Forget the deep fryer — these Baked French Fries deliver that same satisfying crunch with a soft, fluffy center, all made right in your oven. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have restaurant-style fries that are lighter, cleaner, and just as addictive. Whether you’re serving them alongside burgers, piling them into wraps, or enjoying them solo with your favorite dipping sauce, these homemade fries are the side you’ll keep coming back to.
Why You’ll Love These Oven Fries 💛
✅ Golden and crispy without the grease
✅ Only 3 main ingredients
✅ Budget-friendly and easy to customize
✅ Healthier than fast food but just as craveable
✅ Great for meal prep and late-night snacks
Ingredients You’ll Need 🛒
These fries are as simple as it gets, but the quality of each ingredient makes a big difference:
- 2 large russet potatoes 🥔: These are the gold standard for fries. High in starch, they crisp up beautifully in the oven while staying tender inside. Leave the skins on for extra texture and nutrients.
- 2 tablespoons neutral oil (olive or canola): Oil is key for creating a crisp exterior. Olive oil gives a richer flavor; canola keeps it neutral and light.
- ½ teaspoon salt: A simple seasoning that lets the potato flavor shine. Add more to taste after baking, or play around with flavored salts.
💡 Optional Flavor Boosters:
- Garlic powder or smoked paprika for extra depth
- Fresh rosemary or thyme for an herby finish
- Chili flakes or cayenne for a kick
- Grated Parmesan for a cheesy twist after baking 🧀
How to Make Baked French Fries 👩🍳
- Prep the Potatoes:
Scrub the potatoes thoroughly and pat them dry. Slice into ⅜-inch thick fries by first cutting the potato into thick rounds, then slicing each round into matchstick-like pieces. - Soak to Crisp:
Place the sliced fries in a bowl of cold water and let them soak for 15–30 minutes. This helps remove excess starch, which leads to crispier fries. If short on time, skip this step — the result will still be tasty, just slightly softer. - Preheat & Prep the Pan:
Set your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking and promote even browning. - Dry Thoroughly:
Drain the soaked potatoes and dry them very well using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. This is crucial — wet fries steam instead of crisp. - Season & Toss:
In a large bowl, toss the fries with olive oil and salt (plus any additional seasonings). Make sure they’re evenly coated. - Arrange for Maximum Crisp:
Spread the fries out on the baking sheet in a single layer, giving each fry a bit of breathing room. Crowding leads to steaming instead of crisping. - Bake to Perfection:
Bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through. Look for edges that are golden brown and crispy — but don’t let them dry out. - Serve Hot:
Sprinkle with a little extra salt if needed and enjoy immediately with your favorite dip: ketchup, aioli, ranch, or even sriracha mayo! 😍
Tips for Perfect Homemade Fries 🧠
🥔 Use russet potatoes — their starch makes the best fry texture
💧 Soak and dry thoroughly for next-level crisp
🔥 Roast at high heat (425°F or higher) for browning
🍟 Spread out evenly — don’t stack or crowd
🌿 Finish with fresh herbs or seasoning salts for flavor
Storage & Reheating Tips 🧊
- Fridge: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheat: Re-crisp in a 400°F oven or toaster oven for 5–8 minutes. Avoid the microwave — it softens the texture.
- Freezer: Not ideal for already-cooked fries. Instead, slice and freeze raw (blanched) fries for future batches.
FAQs About Baked Fries ❓
Q: Can I use a different type of potato?
A: Yukon Golds also work and have a buttery flavor, but won’t get quite as crispy.
Q: Why soak the potatoes?
A: It removes surface starch that can cause fries to stick and steam. Soaking = extra crisp.
Q: Can I add cheese?
A: Yes! Sprinkle with Parmesan or cheddar after baking, or try a cheesy fry version under the broiler for 1–2 minutes.
Q: Are they as crispy as deep-fried?
A: Not quite — but close enough to be totally satisfying, with far less mess and grease.
Final Thoughts 💭
There’s something so satisfying about making your own Baked French Fries at home — no drive-thru, no deep fryer, just simple ingredients and a hot oven. You get all the golden, crunchy goodness you’re craving without the guilt or the mess. With a little prep and a hot pan, you’ll have fries that rival your favorite fast food joint 🍟✨
These fries are endlessly customizable. Keep it classic with salt and ketchup, or level up with toppings like shredded cheese, chopped herbs, or spicy aioli. They’re great for casual dinners, snacks, party platters, or even as a base for loaded fries with pulled pork, nacho toppings, or vegan chili.
So next time a craving hits, skip the frozen bag or the drive-thru and make a batch from scratch. Your kitchen will smell amazing, your fries will taste better, and you’ll probably end up making them again tomorrow.
Short Version
Baked French Fries
Ingredients
- 2 whole russet potatoes skin-on for added texture and crispiness
- 2 tablespoons of your preferred oil — olive oil or canola oil both work well
- ½ teaspoon salt or more to taste depending on your preference
Instructions
- Scrub the potatoes thoroughly and pat them dry. Slice into ⅜-inch thick French fries by first cutting the potatoes into ⅜-inch thick rounds, then slicing each round into fries.
- Place the cut fries in a large bowl, cover with cold water, and let them soak for 15 minutes to remove excess starch.*
- Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Drain the fries and dry them very well using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Spread them out on the prepared baking sheet.
- Drizzle olive oil over the fries and sprinkle with salt. Toss everything together to coat the fries evenly.
- Arrange the fries in a single layer, leaving space between each one to ensure they crisp up while baking.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the fries are golden brown and crispy.
Notes
