Baked French Fries
These oven-baked French fries are everything you love about fast food — but made right at home. Crisp on the outside and soft in the center, they’re the perfect balance of texture and flavor. Serve them as a classic side or enjoy a batch as a snack with your favorite dipping sauce.
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
If you are short on time, you can skip the soaking step. The fries will be slightly less crispy but still very delicious.