These Crispy Cornstarch Potato Fries are so delicious, they’ll have all the neighbors asking for the recipe! Using just a few basic ingredients, this dish transforms simple potatoes into irresistibly crispy treats. Perfect as a snack, side dish, or party appetizer, these fries are sure to be a hit.
Ingredients:
- Potato: 1 large (500 grams / 17.6 oz), peeled and sliced into thin strips or wedges
- Cornstarch: 3 tablespoons (40 grams / 1.4 oz)
- Salt: to taste
- Black Pepper: to taste
- Vegetable Oil: for frying
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Potatoes:
- Peel the potato and slice it into thin strips or wedges, aiming for even sizes to ensure they cook uniformly. The key to getting them extra crispy is in how evenly they are cut.
2. Season and Coat:
- Pat the potato strips dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This step is crucial for achieving the desired crispiness.
- In a large bowl, mix the cornstarch with enough salt and black pepper to season the potatoes well.
- Toss the potato strips in the cornstarch mixture until they are fully coated. Shake off any excess cornstarch to avoid clumping.
3. Fry the Potatoes:
- Heat a generous amount of vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat. You’ll want enough oil to either fully submerge the potatoes or at least cover them halfway for even frying.
- Once the oil is hot, carefully add the potato strips in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lower the temperature of the oil and lead to soggy fries.
- Fry the potatoes until they are golden and crispy, about 5-7 minutes, depending on the thickness of the strips. Use a slotted spoon to turn them occasionally for even browning.
4. Drain and Serve:
- Once the potatoes are golden and crispy, use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and drain on paper towels.
- Season with a little more salt and pepper while they are still hot.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Why This Recipe Works: This recipe is a testament to the magic of cornstarch as a frying aid. Cornstarch not only helps in creating a crispy outer layer but also works wonders in keeping the inside of the potatoes soft and fluffy. These fries are an easy yet impressive way to enhance a humble potato into a crispy, addictive snack that everyone will love. Whether served alongside a main dish or enjoyed on their own with your favorite dipping sauce, these potato fries are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.