Crispy Baked French Fries Recipe

Crispy Golden Oven-Baked French Fries Recipe

Golden, crispy baked french fries dance between health-conscious cooking and irresistible comfort.

These oven fries promise a crunchy exterior with a soft, pillowy interior that rivals any deep-fried version.

We’ve perfected a technique that cuts through traditional greasy expectations, delivering maximum flavor with minimal oil.

Salt and simple seasonings turn ordinary potatoes into an addictive side dish everyone will love.

The secret lies in strategic preparation and high-heat roasting that guarantees those coveted crisp edges.

Each bite promises a satisfying crunch that makes these fries a total game-changer for potato lovers.

Dive into this simple recipe and revolutionize your potato game forever.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 40-45 minutes

Total Time: 70-75 minutes

Calories: 200 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for Baked French Fries

For Base Ingredients:
  • Baking Potatoes: Choose sturdy russet potatoes with smooth, firm skin and no green spots for the perfect crispy texture.
  • Olive Oil: Select high-quality extra virgin olive oil to help potatoes achieve a golden, crunchy exterior and enhance flavor.
For Seasoning:
  • Seasoned Salt: Adds a zesty, all-purpose flavor profile that complements the natural potato taste.
  • Lemon Pepper: Introduces a bright, tangy kick with subtle peppery heat that elevates the fries' overall taste experience.

Tools You’ll Need for Oven Baked Fries

  • Baking Sheet: Large, flat pan for even cooking and crispy fries.
  • Parchment Paper: Non-stick surface to prevent fries from sticking and make cleanup easy.
  • Large Bowl: For soaking and tossing potatoes with oil and seasonings.
  • Sharp Knife: To cut potatoes into uniform fry shapes.
  • Colander: For draining and rinsing potato pieces after soaking.
  • Kitchen Towels: To thoroughly dry potato pieces before seasoning.
  • Spatula or Tongs: For flipping and removing fries from baking sheet.

Baking Steps for Crispy Potato Fries

  • Potato Selection

Choose fresh, firm potatoes with smooth skin. Russet or Idaho varieties work best for creating crispy, delightful oven fries.

  • Potato Transformation

Slice potatoes into uniform strips, keeping skin on for extra nutrition and rustic texture. Aim for consistent thickness to ensure even cooking.

  • Starch Release

Submerge potato strips in cold water for 30-45 minutes. This magical bath helps remove excess starch, promising crunchier results.

  • Moisture Elimination

Pat potato strips completely dry using clean kitchen towels. Removing moisture is key to achieving that perfect golden crunch.

  • Flavor Infusion

Gently coat potato strips with olive oil and sprinkle with your favorite seasonings. Salt, pepper, or herbs can elevate the taste experience.

  • Crispy Baking

Spread potato strips in a single layer on a lined baking sheet. Roast in a preheated oven at 425°F, rotating halfway through cooking. Bake until edges turn golden brown and surfaces become wonderfully crisp, approximately 35-40 minutes.

Tips for Crispiness & Seasoning

  • Potato Power Tricks: Choose starchy potatoes like Russet for the crispiest results that'll make your taste buds dance.
  • Seasoning Swagger: Experiment with spice blends like Cajun, ranch, or garlic parmesan to transform ordinary fries into extraordinary flavor bombs.
  • Crispiness Secrets: Pat potatoes completely dry after soaking – moisture is the enemy of achieving that perfect golden crunch every fry lover craves.
  • Healthy Twist: Swap regular potatoes for sweet potatoes or try a mix of root vegetables like parsnips and carrots for a nutritious and colorful side dish that looks as good as it tastes.
  • Dipping Delights: Create quick homemade sauces like sriracha mayo, truffle aioli, or herbed ranch to elevate your fries from simple side to restaurant-worthy appetizer that'll impress everyone at the table.

