Can you oven bake french fries?

Absolutely! Oven baking is an easy way to make crispy, delicious French fries without deep frying. The key is soaking the potatoes to remove excess starch, drying them thoroughly, coating them lightly with oil, and baking them at a high temperature. Spreading the fries in a single layer and flipping them halfway through helps them brown evenly and develop crispy edges with fluffy centers.

Why do you soak potatoes before making French fries?

Soaking potatoes removes excess starch from the surface, which helps the fries crisp up in the oven instead of sticking together. Even a 30-minute soak makes a noticeable difference, but you can soak them for up to 8 hours if you're planning ahead. Just be sure to dry them thoroughly before baking. Combined with this simple cooking method, soaking is one of the keys to achieving crispy homemade French fries without deep frying.

Why aren't my oven baked French fries crispy?

The most common reasons are too much moisture or overcrowding the pan. Dry the potatoes very well after soaking, spread them in a single layer without overlapping, and bake until they're deeply golden brown. Giving them enough space allows them to roast instead of steam.

Do I have to peel the potatoes?

No. Leaving the skins on gives the fries a rustic look and adds a little extra texture. If you prefer classic restaurant-style fries, peel the potatoes before cutting them.

What are the best potatoes for French fries?

Russet potatoes are the best choice because they're high in starch and bake up crispy on the outside while staying fluffy inside. Yukon Gold potatoes also work well, although the texture will be slightly creamier.

Can I make oven baked French fries ahead of time?

French fries are best served fresh from the oven, but leftovers reheat surprisingly well. Store them in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven or air fryer until hot and crispy again.

Are baked french fries healthier?

Baked French fries are generally considered a lighter option than deep-fried fries because they use much less oil. They still have the crispy texture and delicious potato flavor, but with less added fat. While they're still best enjoyed in moderation, oven baked fries can be a great choice when you're craving homemade French fries and want a simpler cooking method that doesn't require a deep fryer.

Oven Baked French Fries

Description

Oven Baked French Fries are crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and easy to make with just a few simple ingredients. No deep fryer needed!

Ingredients

Scale

2 pounds (900 grams) russet potatoes (about 4 large potatoes)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 425°F.
Wash and scrub the potatoes well. Peel them if desired, or leave the skins on for more rustic homemade fries. Cut the potatoes into ¼-inch thick fries, keeping them as uniform in size as possible so they cook evenly.
Place the cut potatoes in a large bowl of cold water and soak for at least 30 minutes, or up to 8 hours in the refrigerator.
Drain and rinse the potatoes, then pat them completely dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. If you have time, spread them out on a dry towel and let them air dry for 5 to 10 minutes. Removing as much moisture as possible is one of the keys to crispy oven baked French fries.
Transfer the potatoes to a large mixing bowl. Add the olive oil, garlic powder, black pepper, and ½ teaspoon of the salt, then toss until evenly coated.
Spread the fries onto a large baking sheet in a single layer, making sure they aren't overlapping. Crowding the pan will cause the fries to steam instead of crisp.
Bake for 20 minutes. Flip the fries with a spatula, then continue baking for another 20 to 25 minutes, or until they're deeply golden brown and crispy.
Remove the fries from the oven and immediately sprinkle with the remaining ½ teaspoon salt, or more to taste. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces.

Notes

How to store: Store leftover French fries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

How to reheat: Reheat in a 425°F oven for 5 to 10 minutes or in the air fryer at 375°F for 3 to 5 minutes until hot and crispy again. I don't recommend microwaving them, as they'll lose their crisp texture.

How to freeze: Allow the fries to cool completely, then spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, about 1 to 2 hours. Transfer the frozen fries to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat directly from frozen in a 425°F oven or 375°F air fryer until hot and crispy.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Soak Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Bake
Cuisine: American