Making crispy fries without using any oil is entirely possible, and the trick lies in using the right techniques and ingredients to achieve a golden, crunchy texture. Here’s how you can do it:
### 1. **Choose the Right Potatoes**
– **Type of Potato**: Russet potatoes are the best choice because they have a high starch content, which helps achieve a crisp exterior while maintaining a fluffy interior.
– **Cut Uniformly**: Cut your fries into even pieces, ensuring they are all the same size. This will ensure that they cook evenly.
### 2. **Soak the Potatoes**
– Soaking your potato slices in cold water for at least 30 minutes (or even overnight in the fridge) helps remove excess starch. This step is crucial because it reduces the moisture on the surface of the potatoes, which leads to crispier fries.
### 3. **Dry the Potatoes Well**
– After soaking, drain the potatoes and pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. Any excess moisture will create steam and prevent crispiness.
### 4. **Use a High-Heat Cooking Method**
– **Oven-Baking**: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a baking rack (if you have one) on a baking sheet to elevate the fries, allowing hot air to circulate all around them. If you don’t have a rack, you can still bake them directly on the sheet.
– **Air-Frying**: If you have an air fryer, this is a fantastic oil-free option. It circulates hot air to crisp the fries evenly. Set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook in a single layer for best results.
### 5. **Use a Small Amount of Cornstarch or Baking Powder**
– Before baking, lightly dust your fries with a small amount of **cornstarch** or **baking powder**. This helps create a crispy outer layer without any oil. Toss the fries in a bowl with a light coating of cornstarch to ensure even coverage.
### 6. **Seasoning Before Baking**
– Season your fries with salt, pepper, and any other spices (like garlic powder or paprika) before baking. You can also sprinkle a little **nutritional yeast** for a cheesy flavor without oil.
### 7. **High Heat, Long Enough Cooking**
– Bake your fries at a high temperature (425°F/220°C) for about 30-40 minutes. Flip them halfway through the cooking time to ensure they crisp up evenly on both sides.
– Alternatively, if you’re using an air fryer, cook for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even crisping.
### 8. **Optional: Finish with a Light Spray of Oil**
– If you still want that golden crispiness but don’t want to use much oil, a light misting of **cooking spray** or a spritz of **olive oil** using a spray bottle right before baking can help achieve that perfect golden finish.
### The Result:
By following these steps, you’ll end up with crispy, golden fries without a drop of oil, achieving a satisfying crunch on the outside and a soft interior.