Does cold-water soaking process improve the crispness of oven-fried fries?

Soaking potato strips in cold water before frying can help to improve the crispiness of oven-fried fries. Here are a few reasons why:

- Leaching out starch: When potato strips are soaked in cold water, some of the starch present on their surface leaches out into the water. This reduces the amount of starch available to form a crust during frying, resulting in crispier fries.

- Preventing sticking: Soaking the potato strips in cold water helps to prevent them from sticking together during frying. This is because the cold water causes the starch on the surface of the potatoes to gelatinize, creating a protective barrier that prevents the strips from adhering to each other.

- Encouraging even cooking: Soaking the potato strips in cold water helps to ensure that they cook evenly during frying. This is because the cold water helps to lower the temperature of the potatoes, allowing them to cook more slowly and evenly.

However, it's important to note that soaking the potato strips for too long can have negative effects on their texture. Soaking for an extended period can make the fries soggy and less crispy. Therefore, it's best to soak the potato strips for just a few minutes, or until the water turns cloudy from the leached-out starch.

Here's a step-by-step guide to making crispy oven-fried fries using the cold-water soaking method:

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).

2. Wash and peel the potatoes. Cut them into strips that are about 1/4-inch (0.6-centimeter) thick.

3. Place the potato strips in a large bowl and cover them with cold water. Let them soak for 5-10 minutes.

4. Drain the potato strips and pat them dry with a paper towel.

5. In a large bowl, combine the potato strips with olive oil, salt, and any desired spices or seasonings. Toss to coat.

6. Spread the potato strips in a single layer on a baking sheet.

7. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the fries are golden brown and crispy.

By following these steps, you can make crispy and delicious oven-fried fries that are perfect for enjoying as a snack or as a side dish.