easy recipe for crispy French Fries

Ingredients: 2 Russet potatoes Vegetable oil for frying (around 1/2 cup) Salt Optional: Pepper, garlic powder, or other seasonings Instructions: Cut the potatoes: Wash and dry the potatoes. Cut them into sticks about 1/2 inch thick. Soak the potatoes (optional): This step helps remove excess starch and promotes crispiness. Fill a large bowl with cold water and submerge the potatoes for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight. Drain thoroughly when ready to cook. Dry the potatoes: This is important for achieving crispy fries. Pat the potatoes dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Heat the oil: In a large pot or deep fryer, heat enough oil to reach 300°F (150°C). You can use a thermometer to check the temperature or carefully flick a water droplet in the oil. If it sizzles and pops, the oil is hot enough. Fry the fries (first fry): Fry the potatoes in batches for 3-4 minutes per batch. Don't overcrowd the pot, as this will lower the oil temperature and make the fries soggy. The fries will be limp and pale at this point. Remove them with a slotted spoon and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Increase heat (optional): Once you've finished the first fry, you can increase the oil temperature to 375°F (190°C) for a crispier final product.