Raw fruits or vegetables are pre-treated prior to atmospheric frying. Pre-treatment includes application of a pulsed electric field to the raw products followed by slicing and immediate blanching in a water solution of above 145°F in a turbulent environment. The pulsed electric field utilizes vertically oriented electrodes to treat the products. The treated food products can then be atmospherically fried at a low oil temperature to a shelf stable moisture content to produce fried crisps having an appealing light color and crunchy texture despite a high amount of reducing sugars, sucrose, starch, and/or solids present in the raw material.
