How can you tell if pre-cooked fries are overdone?

The characteristic of slightly tougher skin and a darker color is a definitive indicator that pre-cooked fries are overdone. When fries are cooked for too long, the exterior undergoes changes in texture and coloration due to the Maillard reaction, which occurs during the frying process. This reaction can lead to the fries developing a tougher skin, indicating they have lost moisture and perhaps even some of their original flavor.

In addition to this physical transformation, the darker color signifies that the fries may have started to burn, which can negatively affect their taste as well. A proper fry should maintain a balance of color and texture, ideally being crispy yet tender inside. In contrast, options highlighting a soft and pale skin, bright yellow fries, or completely dried out fries do not accurately reflect the signs of overcooking. The first option suggests undercooked fries, while the third option indicates a properly cooked fry, and the last option points to an extreme state of overcooking that leads to a loss of all moisture and flavor. Thus, the choice emphasizing tougher skin and darker color aligns perfectly with the signs of overdone fries.