Crispy Potato Sticks

Crispy Potato Sticks are a perfect snack or side dish, offering a crunchy exterior and tender interior. They’re easy to make and can be seasoned to your liking. Here’s a simple recipe to get those crispy potato sticks just right:

Crispy Potato Sticks Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 medium russet potatoes
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp dried rosemary (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for extra crispiness)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Potatoes:

1. Peel and Cut:
   • Peel the potatoes and cut them into thin sticks, about 1/4 inch thick. Try to make them uniform in size for even cooking.
2. Soak in Water:
   • Place the potato sticks in a large bowl of cold water. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight in the refrigerator). This helps to remove excess starch and improve crispiness.
3. Drain and Dry:
   • Drain the potatoes and pat them dry thoroughly with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Moisture can prevent them from becoming crispy.

2. Season and Coat:

1. Preheat Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Season Potatoes:
   • In a large bowl, toss the dried potato sticks with the vegetable oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, rosemary (if using), salt, and black pepper. If you want extra crispiness, add 2 tablespoons of cornstarch to the mixture and toss to coat.

3. Bake the Potato Sticks:

1. Arrange on Baking Sheet:
   • Spread the seasoned potato sticks out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure they are not overcrowded to ensure even crispiness.
2. Bake:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, turning the sticks halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.
3. Cool:
   • Remove from the oven and let the potato sticks cool slightly on the baking sheet. They will continue to crisp up a bit as they cool.

4. Serve:

1. Enjoy:
   • Serve the crispy potato sticks with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ketchup, ranch dressing, or aioli.

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Tips:

• Uniform Size: Cutting the potatoes into uniform sticks helps ensure even cooking.
• Soaking: Soaking the potatoes helps remove excess starch and leads to a crispier texture.
• Crispy Tips: For even crispier sticks, use a wire rack placed on top of the baking sheet to allow air circulation around the fries.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven to regain crispiness.

Enjoy your homemade Crispy Potato Sticks!