Perfect Vinegar Tip for Crispy Fried Potatoes

🔪 Preparation Steps

1. Prep the Potatoes

• Peel and cut potatoes into sticks (fries).

• Place in a large bowl with 2 tablespoons white vinegar.

• Add cold water to cover and soak for 10 minutes.

2. Dry the Fries

• Drain using a colander.

• Pat dry thoroughly with a clean cloth or paper towel.

3. Coat with Cornstarch

• Toss dried fries in a bowl with 1 heaping tablespoon cornstarch until evenly coated.

🍳 Frying Instructions

🔥 First Fry (Low Temp):

• Heat oil to 160°C (320°F).

• Fry the potatoes in batches until they float and are just tender—do not brown.

• Remove and rest on paper towels.

🔥 Second Fry (High Temp):

• Increase oil temperature to 180–190°C (355–375°F).

• Fry again for 2–3 minutes until golden and crispy.

• Drain well and season immediately with salt.

🍽️ Oven-Baked Version

• Dry the soaked fries thoroughly.

• Spread on a parchment-lined baking tray without overlapping.

• Drizzle with olive oil.

• Bake at 200°C (392°F) for 25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

🧊 Storage Tips

Raw (Uncooked) Fries:

• Soak, rinse, then store submerged in cold water in the fridge (up to 2 days).

• Change water daily.

• Add vinegar & cornstarch just before cooking.

Cooked Fries:

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container lined with paper towels (up to 3 days).

• Freezer: Flash-freeze in a single layer, then store in a freezer-safe container (up to 2 months).

🔁 Reheating Tips

• Oven: 200°C (392°F) for 5–10 minutes

• Air fryer: 180°C (356°F) for 3–5 minutes

• Avoid microwave – it makes fries soggy.

🧂 Flavor Variations

1. Garlic-Parmesan Fries:
Toss with sautéed garlic, grated Parmesan, and parsley.

2. Spicy Cajun Fries:
Mix paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, and black pepper.

3. Truffle Fries:
Drizzle with truffle oil and sprinkle with Parmesan.

4. Herbed Fries:
Add rosemary or thyme to the cornstarch or sprinkle fresh herbs after baking.

5. Cheese Fries:
Top hot fries with shredded cheddar and broil briefly. Add sour cream or bacon bits.

💡 Pro Tips for Maximum Crispiness

• Use starchy potatoes (not waxy).

• Soak in vinegar water to remove excess starch.

• Dry thoroughly before tossing in cornstarch.

• Double-fry for the best texture.

• Don’t overcrowd the fryer or baking tray.

• Salt while hot so it sticks better.

🥕 Healthier Tweaks

• Use an air fryer (200°C for 15–20 minutes, shake halfway).

• Try convection baking for extra crisp.

• Swap potatoes with zucchini, carrots, or sweet potatoes (adjust cook time).

Note: White vinegar adds no calories but helps with texture. Cornstarch adds minimal carbs.