Potato fries, or French fries, are a popular dish of potatoes that have been cut into strips and deep-fried. They are typically seasoned with salt and served as a snack or side dish with condiments like ketchup or mayonnaise, though they can also be served as part of heartier meals like poutine.

 Preparation process

 Cutting: Potatoes are cut into even strips.Soaking: The strips are soaked in cold water to remove surface starch, which helps them get crispier.

Drying: The soaked potatoes are then thoroughly dried.

Frying: They are usually fried in two stages:First fry (blanching): The fries are cooked in hot oil (around \(160\;\degree C\) or \(320\;\degree F\)) to cook them through without browning them.Second fry: After a brief cooling period, the fries are fried again in very hot oil (around \(190\;\degree C\) or \(375\;\degree F\)) to crisp the exterior.

Finishing: The finished fries are drained and typically seasoned with salt. 

Variations and serving

 Cuts: They come in various cuts, such as thin shoestring fries, thick steak fries, or curly fries.

Potato types: While most commonly made from Russet potatoes, other types like sweet potatoes can also be used.

Toppings: They can be served plain or topped with other ingredients, such as chili and cheese, or served with sauces like ketchup, mayonnaise, or vinegar.

Global names: Depending on the region, they may be called different names. In the UK and Australia, they are often called "chips," while in other places, they might be referred to as "finger chips" or "pommes frites".