Making crispy fries without oil is all about getting the right technique, as the oil is usually what helps achieve that golden crunch. Here’s a simple method:
### Ingredients:
– Potatoes (Russet potatoes are ideal)
– Salt and seasonings of choice (garlic powder, paprika, pepper, etc.)
– A little water
### Method:
1. **Preheat the Oven**: Set it to 400°F (200°C). A hot oven helps with crispiness.
2. **Prepare the Potatoes**: Peel (optional) and cut the potatoes into even thin fries (about 1/4-inch thick). This ensures they cook evenly and get crispy.
3. **Soak the Potatoes**: Soak the cut fries in water for at least 30 minutes (or even overnight in the fridge). This helps remove excess starch and improves crispiness.
4. **Dry Thoroughly**: After soaking, pat the fries completely dry with a clean towel. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness!
5. **Parboil (Optional but Recommended)**: Bring a pot of water to a boil and add the fries for about 2-3 minutes. This partially cooks them and sets them up for crisping in the oven.
6. **Toss with Seasoning**: In a large bowl, toss the fries with salt and any other seasonings. The key is to not add too much, as you want them to crisp up without being soggy.
7. **Arrange on a Baking Sheet**: Lay the fries out in a single layer on a non-stick baking sheet or a parchment-lined sheet. Leave a little space between each fry to allow airflow for better crisping.
8. **Bake and Flip**: Bake for about 20 minutes, then flip the fries to ensure even cooking. Continue baking for another 15-20 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy.
9. **Serve and Enjoy**: Once done, sprinkle with a little extra salt or your favorite seasoning and enjoy!
This method uses steam (from the soaking and parboiling) and a dry heat environment (the oven) to achieve crispiness without any oil. You can also experiment with adding a bit of cornstarch or rice flour to the fries before baking for extra crispiness!