You can make the fries in the fryer, air-fryer, or bake them. (It is best to prepare homemade fries but if you're in a rush, you can use frozen fries and bake or fry them.)
Either method you choose, soaking is one important step that you need for all of them!
Wash potatoes well and cut them into straws. Don't make them too thin or they will get soaked in gravy and don't make them too thick or they won't be as crispy.
Place potatoes into a mixing bowl, rinse them a couple of times with cold running water, and then, fill the bowl with cold water to cover them completely. Let them soak about 30 minutes. Drain off all the water and fill the bowl again. Swish to rinse and drain off the water.
Spread potatoes on the towel and pat them dry.
Cook Fries In The Air-Fryer:
Toss potatoes with a little olive oil and a sprinkle of salt and pepper.
Spread the fries in one or two layers (one layer will require extra batches but will be extra crispy). Check your air fryer's recommendation first but I air-fry the fries at 400° for about 20 minutes, and make sure to toss them every 5 minutes.
Frying the French Fries:
Preheat the oil to 300° and prepare a wire rack lined with paper towels. Fry the potatoes in batches for 4-5 minutes, take them out, and place onto the paper towel.
Increase the heat of oil to 400° and fry them again until golden brown. Take them out of oil and onto a fresh paper towel.
If you need to keep fries warm, place them into the oven heated to 200°.
Gravy:
Have all the ingredients measured and ready on hand before starting to cook because this recipe will go fast.
Melt butter in a cooking pan over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in flour until smooth and blended.
While whisking, start pouring in the stocks slowly. Keep whisking until smooth and season with salt and pepper.
Slowly stir as the gravy comes to simmer and thickens. Cook for a couple extra minutes, stirring slowly, and take off heat.
Put Together the Poutine:
Place fries into the bowls add cheese curds. Generously pour gravy all over the fries to coat them.