Description
Salt and Pepper Toast Waffle Fries are crispy, golden waffle-cut potatoes seasoned with a bold and zesty salt and pepper blend, toasted to perfection for an addictive snack or side. Easy to make at home using fresh or frozen potatoes, these fries offer crunchy texture and intense flavor with simple ingredients, and can be customized with various seasonings or cooked methods.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- Waffle-cut potatoes, fresh or frozen – about 4 cups (about 2 large russet potatoes if fresh)
Seasoning
- Kosher salt – 1 to 1½ teaspoons, to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper – 1 teaspoon
- Garlic powder – ½ teaspoon
- Optional spices (paprika or chili powder) – ¼ teaspoon, to taste
Oil
- Neutral cooking oil with high smoke point (canola or vegetable oil) – about 2 cups for frying
Instructions
- Prepare the Fries: Start with good-quality waffle-cut potatoes, either fresh or frozen. If using fresh, soak them in cold water for 30 minutes to remove excess starch. Drain and pat dry thoroughly to ensure crisp fries.
- Heat the Oil: Pour oil into a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot, heating it to 350°F (175°C). Maintaining the right temperature ensures fries crisp up without absorbing too much oil.
- Fry the Fries: Fry the waffle potatoes in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook for 3-4 minutes per batch, until fries turn golden and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Season Immediately: While the fries are still hot, sprinkle them generously with kosher salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and a bit of garlic powder. Toss gently to coat all pieces evenly.
- Toast for Extra Flavor: Optional but highly recommended: Spread the seasoned fries on a baking sheet and toast them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes. This step toasts the seasoning and deepens flavor.
Notes
- Dry the potatoes well to remove excess moisture for maximum crispiness.
- Maintain oil temperature around 350°F to ensure even cooking and less oil absorption.
- Season right after frying so residual heat helps spices stick and infuse flavor.
- Use fresh cracked black pepper for a brighter and more pungent peppery kick compared to pre-ground pepper.
- Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding and to keep oil temperature stable, ensuring fries stay crisp.
- Leftover fries can be stored airtight in the refrigerator for up to 2 days but are best eaten the same day for crispness.
- For freezing, cool fries completely, freeze in a single layer until solid, then transfer to freezer bag for up to 1 month.
- Reheat in oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5-10 minutes to restore crispiness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1 cup)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: salt and pepper fries, waffle fries, crispy fries, homemade fries, snack, appetizer
