If you adore crispy fries but prefer a healthier twist, Baked French Fries are exactly what you’ve been craving. These golden beauties marry the satisfying crunch of the classic fry with none of the guilt of deep-frying. Every bite delivers tender potato flavor wrapped in a shatteringly crisp shell, all brought together by aromatic spices that make your kitchen smell irresistible. You won’t believe how easy it is to recreate your favorite snack at home, and once you do, you may never look at fast-food fries the same way again!

Baked French Fries Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of pantry staples to make homemade Baked French Fries, and each is essential in creating fries that are just as flavorful as they are simple. Every ingredient brings something wonderful, whether it’s crispiness, color, or extra zing.

Russet potatoes: Their high starch content makes them ideal for crispy-on-the-outside, fluffy-on-the-inside fries.
Olive oil: A drizzle gives the fries that golden color and luscious texture without the heaviness of deep-frying.
Salt: This simple seasoning brings classic fry flavor to life — don’t skimp!
Black pepper: Adds the perfect hint of warmth and depth to every bite.
Garlic powder: The secret to an irresistibly savory kick that keeps you reaching for more.
Smoked paprika: This subtle smoky spice turns up the wow-factor and gives your fries a gorgeous color.
Fresh parsley (optional): A sprinkle for garnish brings freshness and a pop of green that makes every plate look restaurant-worthy.

How to Make Baked French Fries

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to a piping hot 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper — this keeps sticking at bay and helps with even browning. While the oven works its magic coming up to temperature, gather your ingredients and let the anticipation build because those Baked French Fries are worth it!

Step 2: Slice the Potatoes

Grab your russet potatoes and, if you like, peel them for that classic French fry look. Using a sharp knife (or a fry cutter for extra precision), slice your potatoes into thin, even matchsticks roughly 1/4 inch thick. Uniformity here is key: evenly cut fries mean everything roasts at the same pace and you get beautiful, crispy results from edge to edge.

Step 3: Soak for Maximum Crispiness

Here’s the secret all the best Baked French Fries recipes shout about: soaking! Place your potato sticks into a bowl of very cold water and let them soak for at least 30 minutes. This little bath draws out excess starch, ensuring your fries bake up fabulously crisp instead of soggy. If you’re short on time, even a 20-minute soak helps, but try to give them the full half hour when you can.

Step 4: Dry the Potatoes Completely

Once the fries have soaked, drain them well and spread them onto a clean towel. Pat them fully dry; any lingering moisture will sabotage your crispiness. Transferring the fries back into a large, dry bowl sets the stage for even oil and spice coverage in the next step.

Step 5: Season & Toss

Drizzle the fries with olive oil, then sprinkle over the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Now, really get in there with your hands and toss until every single fry is glistening with oil and thoroughly coated with seasoning. This step amps up the flavor and guarantees each bite tastes like true fry perfection.

Step 6: Bake to Crispy Glory

Spread your seasoned fries on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, making sure none are overlapping. Giving each fry a little breathing room ensures they crisp instead of steam. Bake for 20 minutes, then flip each fry (a spatula works great here) and roast for another 15 to 20 minutes. When they emerge golden, deeply crispy, and totally irresistible, you’ll know you’ve nailed it!

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Remove the fries from the oven and, while they’re still piping hot, sprinkle with a bit more salt if you’d like. Shower them with fresh parsley for a final flourish, then serve hot so everyone can enjoy that snap and sizzle.

How to Serve Baked French Fries

Garnishes

Elevate your Baked French Fries with a handful of chopped fresh parsley for brightness and color. A light dusting of extra salt or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan takes the flavor up another notch. If you like some heat, try a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes for a spicy kick!

Side Dishes

These fries are happy alongside just about anything — think burgers (veggie or classic!), sandwiches, grilled proteins, or picnic fare. A fresh green salad brings balance, while coleslaw or crunchy pickles add contrast that really highlights the fries’ savory goodness.

Creative Ways to Present

Take your presentation to the next level: serve Baked French Fries in paper cones for a bistro feel, pile them into little cast iron skillets for rustic charm, or set up a DIY fry bar with bowls of ketchup, aioli, sriracha mayo, and other dipping sauces. It’s a guaranteed hit at parties and family dinners alike!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any fries left (a rare event!), let them cool to room temperature before storing in an airtight container in the fridge. They keep well for up to three days, and while they lose some crispness, they’re still tasty and perfect for snacking or repurposing.

Freezing

Baked French Fries can be frozen after baking. Spread cooled fries in a single layer on a tray and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to two months this way, making them ideal for prepping ahead.

Reheating

For best results, reheat fries in a hot oven at 400°F for about 10-12 minutes. This revives their delightful crispiness far better than a microwave. If you’re in a rush, an air fryer works wonders too, making those Baked French Fries almost as good as fresh.

FAQs

How do I get my Baked French Fries extra crispy?

To achieve ultimate crispiness, don’t skip soaking the cut potatoes to remove excess starch, and make sure to dry them thoroughly before adding oil and seasonings. Spreading them in a single, well-spaced layer on the baking sheet is also key.

Can I use a different type Side Dish

Yes! While russets are the crispiness champion, Yukon Gold potatoes produce lovely fries that are rich and a bit creamier inside. Avoid waxy potatoes, which won’t crisp up as nicely.

What dipping sauces go well with Baked French Fries?

Classic ketchup always wins, but garlic aioli, sriracha mayo, ranch, honey mustard, or even tangy barbecue sauce are all fantastic choices for dipping your fries.

Can I skip the oil to make these even lighter?

A little olive oil is needed to achieve that characteristic golden crispiness and to help the spices stick. If you want to use less, try spritzing the fries lightly with oil spray instead of drizzling.

Do I need to peel the potatoes?

Not at all! Leaving the skins on adds earthy flavor, extra fiber, and boosts nutrients. It’s completely up to your personal preference and both ways are delicious.

Final Thoughts

Making your own Baked French Fries is so satisfying and totally doable, and the rewards are huge: golden, crispy, flavor-packed fries you can enjoy anytime right from your own oven! Once you taste how incredibly tasty and simple these are, you’ll find excuses to make them again and again. Gather your spuds and get baking — your new favorite side dish awaits!

Baked French Fries Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 14 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegan

Print Recipe

Description

Delicious and crispy Baked French Fries made with simple seasonings and baked to perfection. A healthier alternative to traditional fries that the whole family will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Potatoes:

4 large russet potatoes, peeled if desired

Seasonings:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Garnish:

Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare the potatoes: Cut the potatoes into thin matchsticks, soak in cold water for 30 minutes, then dry thoroughly.
Season the fries: Toss the dried potatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika until well coated.
Bake: Arrange in a single layer on the baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes. Flip and bake for another 15-20 minutes until golden and crispy.
Finish and serve: Sprinkle with extra salt if desired, garnish with parsley, and serve hot.