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  • Frying fries
A wire fry basket of potato fries being lowered into hot oil, the surface surging and frothing violently.

Frying fries

The Strategy

Now, if y'all are looking for French fry perfection, you can't just throw raw potatoes straight into hot oil and hope for the best. Giving them a quick simmer in salted water first softens the starches, setting you up for that pillowy interior we all crave. A light dusting of starch right before they go into the skillet is the secret trick for getting an extra-crispy crunch on the outside.

Technique Summary

Simmering fresh potato planks first makes the insides wonderfully pillowy before they get their final crispy fry. A light dusting of starch is all it takes to guarantee a crunch that'll make your heart sing.

Chef’s Checkpoints

  • The blanched potato spears bend slightly without snapping when held at one end.
  • The boiling-hot oil crackles loudly as the potato starch seals, then settles into a gentle hum.
  • The fries turn a deep golden hue and make a dry, paper-like rustling sound when spoken or shaken on a paper towel.
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