ingredients are crucial for achieving that signature golden brown color and irresistible crunch. Try experimenting with different seasonings like garlic salt instead of plain kosher salt if you're looking to add more flavor. Happy cooking!