Ingredients:
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Cooking spray (optional, for extra crispiness)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the Potatoes:
- Wash and scrub the russet potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt. Peel the potatoes if desired, although leaving the skins on adds extra texture and nutrients.
- Using a waffle cutter, cut the potatoes into waffle-shaped fries. Alternatively, you can cut them into traditional fries if you don’t have a waffle cutter.
- Soak the Potatoes (Optional):
- To achieve extra crispiness, you can soak the cut potatoes in cold water for about 30 minutes to remove excess starch. After soaking, pat the potatoes dry with paper towels.
- Season the Fries:
- In a large mixing bowl, toss the dried potato fries with olive oil until evenly coated.
- In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the fries and toss until evenly coated.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet:
- Arrange the seasoned waffle fries in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are not overlapping. This ensures even baking and crispiness.
- Bake in the Oven:
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the waffle fries for 25-30 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. This helps ensure that both sides of the fries are crispy and golden brown.
- Optional: Spray with Cooking Spray:
- For extra crispiness, you can lightly spray the fries with cooking spray halfway through the baking time. This helps them achieve a crunchy exterior while remaining tender on the inside.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Once the waffle fries are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve the extra crispy seasoned waffle fries hot with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ketchup, ranch dressing, or aioli.
These extra crispy seasoned waffle fries are a delicious and satisfying snack or side dish that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends. Enjoy their crispy texture and flavorful seasoning for a tasty treat that’s sure to impress!
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: Approximately 200-250 calories per serving
- Total Fat: Approximately 7-10 grams
- Saturated Fat: Approximately 1-2 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Sodium: Approximately 300-400 milligrams (varies depending on the amount of salt added)
- Total Carbohydrates: Approximately 30-35 grams
- Dietary Fiber: Approximately 3-5 grams
- Total Sugars: Approximately 1-2 grams (naturally occurring sugars from potatoes)
- Protein: Approximately 4-5 grams
The benefits of enjoying Extra Crispy Seasoned Waffle Fries:
- Rich in Potassium: Potatoes, the main ingredient in waffle fries, are a good source of potassium. Potassium is an essential mineral that plays a vital role in maintaining proper fluid balance, nerve function, and muscle contractions in the body.
- Source of Dietary Fiber: Waffle fries made from whole potatoes retain their fiber content, which is beneficial for digestive health. Fiber helps regulate bowel movements, prevents constipation, and promotes overall gut health.
- Provides Energy: Potatoes are a carbohydrate-rich food, making waffle fries a good source of energy. Carbohydrates are the body’s primary source of fuel, providing the energy needed for daily activities and bodily functions.
- Contains Essential Nutrients: Waffle fries contain essential nutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin B6, and magnesium. Vitamin C is important for immune function and collagen production, vitamin B6 supports metabolism and brain health, while magnesium plays a role in muscle and nerve function.
- Versatile and Customizable: Waffle fries are versatile and can be seasoned with a variety of herbs and spices to suit different tastes. This allows for endless flavor combinations and the ability to cater to individual preferences.
- Satisfying and Comforting: Waffle fries have a crispy exterior and a soft interior, making them a satisfying and comforting snack or side dish. The texture and flavor of waffle fries can evoke feelings of warmth and nostalgia, making them a popular choice for many.
- Great for Sharing: Waffle fries are a fun and shareable snack option that can be enjoyed with friends and family. Whether served as an appetizer at parties or alongside burgers and sandwiches at meals, waffle fries are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
- Easy to Make: Homemade waffle fries are easy to prepare with just a few simple ingredients. By making them at home, you can control the quality of ingredients and customize the seasoning to your liking.
Overall, while waffle fries should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet, they offer several nutritional benefits and are a tasty and enjoyable addition to any meal or snack time.
FAQs About Extra Crispy Seasoned Waffle Fries
1. Can I use other types of potatoes to make waffle fries? Yes, you can use other varieties of potatoes such as Yukon Gold or red potatoes to make waffle fries. Each type of potato may result in slightly different texture and flavor, so feel free to experiment to find your favorite.
2. Can I bake waffle fries instead of frying them? Absolutely! Baking waffle fries in the oven is a healthier alternative to frying. Simply follow the same recipe but arrange the seasoned potato slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil, then bake them at 425°F (220°C) for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
3. How do I store leftover waffle fries? To store leftover waffle fries, allow them to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. Refrigerate the fries for up to 2-3 days. Reheat them in the oven or toaster oven for best results.
4. Can I freeze waffle fries for later use? Yes, you can freeze uncooked waffle fries for later use. Arrange the seasoned potato slices in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the fries to a freezer-safe bag or container and store them for up to 2-3 months. Cook them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
5. Can I make waffle fries without a waffle cutter? While a waffle cutter creates the distinctive waffle pattern on the fries, you can still make waffle fries using a sharp knife to cut the potatoes into uniform slices. Alternatively, you can use a crinkle cutter for a fun and textured edge.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Extra Crispy Seasoned Waffle Fries are a delicious and versatile snack or side dish that offers both flavor and texture. With their crispy exterior and fluffy interior, waffle fries are a satisfying treat that can be enjoyed on their own or paired with a variety of dipping sauces.
Whether baked or fried, homemade waffle fries allow you to control the quality of ingredients and customize the seasoning to your preference. Their ease of preparation and ability to be shared with friends and family make them a popular choice for gatherings and parties.
So go ahead, whip up a batch of Extra Crispy Seasoned Waffle Fries and indulge in their crispy goodness. Whether served as a snack, appetizer, or accompaniment to your favorite meals, waffle fries are sure to be a hit with everyone!