Baked French Fries

Craving the crispy, golden perfection of French fries without the guilt of deep-frying? Baked French fries offer the best of both worlds—flavorful, crunchy, and healthier than their fried counterparts. This easy recipe will guide you through the process of making baked fries that are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, all without the excess oil. Whether you're enjoying them as a snack, side dish, or party food, these fries are sure to satisfy your craving. Let’s dive into how you can whip up a batch of irresistible, homemade baked fries in no time.

Why You'll Love These Baked French Fries

1. Healthier Choice: Baking fries cuts down on the oil content, making them a lighter and healthier option than traditional deep-fried versions.
2. Easy to Make: With just a handful of ingredients—potatoes, oil, and a few seasonings—you can have a batch ready to go in the oven.
3. Customizable to Your Taste: From classic salt and pepper to more adventurous seasonings like paprika or garlic powder, you can adjust the flavors to your liking.
4. Kid-Approved: These baked fries are a favorite with all ages, making them perfect for family dinners or gatherings.

The Key to Getting Crispy Baked Fries

If you've ever been disappointed by soggy homemade fries, don’t worry. There are a few simple tricks to guarantee that your baked fries come out perfectly crispy every time:

1. Soaking the Potatoes: One of the most important steps in making crispy fries is to soak the sliced potatoes in cold water. This helps remove excess starch, which is often the culprit behind soggy fries. A 30-minute soak is usually enough, but if you have time, leaving them for an hour or more can make them even crispier.
2. Drying the Potatoes Well: After soaking, you’ll want to dry the potatoes thoroughly. Excess moisture will steam the fries instead of allowing them to crisp up, so be sure to pat them dry with a clean towel or paper towels.
3. Cutting Evenly: Uniform fries ensure even cooking. When your fries are similar in size, they’ll cook evenly, avoiding undercooked or overly crispy pieces.
4. Preheating the Oven: A hot oven is crucial for achieving that golden-brown exterior. Set your oven to 425°F to get the right amount of heat for crisping the fries.
5. Spacing on the Pan: Fries need room to crisp, so don’t overcrowd the baking sheet. Spread them out in a single layer to allow the heat to circulate properly.

Step-by-Step Recipe for Perfect Baked French Fries

Ingredients

• 4 large russet potatoes
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it with non-stick spray.

2. Scrub and slice the potatoes: Wash the potatoes thoroughly under cold water. You can leave the skins on for added texture or peel them if you prefer. Slice the potatoes into ¼-inch thick strips for even cooking.

3. Soak the potato slices: Place the potato slices into a large bowl and cover them with cold water. Soak for at least 30 minutes to remove excess starch, which helps them crisp up in the oven.

4. Drain and dry the potatoes: After soaking, drain the potatoes and spread them out on a towel. Pat them dry thoroughly to remove all moisture.

5. Season the fries: In a large bowl, toss the dried potato slices with olive oil, salt, pepper, and any additional seasonings like paprika or garlic powder. Make sure each piece is evenly coated for the best flavor.

6. Arrange the fries on the baking sheet: Spread the fries out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they’re not touching. Overcrowding the pan will prevent the fries from getting crispy.

7. Bake the fries: Place the fries in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Flip the fries halfway through to ensure they cook evenly and develop a golden, crispy texture.

8. Add extra crispness: For even crispier fries, turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes of baking. Keep a close eye on them to avoid burning.

9. Serve hot: Once the fries are golden and crispy, take them out of the oven and serve immediately. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauce for an extra treat.

Tips for Making the Best Baked Fries

• Potato Type Matters: Russet potatoes are ideal for French fries because they have a high starch content, which helps them crisp up beautifully when baked.
• Use Parchment Paper: Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper prevents the fries from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
• Don’t Skip the Drying Step: Moisture is the enemy of crispy fries. After soaking, make sure the potatoes are as dry as possible before baking.
• Play with Seasonings: Get creative with your seasonings! You can add a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat, sprinkle on Parmesan cheese after baking for richness, or experiment with herbs like rosemary or thyme.

Dipping Sauces to Enhance Your Fries

Sure, ketchup is a classic, but why not try something different? Here are a few ideas for dipping sauces that pair perfectly with baked fries:

1. Garlic Aioli: A creamy, rich dip made with mayonnaise, minced garlic, and a touch of lemon juice.
2. Spicy Sriracha Mayo: Combine mayonnaise with sriracha sauce for a tangy, spicy kick.
3. Honey Mustard: Sweet and tangy, honey mustard is a perfect match for the salty, crispy fries.
4. Ranch Dressing: A cool and creamy dip made with buttermilk, herbs, and spices that complements the fries’ savory flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Baked French fries are incredibly versatile. They make a great side dish for burgers, grilled chicken, or even as part of a hearty breakfast with eggs and bacon. Want to take it a step further? Turn them into loaded fries by adding melted cheese, crispy bacon, sour cream, and green onions. They’re also a fantastic option for game day snacks or casual get-togethers with friends.

Why Baked Fries Are the Ultimate Comfort Food

These baked French fries aren’t just a healthier version of the classic—they’re every bit as satisfying. With their crispy exterior and fluffy interior, they hit all the right notes without the extra oil. Plus, they’re easy to make and customizable to your preferences. Whether you're feeding a crowd or making a quick snack for yourself, these fries are sure to impress.

No more frying mess or greasy smell in the kitchen—just perfectly crisp, golden fries that you can feel good about eating. Pair them with your favorite main course or enjoy them on their own with a variety of dips!

Baked French Fries Recipe

---

Ingredients 

Directions

Baked French Fries is one of many healthy recipe ideas that you can find on our recipe page. 

Don't have time to cook and prepare your own meals? get healthy meals delivered to your doorstep from TRIFECTA (use NOUR coupon code for 40% off).

CLICK HERE