Prepare the Potatoes:

• Scrub the potatoes clean under running water to remove any dirt. You can peel the potatoes if desired, but leaving the skin on adds texture and nutrients.
• Pat the potatoes dry with a clean towel.

Cutting the Potatoes:

• Use a waffle-cut slicer or a mandoline with a waffle-cut attachment to cut the potatoes into waffle fry shapes. Alternatively, you can carefully cut the potatoes into thin slices lengthwise, then cut them crosswise into a crisscross pattern.

Soak the Potatoes (optional):

• Place the cut potatoes in a bowl of cold water and let them soak for at least 30 minutes, or up to 1 hour. This helps remove excess starch and can make the fries crispier.

Preheat the Oil:

• Fill a large pot or deep fryer with vegetable oil, leaving enough room at the top to avoid overflow when frying. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C).

Fry the Potatoes:

• Carefully pat the soaked potatoes dry with a towel to remove excess moisture.
• Working in batches, carefully add the potatoes to the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for about 4-5 minutes, or until the fries are golden brown and crispy.
• Use a slotted spoon or spider strainer to remove the fries from the oil and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Sprinkle immediately with salt and optional seasonings while they’re still hot.

Serve:

• Repeat the frying process with the remaining batches of potatoes.
• Serve the homemade waffle fries hot and crispy, optionally with your favorite dipping sauces like ketchup, ranch dressing, or cheese sauce.