Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, baked French fries are a guilt-free version of everyone’s favorite side dish. Instead of deep frying, these fries are roasted in the oven until golden and crunchy, with just a fraction of the oil. The result is a deliciously satisfying bite that pairs perfectly with chilli burgers, sandwiches, or just a simple dipping sauce.
To make them, start with good-quality Russet or Yukon gold potatoes. Their natural starch helps achieve that crisp exterior. Slice them evenly into sticks, about a quarter inch thick, to ensure they cook uniformly. Soak the potatoes in cold water for at least 30 minutes to remove excess starch, this is the secret to getting that perfect crunch without deep frying. After soaking, drain and pat them completely dry with a clean towel.
Toss the potato sticks in a light coating of olive oil, salt, and your favorite seasonings. A simple mix of garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper adds a nice flavor, but you can get creative with chili powder, rosemary, or even Parmesan. Spread the fries out in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, giving them enough room to crisp up rather than steam. Bake them at 425°F (220°C) for about 30 to 35 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden brown and crisp.
Once out of the oven, sprinkle the fries with a little extra salt or herbs while they’re still hot. For a restaurant-style finish, you can drizzle them with a touch of truffle oil or sprinkle them with grated cheese.
Serve baked French fries immediately for the best texture. They’re perfect alongside burgers, roasted chicken, or even a simple grilled sandwich. For dipping, try homemade ketchup, garlic aioli, spicy mayo, or a tangy yogurt dip. If you’re serving them as an appetizer, pair with a cold beer or lemonade. This baked version offers all the indulgence of traditional fries but with a lighter, healthier twist that makes them a favorite for everyday meals or weekend treats.
Ingredients
- 2 large potatoes such as Russet or Yukon Gold
- 2 tablespoons olive oil extra virgin
- 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika optional, for color and flavor
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Wash and peel the potatoes. Cut them into even-sized strips resembling French fries.
- Soak the potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes to remove excess starch, then drain and pat dry.
- In a large bowl, toss the potato strips with olive oil, salt, pepper, and paprika until well coated.
- Spread the potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden and crispy.
- Remove from the oven and season with additional salt if desired before serving.
Nutrition
Not bad. I think I added too much salt tho. Be careful with the seasoning, y’all!
So simple but I must say I don’t have olive oil, I used butter! Still tasty. 10/10 would eat again!
These fries turned out amazing! Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside. Definitely making again!
Best fries ever! Way better than McDonald’s. My kids love them, and it’s healthy!
Totally agree! They taste so much fresher than fast food fries. My kids can’t get enough either!
Meh. They didn’t come out as crisp as I hoped. Maybe my oven is broken haha. 🙁
I don’t get why people soak the potatoes. Just cut and bake them! Mine were soggy…maybe don’t soak idk
Super delish! I added garlic powder too and wowza! My new go-to snack 🙂
Garlic powder? I dont know about that. Seems kinda odd for fries, but to each their own I guess.
I love that you added garlic powder! It’s the little tweaks that make a recipe perfect. Can’t wait to try it myself!
Baked fries? More like, baked fail. They were kinda soft. Never gonna replace real fried fries for me!
I mean, they turned out ok, but definitely not as crispy as I thought they’d be. Maybe I missed something?
These were so easy to make! The flavor was on point. My family loved them!
Potatoes are potatoes, right? Mine were brown when I took them out. Did I do it wrong??