Ingredients
Potatoes
- 2 pounds (900 grams) russet potatoes (about 4 large potatoes)
Seasoning & Oil
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt, divided
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it’s hot enough for crispy fries.
- Prepare Potatoes: Wash and scrub the potatoes thoroughly. Peel them if you prefer, or leave the skin on for a rustic texture. Cut into ¼-inch thick fries, keeping them uniformly sized to ensure even cooking.
- Soak Potatoes: Place the cut fries in a large bowl of cold water and soak for at least 30 minutes, or up to 8 hours in the refrigerator. This step removes excess starch and helps achieve crispiness.
- Drain and Dry: Drain and rinse the potatoes, then pat them completely dry using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. If possible, spread them out and air dry for 5 to 10 minutes to remove as much moisture as possible.
- Season Fries: Transfer the dried potatoes to a large bowl. Add olive oil, garlic powder, black pepper, and half of the salt (½ teaspoon). Toss well to coat each fry evenly.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Spread the fries out in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding to prevent steaming and ensure they crisp up properly.
- Bake First Half: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Flip Fries: Using a spatula, carefully flip the fries to promote even browning.
- Bake Second Half: Continue baking for another 20 to 25 minutes until fries are deeply golden brown and crispy.
- Season and Serve: Remove fries from the oven and immediately sprinkle with the remaining ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces.
Notes
- Spoiling soaking water makes fries crispier by removing excess starch.
- Ensure fries are completely dry before baking for maximum crispness.
- Use a large baking sheet to avoid overcrowding which causes steaming instead of crisping.
- Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your taste, adding herbs or spices as desired.
- For extra crispness, consider using a wire rack on the baking sheet to allow air circulation under the fries.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes (includes soaking time)
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
