Prepare Potatoes: Peel and slice the potatoes into thin sticks. Aim for uniform thickness to ensure even cooking. Soak the potato sticks in a large bowl of water for 15-20 minutes. This step is crucial for removing excess starch and achieving the desired crispiness.

Drain and Dry: After soaking, drain the potato sticks and pat them dry thoroughly with a paper towel. Removing as much moisture as possible is key to getting a crispy result.

Coat Potatoes: In a separate bowl, combine the salt, black pepper, and corn starch. Toss the potato sticks in the mixture until they are evenly coated. The corn starch creates a light coating that crisps up beautifully when fried.

Heat Oil: Heat the oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot enough that a piece of potato sizzles immediately when added.

Fry Potato Sticks: Fry the potato sticks in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry each batch for about 3-4 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried potatoes to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Add Butter: Drizzle the melted unsalted butter over the crispy potato sticks and toss to coat them evenly. The butter adds a rich flavor and a slight sheen to the potatoes.

Serve: Serve the crispy potato sticks warm with ketchup for dipping. Enjoy this delicious snack that’s perfect for any occasion.