Description
Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside—these homemade baked French fries strike the perfect balance between wholesome and delicious. With only a handful of pantry staples and minimal oil, you’ll enjoy the satisfying crunch of classic fries right out of your oven. Perfect as a healthier side or a guilt-free snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes
- 4 large russet potatoes
Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
For Serving (Optional)
- Fresh chopped parsley
- Ketchup or your favorite dipping sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven – Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Potatoes – Wash and peel the potatoes (peeling is optional for extra texture). Cut them into even-sized 1/4-inch thick sticks or wedges to ensure uniform baking and crispness.
- Soak and Dry the Fries – Place the cut potatoes in a large bowl of cold water and soak for at least 30 minutes. This step removes excess starch, yielding crispier fries. Drain and pat the potatoes thoroughly dry with a clean towel.
- Season – Transfer the dried potatoes to a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and toss with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika, ensuring every piece is evenly coated.
- Arrange and Bake – Spread the fries in a single, even layer on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they don’t overlap. Bake for 25 minutes, then flip each fry and continue baking another 15–20 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve – Remove from the oven, season with extra salt to taste, and sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- Soaking the potatoes is key for the crispiest fries—don’t skip this step!
- For extra crunch, bake the fries on a wire rack set over the baking sheet.
- Feel free to experiment with different seasonings like smoked paprika or dried herbs.
- If you want an oil-free version, use a cooking spray or skip the oil entirely, though texture may differ.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 185
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 410mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
