Crinkle cut fries are a delicious and fun twist on traditional French fries. Their unique shape and ridges make them perfect for holding sauces and seasonings. While you may be used to getting these fries from your local fast food joint, did you know that you can easily make them at home? Not only will you save money, but you can also customize the seasonings and spices to your liking.

If you want to know how to cook crinkle cut fries in the oven, you’re in the right place. In this article, we’ll guide you through the simple steps to achieve crispy and tasty fries. From choosing the right potatoes to seasoning them just right, we’ve got you covered.

One of the benefits of cooking crinkle cut fries in the oven is that it’s a healthier option than deep frying. By baking them, you can enjoy the same crispy texture without the added oil and calories. Plus, they’re super easy to make and require minimal ingredients.

So, let’s fire up the oven and get ready to make some delicious crinkle cut fries!

Preparing the Potatoes

Before you can start cooking your crinkle cut fries in the oven, you need to prepare the potatoes:

  1. Wash the potatoes thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or debris.
  2. Using a sharp knife, carefully peel the potatoes to remove the skin. Alternatively, you can leave the skin on for added texture and flavor.
  3. Once the potatoes are peeled, rinse them again to ensure they are clean.
  4. Next, you will need to cut the potatoes into crinkle cut shapes. To do this, use a crinkle cut knife or a regular knife to create wavy edges on the potatoes. Make sure the slices are about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick.
  5. As you cut the potatoes, place them in a bowl of cold water to prevent them from turning brown.
  6. After all the potatoes are cut, drain the water from the bowl and pat the potatoes dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel.

Now that your potatoes are prepared, you can move on to the next step of cooking your crinkle cut fries in the oven.

Selecting the Right Potatoes

The first step in making delicious crinkle cut fries is to select the right potatoes. It is important to choose potatoes that are high in starch and low in moisture. This will result in fries that are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.

The best type of potato for making crinkle cut fries is the Russet potato. Russet potatoes have a high starch content, which makes them perfect for frying. Look for potatoes that are firm and have a smooth, blemish-free skin.

It is also important to consider the size of the potatoes. For crinkle cut fries, it is best to choose potatoes that are medium to large in size. These potatoes will yield the best results when it comes to cutting them into crinkle shapes.

When selecting potatoes for crinkle cut fries, make sure to avoid any potatoes that have green spots or sprouts. These indicate that the potatoes are past their prime and may not yield the best results when cooked.

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In conclusion, selecting the right potatoes is the first step in making delicious crinkle cut fries. Choose Russet potatoes that are firm, blemish-free, and medium to large in size. Avoid potatoes with green spots or sprouts. Following these tips will help you achieve the perfect crinkle cut fries in the oven.

Washing and Peeling the Potatoes

Step 1: Start by selecting fresh potatoes of your choice for making crinkle cut fries. It is recommended to choose potatoes that are firm and free from any blemishes.

Step 2: Thoroughly wash the potatoes under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris from the skin. Use a scrub brush if necessary to clean the potatoes thoroughly.

Step 3: After washing the potatoes, use a vegetable peeler to remove the skin. Hold the potato firmly in one hand and glide the peeler over the surface of the potato in a downward motion. Make sure to remove all the skin leaving behind the clean flesh.

Step 4: As soon as you finish peeling a potato, place it in a bowl filled with cold water. This prevents the exposed flesh from turning brown due to oxidation.

Step 5: Repeat the washing and peeling process for the rest of the potatoes you have selected for making crinkle cut fries.

Note: Peeling the potatoes is optional. If you prefer to keep the skin on, make sure to wash the potatoes thoroughly and remove any blemishes before proceeding to the next step.

Cutting the Potatoes into Crinkle Shapes

Before you can start cooking your crinkle cut fries, you’ll need to cut the potatoes into the unique crinkle shape. Follow these simple steps to achieve those signature ridges:

Step 1: Wash and Peel the Potatoes

Begin by washing the potatoes thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or debris. Then, using a vegetable peeler, remove the skin from the potatoes.

Step 2: Cut the Potatoes into Strips

Once the potatoes are peeled, it’s time to cut them into strips. Start by placing the potato on a cutting board and using a sharp knife to slice it horizontally into 1/4-inch thick rounds.

Step 3: Create the Crinkle Shape

To achieve the crinkle shape, use a crinkle cutter or a fork. Hold the crinkle cutter or fork at a slight angle, and starting from one end of the potato strip, press it firmly into the flesh while moving gently across the length of the strip. Repeat this process until all the strips have crinkle shapes.

Now that you have cut the potatoes into crinkle shapes, you’re ready to move on to the next step in the recipe.

Soaking the Potatoes

Before cooking your crinkle cut fries in the oven, it’s important to soak the potatoes. Soaking the potatoes helps remove excess starch, resulting in crispier fries.

