What should you do immediately after lowering the waffle fries basket into the oil?

Gently shaking the basket immediately after lowering the waffle fries into the oil is important to ensure that the fries cook evenly and do not clump together. By shaking the basket, you help separate any fries that might stick together, allowing the hot oil to circulate freely around each piece. This action promotes even cooking and a consistent texture, which is essential for achieving the desired quality of the finished fries.

Waiting for the timer is necessary for tracking cooking time, but it should come after ensuring the fries are properly submerged and separated for even cooking. Adding more fries at this point could overcrowd the basket, leading to inconsistent cooking results. Turning off the oil is not appropriate, as it would halt the cooking process entirely and lead to undercooked fries. Thus, shaking the basket is the best practice to follow immediately after lowering it into the oil.