What action should be taken to ensure waffle fries are fried properly?

To ensure waffle fries are fried properly, gently shaking them after lowering them into the oil is crucial. This action helps to prevent the fries from sticking together, ensuring even cooking and a crispy texture. Properly spaced fries in the cooking oil allow for optimal heat distribution, which leads to a uniform fry that is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

Lowering them slowly is important but does not address the prevention of sticking. Massaging them in the oil can lead to unnecessary breakage and uneven frying. Adding salt before frying is not advisable as it can draw moisture out, making it harder for the fries to achieve the desired crispiness during the frying process. Therefore, gently shaking after lowering is the best practice to promote well-cooked waffle fries.