The key to making great French fries is getting them as crispy as possible. Restaurants have special machines, but this tip can help you achieve the perfect crunch at home.

Some careful but simple prep work will ensure crispness. Whether you deep-fry, air-fry, or bake them in the oven, you should first soak your fries in water.

Too much starch will prevent your potatoes from getting crispy, so you will want to soak your fries in cold water for at least a couple of hours, but not longer than a day.

Don't use hot water as it activates the starches; salted water will absorb into the potatoes. The right amount of starch ensures they turn out crispy yet fluffy on the inside.