Cut and soak the potatoes

• Cut the potatoes into fries, keeping them even in thickness.
• Submerge in cold water and soak to pull out surface starch.

Dry thoroughly

• Drain the fries and pat them really dry with a clean towel.

Dust in cornstarch

• Toss the dried fries in cornstarch until lightly coated.

Make the batter

• Whisk together the flour, water, smoked paprika, garlic powder and black pepper until smooth, like a thin pancake batter.

Batter the fries

• Drop the cornstarched fries into the batter and toss to coat.

First fry

• Heat the oil to 350°F.
• Fry the fries in batches without crowding until lightly golden.
• Remove and rest on a wire rack.

Second fry

• Raise the oil to 375°F.
• Fry again in batches until deep golden and crispy.

Salt immediately

• Pull the fries from the oil and season with salt while still glossy.