Cut the potato lengthwise into 1/4 to 1/2 inch thin slabs then cut the slabs into 1/4 inch thin matchsticks. Try your best to cut the potato into uniform slices to ensure the fries cook evenly.
Soak the potatoes. Put about 3 inches of water in a large pot and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, remove from the heat and place cut potatoes in the hot water to soak for 30 minutes. This is essential to remove some of the starch from the potatoes which will help them crisp while cooking.
Drain the water and lay potatoes out onto paper towels, patting them until thoroughly dry.
Baked French Fries:
Preheat oven to 475 degrees. Drizzle oil over the potatoe and season with salt and pepper. Toss to combine. Spread out into an even layer on a baking sheet (I use one bakers half sheet pan per 1 cut potato), leaving space between them. Bake for 12 minutes.
Use a metal spatula to scrape potatoes loose from pan and flip to opposite side. Spread even spaced out again. Bake for an additional 8-15 minutes, or until potatoes are crisp.
Fried French Fries:
Pour 3 inches of vegetable, canola, or peanut oil into a large, deep pot and heat to 300 degrees F. Cook the fries in small batches, adding them to the hot oil, until tender, about 4-5 minutes. Remove them to a paper-towel lined plate as they cook.
Increase the heat of the oil to 400 degrees F. Return small batches at a time to the oil and cook for 1-3 minutes, until golden and crisp. Remove from oil and season with salt, to taste.
Air Fryer French Fries: Toss fries in a thin layer of cornstarch, and season with salt and pepper. Toss in 1 tablespoon oil. Add to preheated air fryer at 360 degrees and cook for 15-20 minutes, checking on the fries and tossing them every 5 minutes until they are golden and crispy. Make Ahead Instructions: The potatoes can be cut and soaked for up to 3 hours before baking.Freezing Instructions: These baked french fries can be frozen in a freezer safe bag for up to two months. To reheat, spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake in the oven for 5-10 minutes, or until heated. Or add to your favorite soups and stews!Variations:
Garlic Parmesan Fries: Toss the fries in cornstarch, 1 minced clove of garlic, salt, and pepper. After baking, sprinkle with freshly grated parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley