You can have perfectly crispy and golden French fries without deep frying! These fries taste just as good as the fried version, but they’re much easier to make and healthier. There’s a simple method that guarantees crispiness — explained below.
I’ll be bold: these oven-baked fries can be even better than deep-fried ones. They come out golden and crisp on the outside, fluffy inside, and use far less oil and fewer calories.
They’re also easier to prepare since you don’t need to stand over a fryer or work in batches. Minimal effort, maximum reward.
If you enjoyed the baked chicken parmesan recipe, you’ll see the same principle here: you don’t need deep frying to get the crunchy texture you want. The key is the technique.
Baked French fries ingredients:
You only need a few simple ingredients:
• Potatoes: Russets are ideal for the crispiest results.
• Oil: A little neutral oil to promote browning without greasiness.
• Salt: Season after baking. Optional spices: paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, Italian seasoning, etc.
The secret to the best baked French fries is…
a COLD oven.
Starting the fries in a cold oven lets the potatoes heat through as the oven warms. Once it reaches temperature, the exterior crisps while the interior stays tender — the ideal balance.
With this method you can skip par-boiling, soaking, and temperature changes. It’s fast, consistent, and straightforward.
Tips for getting the best crispy French fries in the oven:
• Rinse well. Removing surface starch prevents sogginess — rinse until the water runs mostly clear.
• Dry thoroughly. Any remaining water will steam the fries and stop them from crisping.
• Use a neutral-flavored oil. Oils like vegetable, canola, peanut, or corn oil tolerate high heat and won’t impart off flavors. Avoid extra-virgin olive oil for 425°F baking.
• Arrange in a single layer. Spread fries with minimal overlap so each piece can brown evenly. Use two baking sheets if necessary.
• Do not preheat your oven. Place fries in the cold oven and then set it to 425°F — this produces the best texture.
• Salt after baking. Salt draws moisture and can make fries soft if added too early; season once they are crisp.
If you liked these oven baked French fries, try other potato recipes:
• creamy mashed potatoes
• crispy breakfast potatoes
• garlic roasted potatoes
• creamy potato soup
Looking for another side? Here are some favorites:
• rolled buttermilk biscuits
• garlic green beans
• garlic butter sautéed mushrooms
• oregano chicken salad
• soft dinner rolls
The Best Baked French Fries Recipe
- Author: Mimi
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 people (approx.)
Description
Perfectly crispy, golden fries with less oil — a simple technique makes them reliably crunchy outside and tender inside. Healthy, easy, and delicious.
Ingredients
- 2 & ½ pounds Russet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- salt (to taste)
Instructions
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Use a sheet (or two) large enough to hold a single layer of fries with minimal overlap. Set aside.
- Wash the potatoes. If you prefer skin-on fries, leave the skins; otherwise peel. Cut into even fries.
- Place the cut fries in a large bowl and rinse with cold water to remove surface starch. Repeat until the water runs nearly clear. Drain and pat completely dry with a clean towel or paper towels.
- Return fries to a dry bowl and toss with the vegetable oil to coat evenly. Spread in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet(s).
- Place the fries on the center rack of a cold oven. Set the oven to 425°F and allow it to preheat with the fries inside. Once preheated, bake for 15–20 minutes until golden and crisp, tossing once halfway through for even browning.
- Remove from the oven and season with salt to taste. Serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Enjoy!