What should be observed if the fries are cooked correctly during the final cooking stage?

When fries are cooked correctly during the final cooking stage, one of the key indicators to look for is their change in color and the fact that they begin to float. As fries cook, they undergo changes in temperature and moisture content, which affects their density. Proper cooking causes the fries to lose moisture, leading to a lighter texture, which in turn makes them float in the oil.

The transformation in color is also crucial; well-cooked fries will develop a golden-brown hue, indicating that they have reached the right level of crispness and are evenly cooked. This color change signifies that the sugars in the fries have caramelized, contributing to both flavor and appearance.

This floating behavior indicates that the fries are no longer heavy and dense, which would suggest undercooking. Limpness and dull color are signs of insufficient cooking, while remaining heavy and dense would indicate excessive moisture retention and inadequate cooking temperature.