Waffle fries can be cooked on the stovetop, or in the oven.
Potatoes are naturally suited to deep-frying, as the world's affection for French fries demonstrates. A well-fried potato has a crisp, golden exterior and soft, mealy interior; the potato's natural flavor is intensified by frying. Waffle fries are especially crisp, with their lattice of fine edges. Home cooks generally don't have a large restaurant-style deep-fryer, and have to make do by cooking their waffle fries on the stove top, or in the oven.
Instructions
Stove Top Method
1. Select a pot with straight, high sides. Clip a candy/frying thermometer to the side. Fill the pot 1/3 of the way with vegetable oil, and adjust the thermometer to ensure that the bulb is submerged in your oil.
2. Place the pot on your stove top and turn the burner to medium-high. Heat until the oil has reached a temperature of 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Actual cooking temperature will be lower, because your fries will cool the oil.
3. Fry the waffle fries in small batches until golden, usually five to six minutes. If the temperature of the oil drops to 325 degrees or below, fry fewer potatoes at a time. Never start a new batch of waffle fries until the oil is back to the correct temperature.
4. Repeat until all the potatoes are cooked. They can be served in small batches while fresh and hot, or you can keep them warm in your oven, on a baking sheet lined with brown paper.
Oven Method
5. Arrange the waffle fries in a single layer on one or more parchment-lined baking sheets.
6. Heat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. When the oven is ready, place the sheet pan on the oven's middle rack. If the waffle fries are homemade, spray them liberally with pan spray.
7. Bake the waffle fries for approximately 20 to 25 minutes, or as directed on the packaging. Turn the fries midway through the cooking time.
8. Remove the fries from your oven when they are crisp and golden. Serve immediately.
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