1. Prepare the Potatoes:
- Peel and Cut: Peel the potatoes (optional) and cut them into thin, even strips to ensure they cook uniformly. Aim for 1/4-inch thickness for classic fries.
2. Boil the Potatoes in Vinegar Water:
- Boil Water: In a large pot, bring 8 cups of water to a boil. Add 2 tablespoons of vinegar and a generous pinch of salt to the water.
- Boil the Potatoes: Add the cut potatoes to the boiling vinegar water and cook for about 5-6 minutes. This will help par-cook the fries without making them too soft.
- Drain the Potatoes: After boiling, carefully drain the potatoes and let them dry on a paper towel-lined tray for a few minutes. Pat them dry to remove excess moisture, which will help achieve that crispy texture when frying.
3. Fry the Potatoes:
- Heat the Oil: In a large pot or deep fryer, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Make sure the oil is hot enough to fry the potatoes without absorbing too much oil.
- First Fry (Blanching): Fry the par-boiled potato strips in small batches for about 3-4 minutes, until they are slightly golden but not fully crispy. This is called blanching and helps create the perfect texture. Remove them from the oil and let them drain on paper towels.
- Second Fry (Crisping): Increase the oil temperature to 375°F (190°C) and fry the potatoes again for another 2-3 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Drain and Season: Once the fries are done, drain them on paper towels and season immediately with salt.
Tips for Perfect Crispy Fries:
- Use Starchy Potatoes: Russet potatoes are the best choice because of their high starch content and low moisture, which help create crispy fries.
- Double Frying: Frying the potatoes twice—once at a lower temperature and once at a higher temperature—helps achieve a crispy exterior without burning the fries.
- Dry the Potatoes: Make sure to dry the potatoes thoroughly after boiling to remove excess moisture, which can prevent the fries from getting crispy.
Conclusion
Using the vinegar method is a foolproof way to achieve crispy, restaurant-quality fries at home. The vinegar helps the potatoes maintain their shape while boiling, so they don’t get too soft or fall apart. Pair these crispy fries with your favorite dipping sauces, and you’ll have a delicious side dish or snack that everyone will love!