Baked French Fries is the perfect side dish for many Main Dish Recipes. These French Fries are baked golden brown with a crispy texture.
Baked French Fries is the ultimate side dish that we make for a healthier option to frying them. They generally use less oil than deep fried fries, making them a lighter option. You still get crispy fries without cooking them in a large amount of oil.
If you loved our Easy Homemade French Fries or Cheese Fries then you are going to love these Simple Baked Fries.
Why We Love These Fries
My kids love the crispness of these French Fries, the soft insides and amazing taste. Often times we make Frozen Fries because of how easy they are to make. But making these Baked French Fries is just as easy, can use any spices and the oven does all the work.
It is less messy and there is no need to heat oil on the stovetop. I can easily make these Steak Fries to complete any meal or make them for an afternoon snack.
Ingredients
- Russet Potatoes – You can also use Yukon Gold Potatoes
- Extra-Virgin Olive Oil – Use oil of your choice or a cooking spray
- Salt – We like using kosher salt or pink salt
- Black Pepper – Adds flavor to the French fries.
- Garlic Powder – If you are out, The Best Garlic Powder Substitute. You can also substitute with onion powder
- Paprika – See Best Paprika Substitute if you are out
Equipment Needed
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Sharp knife or a fry cutter
- Large Bowl
Best Potatoes for Oven Fries
Russet potatoes work best because their high starch content helps the fries get crispy on the outside and fluffy inside. Yukon Gold potatoes also work, but they will be a little creamier and less crisp.
How to Cut Potatoes into Fries
Cut the potatoes into even ¼ inch strips so they cook at the same rate. You can peel them or leave the skin on. For thicker steak fries, cut them larger and plan on a longer baking time.
How to Make Baked French Fries
Follow along with my simple instructions to learn how I make my baked French Fries.
Step 1 – Thoroughly wash the potatoes and cut potatoes into ¼ inch thick slices.
Step 2 – Place the potatoes in a large bowl, mix and cover them with cold water. Let the fries soak for at least 30 minutes.
Step 3 – While the potatoes are soaking, preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit and position an oven rack to a lower portion of the oven. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Drain the water off of the potatoes, rinse and pat the potatoes dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
Step 4 – In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the salt, garlic powder, paprika and black pepper.
Step 5 – Drizzle the oil on top of the potatoes and sprinkle the seasoning mixture on top. Toss to thoroughly coat the potatoes with the oil and seasoning mixture.
Step 6 – Spread the potatoes into an even layer on the baking sheet. Bake in the oven for 20 minutes. Carefully toss the French fries and flip them.
Step 7 – Bake for another 10-15 minutes (toss the fries 2-3 more times during this cook time) until the fries are golden brown and crispy.
Step 8 – Remove from the oven and sprinkle with more salt based on your preference. Serve warm and enjoy!
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Peeling Potatoes – You can peel the potatoes if you prefer before making these French Fries.
- Soaking Potatoes – You can allow the potatoes to soak overnight as well and bake the next day.
- Baking Time – Cooking time will vary depending on your oven and the size of your potatoes. We recommend slicing the potatoes about the same size so they cook evenly. You can even cut into potato wedges.
- Coating Potatoes – For the best flavor, make sure to toss the potatoes with the seasoning completely.
Variation Ideas
- Parmesan Cheese – Once the fries are finished baking, toss with 2 tablespoons of parmesan cheese for delicious flavor.
- Spicy – If you prefer a spicy flavor, toss with a teaspoon of chili powder or red pepper flakes.
- Animal Style – If you are familiar with In-N-Out then try making In-N-Out Animal Style Fries Recipe with these baked fries.
- Ranch Fries – Season with dried dill, garlic powder, onion powder, and a little salt.
- Cajun Fries – Toss with Cajun seasoning before baking.
- Italian Fries – Add Italian seasoning and finish with parmesan cheese.
- Chili Fries – Season with chili powder, paprika, and a pinch of cayenne for a delicious variation.
What to Serve With Baked French Fries?
French Fries make the best side dish recipe to many recipes. We love to serve oven fries when we make Baked Burgers, Hawaiian Roll Hamburger Sliders, Butter Burgers, Air Fryer Hot Dogs, Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets, Easy Crock Pot Sloppy Joes Recipe, Grilled Shrimp Foil Packets, Quick and Easy BBQ Sloppy Joes Recipe, Chicken Caesar Wrap, Easy Sloppy Joe Recipe, Instant Pot Brisket and Prime Rib Sandwich.
Make sure to serve with a side of Easy Homemade Ketchup Recipe, Arby’s Sauce, Chick-Fil-A Sauce, Homemade Ranch Dip, Aioli Fry Sauce or McDonald’s Big Mac Sauce Recipe.
Frequently Asked Questions
For crispy oven fries, dry the potatoes completely after soaking, coat them evenly with oil, and spread them in a single layer with space between each fry. This helps them roast and crisp instead of steam.
After slicing the potatoes place in a bowl of cold water. This helps to remove some of the starch from the potatoes. This will help to prevent the potatoes from being gummy and sticky when cooked.
Yes, we love using the air fryer to make Homemade French Fries. See Air Fryer French Fries Recipe for all the tips.
Bake fries at 425 degrees for about 30 to 35 minutes, flipping after the first 20 minutes.
Parchment paper is the better option because it helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier. You can also bake them directly on a lightly greased baking sheet for extra browning.
Yes, but they will cook faster. Watch them closely and reduce the baking time as needed so they do not burn.
They may be too wet, crowded on the pan, or coated with too little oil. Dry the potatoes well and spread them in a single layer with space between each fry.
Yes. Halve the ingredients for a smaller batch. If doubling, use two baking sheets so the fries are not overcrowded.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Storing – Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Reheating – Reheat fries in a 425 degree oven for 5 to 10 minutes, or in the air fryer at 375 degrees for 3 to 5 minutes. For extra crispiness, preheat the baking sheet before adding the fries.
- Freezing – Place the leftover French Fries on a baking sheet and place in the freezer for about an hour. Once they are slightly frozen, place in a freezer safe bag and freeze for about 2 months. You can reheat from frozen, you may just need to add additional cooking time.
More Easy Baked Side Dish Recipes
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Baked French Fries
Ingredients
- 1 pound Russet Potatoes
- 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- ½ teaspoon Garlic Powder
- ½ teaspoon Paprika
- ½ teaspoon Black Pepper
See how we calculate recipe costs.
Instructions
- Wash the potatoes and cut them into ¼-inch-thick slices.
- Place the potatoes in a large bowl and cover with cold water. Soak for at least 30 minutes.
- While the potatoes soak, preheat the oven to 425°F and position an oven rack in the lower portion of the oven. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Drain and rinse the potatoes, then pat them completely dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
- Dry the bowl and return the potatoes to it.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the salt, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper.
- Drizzle the potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle with the seasoning mixture. Toss until evenly coated.
- Bake for 20 minutes, then carefully toss and flip the fries.
- Bake for another 10–15 minutes, tossing 2–3 more times, until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle with more salt based on your preference. Serve warm and enjoy!
5 star
We love these.
YUMMY side dish! We love this recipe paired when we grill hamburgers!
Simple, reliable, and delicious. Exactly what I needed. Thank you for such a great recipe!
Would go great with any dish!
Yum!!
My entire family loved how these French Fries taste!