Follow these steps to soak the potatoes:

  1. Wash the potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris.
  2. Peel the potatoes if desired, or leave the skin on for a rustic touch.
  3. Cut the potatoes into crinkle cut shapes using a crinkle cut slicer or a sharp knife.
  4. Place the potato slices in a large bowl and cover them with cold water.
  5. Add a teaspoon of salt to the water to enhance the flavor of the potatoes.
  6. Let the potatoes soak in the water for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for extra crispy fries.
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Soaking the potatoes not only removes excess starch but also helps prevent the fries from sticking together during the cooking process. Once the potatoes have finished soaking, they are ready to be cooked in the oven.

Drying the Potatoes

After cutting the potatoes into crinkle cut shapes, it is important to dry them thoroughly before baking. Drying the potatoes helps to remove excess moisture, ensuring that they become crispy in the oven. Here is how to properly dry your crinkle cut fries:

1. Place the cut potatoes on a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
2. Gently pat the potatoes dry with the towel, absorbing any moisture.
3. Allow the potatoes to air dry for about 15-20 minutes. This will further remove any remaining moisture.
4. If desired, you can also use a fan or a hairdryer set on low to speed up the drying process.

Once the potatoes are thoroughly dry, they are ready to be seasoned and baked in the oven. Remember, drying the potatoes is an essential step for achieving crispy and delicious crinkle cut fries.

Oven Baking Process

Once you have preheated your oven and prepared the baking sheet, it’s time to start the oven baking process for your crinkle cut fries. Follow these steps to achieve crispy and delicious fries.

Step 1: Preparing the Fries

Take out the frozen crinkle cut fries from the packaging and spread them evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure to leave some space between each fry to allow for even cooking.

Step 2: Adding Oil and Seasonings

If desired, drizzle a small amount of cooking oil over the fries. This will help them become crispy. Use a pastry brush or your hands to gently coat the fries with the oil. Sprinkle your preferred seasonings, such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, or paprika, over the fries. Adjust the amount of seasonings according to your taste.

Step 3: Baking in the Oven

Place the baking sheet with the fries in the preheated oven. Bake the fries according to the instructions on the packaging, usually at a temperature around 400°F (200°C). It is essential to follow the recommended cooking time and temperature to achieve the desired texture.

Halfway through the cooking time, remove the baking sheet from the oven and flip the fries using a spatula. This will ensure even browning and crispness on both sides.

Continue baking the fries until they are golden brown and crispy. The cooking time may vary depending on the brand and thickness of the fries.

Step 4: Serving and Enjoying

Once the crinkle cut fries are done, carefully remove them from the oven and transfer them to a serving plate or bowl. Serve them hot and enjoy these delicious, crispy fries as a side dish or snack with your favorite dipping sauce.

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Note: The oven baking process may need to be adjusted based on your oven and personal preferences. Keep an eye on the fries during baking to prevent them from burning, and adjust the temperature or cooking time if necessary.

Preheating the Oven

Before you start cooking your crinkle cut fries in the oven, it’s important to preheat the oven to the correct temperature. This will ensure that your fries cook evenly and become crispy on the outside.

Follow these steps to preheat your oven:

  1. Open the oven door and remove any oven racks that may be in the way.
  2. Turn the oven knob or press the appropriate button to set the temperature.
  3. Wait for the oven to reach the desired temperature.
  4. Once the oven is preheated, you can place your crinkle cut fries on a baking sheet.

It’s recommended to preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C) for crinkle cut fries. This high temperature will help the fries cook quickly and become crispy.

Preheating the oven is an essential step to ensure your crinkle cut fries turn out delicious. Make sure to follow the instructions carefully to achieve the best results.

FAQ

What are crinkle cut fries?

Crinkle cut fries are a type of French fries that have a wavy shape on their edges. They are often considered to be a fun and unique alternative to regular straight-cut fries.

Can I cook crinkle cut fries in the oven?

Yes, you can definitely cook crinkle cut fries in the oven. In fact, oven-baked crinkle cut fries can turn out to be incredibly crispy and delicious.

How do I cook crinkle cut fries in the oven?

To cook crinkle cut fries in the oven, preheat the oven to the temperature specified on the packaging. Spread a single layer of frozen crinkle cut fries on a baking sheet and place it in the oven. Bake for the recommended time, flipping the fries halfway through to ensure even cooking. Once they are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the oven and serve.

How long do crinkle cut fries take to cook in the oven?

The cooking time for crinkle cut fries in the oven can vary depending on the brand and thickness of the fries. Typically, it takes around 20-25 minutes at the recommended temperature for them to become crispy and golden brown. It is important to follow the instructions on the packaging for the best results.

What temperature should I set the oven to for cooking crinkle cut fries?

The temperature for cooking crinkle cut fries in the oven is usually around 200-220°C (400-425°F). However, it is important to refer to the instructions on the packaging as different brands may have slightly different recommended temperatures.

What are crinkle cut fries?

Crinkle cut fries are a type of french fries that have a wavy, crinkled shape. They are popular for their unique texture and appearance.

Can I cook crinkle cut fries in the oven?

Yes, you can cook crinkle cut fries in the oven. It is a healthier alternative to deep frying, and the results are just as delicious.