How to Plate These Golden Fries

  • Crispy Companion Platter: Serve these golden fries alongside juicy burgers, grilled chicken sandwiches, or classic hot dogs for a mouthwatering meal that screams comfort food.
  • Dip Delight Station: Create a flavor-packed dipping experience with homemade aioli, spicy sriracha mayo, tangy barbecue sauce, or classic ketchup to elevate the fry-eating adventure.
  • Loaded Fry Fiesta: Transform these baked fries into a loaded masterpiece by topping with crumbled bacon, melted cheese, chopped green onions, and a dollop of sour cream for an irresistible crowd-pleaser.
  • Gourmet Garnish Twist: Sprinkle fresh herbs like chopped parsley or rosemary, add a light dusting of parmesan cheese, or drizzle with truffle oil to give these fries a restaurant-worthy upgrade.

Reheat Tips for Leftover Oven Fries

  • Smart Storage Solutions: Keep leftover fries in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 3 days, maintaining their best texture and taste.
  • Crispy Reheating Trick: Revive cold fries by spreading them on a baking sheet and warming in a 425°F oven for 5-7 minutes, restoring their original crunchiness without extra oil.
  • Prep-Ahead Strategy: Slice potatoes and soak them in cold water up to 24 hours before cooking, then drain and pat dry right before seasoning and baking for maximum convenience.
  • Freezer-Friendly Option: Arrange uncooked seasoned fries on a baking sheet, freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to enjoy, bake directly from frozen, adding 5-10 extra minutes to cooking time.
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Crispy Baked French Fries Recipe

Crispy Baked French Fries


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4.8 from 33 reviews

  • Total Time: 70-75 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Crispy homemade Baked French Fries deliver restaurant-quality potato goodness without excess oil. Restaurant-style results come from strategic potato selection, precise cutting techniques, and careful seasoning for maximum flavor and crunch.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 potatoes (large, baking)
  • 23 tbsps (3045 mL) olive oil
  • 1 tbsp (15 mL) seasoned salt or lemon pepper
  • Salt to taste
  • ½ tsp (2.5 mL) black pepper
  • ½ cup (120 mL) sour cream
  • ½ cup (120 mL) shredded cheddar cheese
  • 3 tbsps (45 mL) chopped chives
  • 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

Instructions

  1. Potato Preparation: Wash whole potatoes under running water, keeping skin intact for nutritional benefits. Choose potatoes with smooth, unblemished surfaces.
  2. Cutting and Soaking: Slice potatoes into uniform rectangular strips, then submerge in ice-cold water for 30 minutes to remove excess starch. Drain thoroughly and pat completely dry using kitchen towels.
  3. Seasoning: In a large mixing bowl, toss potato strips with extra virgin olive oil, kosher salt, black pepper, and optional herbs like rosemary or thyme. Ensure even coating of seasonings.
  4. Roasting Setup: Arrange seasoned potato strips on a parchment-lined baking tray, spreading them out to prevent overcrowding. Position the rack in the oven’s center and preheat to 425°F.
  5. Cooking Process: Roast potatoes for 35-40 minutes, rotating the tray halfway through to promote even browning. Look for golden-brown edges and crisp exterior as indicators of doneness.
  6. Serving: Allow fries to rest for 2-3 minutes after removing from oven, which helps maintain their crispy texture. Transfer to a serving platter and enjoy immediately while hot and crunchy.

Notes

  • Potato Selection: Choose firm, unblemished potatoes with smooth skin for the best texture and nutrition.
  • Precise Cutting: Slice potatoes into uniform strips to ensure even cooking and maximum crispiness.
  • Starch Removal Technique: Soak potato strips in ice-cold water for 30 minutes to eliminate excess starch and prevent clumping.
  • Moisture Management: Thoroughly pat dry potato strips to guarantee a crisp, golden exterior during roasting.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Side Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: French

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 200
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 500 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Emily Roberts

Emily Roberts

Content Creator & Kitchen Tips Specialist

Expertise

Dietary Planning​, Public Health Nutrition, Nutritional Education​, Content Development​

Education

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

  • Degree: Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences
  • Focus: Research on dietary patterns and their impact on chronic diseases.​

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)

  • Credential: Expertise in translating nutrition science into practical advice. ​

Emily Roberts is our content specialist and registered dietitian at HealthyChoices.org. With her Master’s degree in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Illinois and her Registered Dietitian Nutritionist certification, Emily uses her deep nutrition knowledge to write helpful, easy-to-understand guides about healthy eating. 

Her warm, practical advice empowers readers to confidently make healthier choices, turning everyday meals into simple moments of wellness and joy.

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