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Home » Side Dishes » Baked French Fries

Published: February 19, 2020 Last Modified: February 19, 2020 By Sara 20 Comments

Baked French Fries

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

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.

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. Alternatively, you can mix together one teaspoon each of chili powder, paprika, salt and cumin and a half a teaspoon each of garlic powder, onion powder and oregano.
  • Cajun Fries: You can season the fries with a store bought Cajun spice blend, or make your own. Combine one teaspoon each of garlic powder, paprika and salt and a half teaspoon each of black pepper, cayenne pepper, onion powder, dried oregano and dried thyme.
  • 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.

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.

More delicious side dishes

  • Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese
  • Slow Cooker Glazed Carrots
  • Green Bean Bundles
  • Broccoli and Cheese Casserole
  • Sauteed Brussels Sprouts

Baked French Fries Video

A plate of baked french fries served with ketchup.
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5 from 14 votes

Baked French Fries

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. 
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Soaking Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings 5
Calories 261kcal
Author Sara Welch

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. Geno says

      May 30, 2021 at 6:38 pm

      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!

      Reply
      • Sara says

        May 30, 2021 at 9:29 pm

        Yes that’s exactly right!

        Reply
    2. Saadia says

      January 9, 2021 at 2:31 pm

      Can you recommend a fry cutter?

      Reply
      • Sara says

        January 9, 2021 at 8:17 pm

        I have this one, 3/8 inch! https://amzn.to/2MQsH4E

        Reply
    3. Mark says

      June 15, 2020 at 12:29 pm

      5 stars
      Love this easy healthier version of french fries.

      Reply
    4. Sara says

      April 25, 2020 at 4:20 pm

      5 stars
      It’s a really good recipe we love it thank you for sharing!

      Reply
    5. Theresa Storeylove says

      April 1, 2020 at 1:59 pm

      Love this app

      Reply
      • Sheri says

        February 25, 2021 at 6:44 pm

        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.

        Reply
    6. Marie says

      March 26, 2020 at 5:15 pm

      5 stars
      I forgot these were oven baked. I would reduce the salt a little but amazing flavor!

      Reply
    7. Suzy says

      March 2, 2020 at 9:14 am

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

      Reply
    8. katerina @ diethood.com says

      March 1, 2020 at 4:25 am

      5 stars
      I LOVE that these are baked!! I can’t wait to make them for my kids!

      Reply
    9. Catalina says

      February 28, 2020 at 1:00 pm

      5 stars
      I can’t believe that these fries are baked! I have to make them!

      Reply
    10. Erin says

      February 27, 2020 at 9:40 pm

      5 stars
      These french fries would disappear in our house!

      Reply
    11. Dorothy Reinhold says

      February 27, 2020 at 6:11 pm

      I am loving your list of variations. I might have to start at the top of the list and try them all!

      Reply
    12. Carrie Robinson says

      February 27, 2020 at 3:09 pm

      5 stars
      I am just loving the seasoning on these! They look perfect. 🙂

      Reply
    13. Sally says

      February 24, 2020 at 3:45 pm

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

      Reply
    14. Krissy Allori says

      February 24, 2020 at 3:41 pm

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

      Reply
    15. Lisa | Garlic & Zest says

      February 24, 2020 at 3:40 pm

      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.

      Reply
    16. Anjali says

      February 24, 2020 at 3:33 pm

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

      Reply
    17. Elaine says

      February 24, 2020 at 3:24 pm

      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!

      Reply

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