These baked french fries are potato strips coated in oil and seasonings, then oven baked until golden brown and crispy. A super easy side dish that’s always a hit with both kids and adults alike.

When I’m looking for a dish to round out a meal, I turn to classics such as baked beans, mac and cheese, and these homemade fries. They’re perfectly crisp without the hassle of deep frying.

Baked French Fries Recipe #potatoes #fries #dinner #dinneratthezoo Baked French Fries Recipe #potatoes #fries #dinner #dinneratthezoo

A plate of baked french fries served with ketchup.

I don’t know about you, but I can never resist a pile of piping hot french fries. These baked fries are a little healthier than their fried counterpart, and they also happen to be quite simple to make. These fries pair perfectly with homemade corn dogs or my delicious falafel recipe.

If you want other fry options, check out my classic homemade french fries, air fryer french fries and my crispy green bean fries!

How do you make baked french fries?

The first step in the process is to soak your cut potatoes in cold water. Soaking the potatoes allows them to release excess starch, which will make the fries crisp up better. After the potatoes have soaked, dry them well. Toss the potatoes in vegetable oil and seasonings, then place them on a sheet pan. Bake the fries until they are golden brown and crisp. Serve immediately with a dipping sauce of your choice.

Potato matchsticks in a bowl of water.

TIPS FOR THE PERFECT BAKED FRENCH FRIES

  • This recipe works best with Russet potatoes. Other types of potatoes will not give you that classic french fry taste and texture.
  • You can peel your potatoes, or leave them unpeeled. I tend to leave mine unpeeled for a little extra color and texture.
  • Make sure to cut your fries into similar sized pieces so that they cook at the same rate.
  • It’s important to thoroughly dry your potatoes after they come out of the water. Any water left on the potatoes will cause them to steam in the oven, which can result in softer fries.
  • It’s important to keep the fries in a single layer, if you pile them on top of each other they’ll steam, and they won’t have that crispy brown exterior that we’re going for here.
  • Serve your baked french fries with ketchup, ranch, or any other dipping sauce you like.

HOW TO CUT FRENCH FRIES

The absolute easiest way to cut french fries is to use a french fry cutter kitchen tool. These come in all different sizes and prices, but you can get a small fry cutting blade for not much money. The other option is to cut each potato horizontally into even slices, then cut horizontally down those slices to make potato matchsticks. You can cut your potatoes into thick or thin fries, whatever you like best. Just be aware that thicker fries may need to bake for more time.

Potato sticks on a paper towel lined pan.

WHAT IS THE BEST OIL FOR BAKED FRENCH FRIES?

There are a variety of oil choices that can be used for baked french fries. You want to look for an oil with a neutral flavor and a high smoke point so that it doesn’t burn in the oven. Some great options include vegetable oil, canola oil, peanut oil or safflower oil. I typically use either vegetable oil or peanut oil. I’ve also used olive oil with good results, although it does impart a stronger flavor.

FRENCH FRY FLAVOR VARIATIONS

This is a recipe for classic fries, but you can absolutely add other seasonings to create your own flavor combinations.

  • Garlic Fries: Cook 1 tablespoon of fresh minced garlic in 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Stir in 1 tablespoon chopped parsley, salt, and pepper to taste. Drizzle the garlic butter mixture over the fries, then toss to coat.
  • Mexican Fries: Toss the fries in 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning before they go into the oven.
  • Cajun Fries: You can season the fries with homemade Cajun seasoning or buy a seasoning blend.
  • Cheese Fries: Bake the fries according to the recipe, then add 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheese over the fries. Return the potatoes to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted.
  • Sauces: Try some dipping sauces for these fries like my classic burger joint fry sauce, tangy homemade BBQ sauce or cool ranch dip.

Sliced potatoes with oil and spices in a bowl.

How do you reheat baked french fries?

I find that these fries are best when fresh out of the oven, but you can reheat them if needed. Place the fries in a single layer in the oven, and bake at 375 degrees F until crispy and warmed through. You can also reheat your fries in the toaster oven, or in a pan on the stove top.

This is one of those recipes that is great to have on hand because baked fries go well with so many different main courses including sandwiches, chicken, steak and seafood!

Baked french fries on a sheet pan.

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Baked French Fries Video

5 from 14 votes

Baked French Fries

AuthorSara Welch
A plate of baked french fries served with ketchup.
These baked french fries are potato strips coated in oil and seasonings, then oven baked until golden brown and crispy. A super easy side dish that's always a hit with both kids and adults alike. 
Time
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Soaking Time30 minutes
Total Time1 hour 10 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Serves 5

Ingredients 

  • 4 medium Russet potatoes scrubbed and cut into 3/8 inch wide sticks
  • 1/4 cup oil such as vegetable oil or peanut oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
  • cooking spray

Instructions 

  • Place the potato sticks in a bowl of cold water. Let the potatoes soak for 30 minutes, then drain and pat dry.
  • Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Line a sheet pan with foil and coat the foil with cooking spray.
  • Place the potatoes in a large bowl along with the oil, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt and pepper.
  • Stir well until the potatoes are completely coated in oil and spices.
  • Spread the potatoes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown. Sprinkle with parsley and serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 261kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 5mg | Sodium: 741mg | Potassium: 728mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 255IU | Vitamin C: 9.7mg | Calcium: 96mg | Iron: 1.7mg

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Comments

  1. Curious what purpose the soaking in cold water serves. I imagine it removes some of the starch, which makes it crisp up better maybe?

    Thanks!

    1. 5 stars
      Yay!!! I’m glad I tried this. My 1st thought was to parboil potatoes then freeze which I will try next. I think I will parboil then put fries in oil & spices after taking them from the freezer then bake adjusting time as needed. This will be for when I get a killer deal on organic potatoes. These do not need anything on them, no catsup, dipping sauces, nada! And……this is a serious money saver. I buy organic fries at almost $4.00 a bag so this means I get some fries too. My husband gets most or all. One note though…..I could have easily halved the oil as I have a lot left. No worries, it will go in the fridge for the next batch of fries.

  2. 5 stars
    We love making homemade french fries! The tip for adding them into the water is perfect for making them crispy! Love it!

  3. 5 stars
    These turned out perfect! Such a simple recipe, but definitely better than we get from restaurants. Homemade is always better!

  4. 5 stars
    Yummy! These were so good. My picky boys loved them. I also realized that I don’t use smoked paprika nearly enough.

  5. 5 stars
    You’ve sold me on the fry cutter! I have to get one of those — because these baked fries look outstanding. I think I’d have to make a double batch, just in case. They look so good.

  6. 5 stars
    I love this healthier alternative to french fries!! They came out perfectly crispy in the oven and everyone gobbled them up!

  7. 5 stars
    It’s been a while since I baked French fries at home, and I have been meaning to do it for quite a while now. This looks like a great recipe to use!