oil free waffle fries

### Instructions:

#### 1. **Prepare the Potatoes**:
– Begin by washing and peeling the potatoes. Since waffle fries are known for their distinctive crinkled texture, you’ll need a waffle fry cutter or crinkle-cut knife. If you don’t have a waffle fry cutter, you can use a regular knife to slice your potatoes into thin rounds, but the waffle shape is part of the fun.
– After cutting the fries, soak them in a bowl of cold water for at least 30 minutes. This helps remove excess starch, which contributes to a crispier texture when baked.

#### 2. **Preheat the Oven**:
– While the potatoes are soaking, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). A hot oven ensures that the fries cook evenly and become crispy without needing oil.

#### 3. **Season the Fries**:
– After soaking the fries, drain and pat them dry with a clean towel or paper towels. The drier they are, the crispier they’ll get.
– Place the fries in a large bowl and toss them with the garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cornstarch. The cornstarch is optional but highly recommended for that extra crispiness! Make sure the fries are evenly coated with the seasonings.

#### 4. **Arrange on a Baking Sheet**:
– Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Arrange the seasoned fries in a single layer on the sheet, making sure none of the fries overlap. This allows them to cook evenly and achieve that perfect crispiness on all sides.

#### 5. **Bake the Fries**:
– Bake the fries for 25-30 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time to ensure they cook evenly. Keep an eye on them towards the end—depending on your oven, they might take a little longer or cook faster. The fries should be golden brown and crispy when done.

#### 6. **Serve and Enjoy**:
– Once your oil-free waffle fries are perfectly crispy, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for an added burst of color and flavor, and serve with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ketchup, mustard, or a creamy ranch dressing.

### Why You’ll Love These Oil-Free Waffle Fries

1. **Crispy and Delicious**: Just because they’re oil-free doesn’t mean they lack flavor or texture. These fries turn out crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, just like traditional fried waffle fries.

2. **Healthier Option**: By baking instead of frying, these fries have far fewer calories and less fat, making them a great choice for those looking to maintain a balanced diet while still indulging in a tasty snack.

3. **Customizable Seasonings**: Feel free to adjust the seasonings to suit your taste preferences. Add some chili powder for a spicy kick, or try adding herbs like rosemary or thyme for a more savory flavor.

4. **Quick and Easy**: These oil-free waffle fries are simple to make and require minimal prep. The hardest part is waiting for them to bake and crisp up in the oven!

5. **Perfect for Any Meal**: Whether you’re serving them as a side dish with grilled chicken, enjoying them with a sandwich, or snacking on them during a movie marathon, these fries are incredibly versatile.

### Tips for Perfect Oil-Free Waffle Fries

– **Don’t Skip the Soak**: Soaking the potatoes is key to achieving a crispy texture. This step removes excess starch, helping the fries crisp up nicely when baked.
– **Use a Wire Rack**: If you have one, place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet before arranging the fries. This allows hot air to circulate around the fries, making them even crispier.
– **Give Them Space**: Don’t overcrowd the fries on the baking sheet. Give each fry enough room to crisp up properly. If necessary, use two baking sheets to spread them out.

### Variations You Can Try

– **Sweet Potato Waffle Fries**: Swap out the russet potatoes for sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter, nutritious twist. The process is the same, and you’ll still get a delicious result.
– **Parmesan Herb Fries**: After baking, sprinkle the fries with some freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh thyme or rosemary for an extra burst of flavor.
– **Spicy Cajun Fries**: Add a little heat to your waffle fries by mixing Cajun seasoning or chili powder into the seasoning mix before baking.

### Final Thoughts

Oil-free waffle fries are the perfect way to enjoy a healthier version of this beloved comfort food. With the same satisfying crunch and delicious flavors as traditional fries but without the excess oil, these baked waffle fries will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you’re looking for a lighter snack or a healthier side dish, this recipe offers a guilt-free way to indulge in crispy, golden fries any time you want. So fire up your oven, and enjoy these tasty, oil-free waffle fries on your next beautiful day!