Baked French Fries are a game-changer for anyone who craves crispy, golden fries without the mess or commitment of deep frying. These fries achieve that craveable texture and flavor with just a handful of pantry staples, baking up beautifully every time with a fraction of the oil. Whether you’re cheering on game day, hosting family burger night, or just satisfying a weeknight craving, this Baked French Fries recipe delivers all the comfort and crunch of classic fries—right from your oven.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Great Baked French Fries hinge on just a few high-quality ingredients. Each one plays a starring role in building flavor, crispness, and that gorgeous golden hue that make fries irresistible.
- Russet potatoes: The king of fries—russets have the right starch content for crispy outsides and fluffy centers.
- Olive oil: Adds necessary moisture and promotes browning, without overpowering the potato flavor.
- Kosher salt: Classic, bold seasoning that enhances every bite; flakes adhere better than table salt.
- Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a gentle kick and savory depth.
- Optional: garlic powder, paprika, or dried herbs: Bring your own twist—these elevate flavor and color without complicating the prep.
How to Make Baked French Fries
Step 1: Prep and Cut the Potatoes
Start by scrubbing the potatoes thoroughly—no need to peel unless you prefer. Slice them into even, 1/4-inch thick sticks. Uniformity is key here: equal sizes help all your Baked French Fries cook at the same rate, ensuring you get that golden crunch instead of a mix of limp and overdone pieces.
Step 2: Soak for Ultimate Crispiness
Place your cut fries into a large bowl of cold water and let them soak for about 30 minutes. This step pulls excess starch from the potatoes, a secret weapon for getting those irresistible crispy edges once they hit the oven.
Step 3: Dry and Season
Drain the soaked fries thoroughly, then spin them in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to ensure they’re bone dry. Toss the fries with olive oil, salt, pepper, and any chosen seasonings, coating each piece well—this simple treatment is everything for perfectly seasoned Baked French Fries.
Step 4: Arrange on the Baking Sheet
Spread your fries in a single, even layer on a parchment-lined or lightly greased baking sheet. Give them a little space; crowding leads to steaming, which keeps fries soft instead of crisp. Better to use two trays than pile them up.
Step 5: Bake and Flip
Bake the fries in a hot oven (425°F/220°C) for 20 minutes, then flip each fry with a spatula for even browning. Return them to the oven for another 15–20 minutes, keeping a close eye as they finish. You’re looking for deep golden color and crispy exteriors—pure Baked French Fries magic!
How to Serve Baked French Fries
Garnishes
A shower of fresh chopped parsley or chives brightens up every batch of Baked French Fries. Sprinkle flaky sea salt for another layer of crunch, or add freshly grated Parmesan for a savory upgrade that always disappears first.
Side Dishes
You truly can’t go wrong serving these Baked French Fries alongside classic burgers, grilled chicken, veggie burgers, or even a big salad for balance. Their versatile flavor stands up to just about any main dish that loves a sidekick.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or snack occasions, pile the fries in parchment cones or small baskets. Offer a flight of dips—think aioli, sriracha mayo, or classic ketchup—for a personalized, interactive fry bar. Kids and adults alike will adore customizing each bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you manage to have any Baked French Fries left (rare, but it happens!), cool them completely and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. This helps avoid sogginess and maintains as much crispness as possible.
Freezing
To freeze, arrange the fully cooled fries in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to a zip-top bag or freezer container. That way, you can grab just the amount of fries you want, any time a craving hits.
Reheating
To bring fries back to life, spread them out on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F/200°C until hot and crisp, about 10 minutes. Skip the microwave—it makes fries chewy instead of crisp. The oven ensures your Baked French Fries taste fresh every time.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of potato?
Absolutely! Yukon Golds offer a creamy inside and mildly sweet flavor. The texture will be slightly less crunchy, but still delicious. Just avoid waxy potatoes, as they don’t crisp up as nicely.
Why do my fries turn out soggy sometimes?
Soggy fries are usually the result of not drying the potatoes thoroughly or overcrowding the baking tray. Give each fry plenty of space and make sure they’re as dry as possible before baking for the best results.
Could I make Baked French Fries with sweet potatoes?
Definitely! Sweet potato fries bake up beautifully. Just remember they cook a bit faster and have a softer texture, so check them a few minutes early to avoid over-browning.
Can I prepare the fries ahead of time?
You can cut the potatoes and keep them soaking in cold water in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes for a super easy mealtime assembly!
What are the best dips for Baked French Fries?
Ketchup is a classic, but ranch, spicy sriracha mayonnaise, garlic aioli, or even barbecue sauce are all fantastic partners for Baked French Fries. Don’t be afraid to get creative and offer a mix!
Final Thoughts
I hope you feel inspired to whip up a tray of Baked French Fries soon—once you see how easy and delicious they are, I promise they’ll become a regular feature in your kitchen. Gather some friends, fire up the oven, and let the aroma of homemade fries bring everyone running to the table!
Print
Baked French Fries Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 30 minutes soak time)
- Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
- Total Time: 55–60 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy, golden, and healthier than deep-fried, these Baked French Fries are the perfect side dish or snack—easy to make and endlessly customizable.
Ingredients
- 4 large russet potatoes, scrubbed (peeled optional)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- Optional: 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Optional: 1/2 tsp paprika
- Optional: 1/2 tsp dried herbs (thyme, rosemary)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment or lightly grease.
- Cut potatoes into 1/4-inch sticks. Soak in cold water for 30 minutes to remove excess starch.
- Drain and dry thoroughly with paper towels. Toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, and optional seasonings.
- Spread fries in a single layer on the baking sheet, ensuring no crowding. Use two trays if needed.
- Bake for 20 minutes, then flip fries. Bake an additional 15–20 minutes until golden and crisp.
- Remove from oven, let rest briefly, and serve hot with your favorite garnishes and dips.
Notes
- Add chopped parsley or chives and a sprinkle of Parmesan for a gourmet finish.
- Serve with aioli, ketchup, or a spicy dipping sauce for variety.
- For sweet potato fries, reduce bake time slightly and watch closely to avoid overcooking.
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