Perfectly Crispy Oven-Baked French Fries: A Step-by-Step Guide

French fries are one of the most popular snacks around the world, especially for fast-food lovers. They are crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside and go well with almost any dipping sauce. The best part is you no longer have to rely on fast-food chains for your favorite snack. In this article, we will show you how to make french fries in the oven, which are healthier, tastier and easy to make in your own kitchen.

Making french fries might seem like a challenging task, but don’t worry, we got you covered. By baking them in the oven, you can reduce the amount of oil, and they will turn out crispy and delicious as ever. This method not only cuts down on extra fat, but it also saves you time, as you don’t have to stand over a stove in hot oil. Once you learn how to make french fries in the oven, you will never go back to frozen, store-bought fries again. So, grab your potatoes and let’s get started!

How to Make French Fries in the Oven

Making crispy, golden French fries in the oven can be a quick and easy alternative to frying them in oil. Here’s how to do it!

1. Choose the Right Potato

The type of potato you use can make a big difference in the texture and flavor of your fries. Russet potatoes are the best choice, as they’re high in starch and low in moisture, which makes them crispy.

2. Cut the Potatoes into Strips

Cut the potatoes into uniformly-sized strips, about ¼ inch thick, using a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer. Make sure all the pieces are the same size to ensure even cooking.

3. Rinse the Potatoes

Rinse the potato strips under cold running water to remove excess starch. Then, dry them well with a paper towel or a clean kitchen towel. Moisture hinders the crisping process, so be sure to get them as dry as possible.

4. Season the Potatoes

Add your choice of seasonings to the potato strips before baking them in the oven. Popular options include smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.

5. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400ºF (200ºC). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.

6. Lay Out the Potatoes

Arrange the potato strips in a single layer on the baking sheet, making sure they’re not touching each other.

7. Drizzle with Oil

Drizzle the potato strips with olive oil or vegetable oil. Use just enough to coat each strip lightly. Too much oil can cause the potatoes to become soggy.

8. Bake the Potatoes

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the fries are golden brown and crispy. Halfway through cooking, flip the fries over so they cook evenly on both sides.

9. Remove from the Oven

Remove the baking sheet from the oven using oven mitts and let the fries cool for a few minutes. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.

10. Clean Up

After you’re done enjoying your homemade oven-baked French fries, be sure to clean up any mess you’ve made in the kitchen. Wash the baking sheet and any dishes you’ve used in hot, soapy water, and wipe down the countertops with a clean sponge or cloth.

Now that you know how easy it is to make crispy homemade French fries in the oven, you can enjoy this tasty treat anytime you want, without the guilt of frying them in oil. Experiment with different seasonings to find your favorite flavor combination!

10 Steps to Making Perfect French Fries in the Oven

Are you ready to learn how to make mouth-watering, crispy and delicious French fries in the oven? Although traditional French fries are typically deep-fried in oil, it is possible to achieve the same mouth-watering taste and crispiness in your oven without using any oil at all. Follow these ten easy steps to create the perfect crispy French fries that will rival any fried potato and make all your fried-loving friends envious!

1. Choose the Right Potatoes

The first and most critical step in making good French fries is to choose the right kind of potatoes. Russet potatoes are perfect for fries because they have the perfect balance of starch and moisture content. This mean that they will promote both a crispy exterior and a fluffy interior. Choose large and uniform sized potatoes, avoiding any that are too small.

2. Wash and Cut Your Potatoes

After selecting your potatoes, it’s time to start preparing them. Rinse your potatoes thoroughly with water and dry them well with a towel. Using a sharp knife, slice your potatoes into thin evenly-sized fries. Make sure that they are all of the same thickness to avoid some of them getting cooked faster than others.

3. Soak Your Potatoes in Cold Water

The next step is to soak your fries in cold water for at least 30 minutes to get rid of excess starch. Starch can cause fries to stick together resulting in a soggy texture. Soaking them in cold water also helps to make them crispier after baking.

4. Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F and line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Avoid using aluminum foil as it can easily cause your fries to stick together.

5. Drain and Dry Your Potatoes

After soaking your fries, drain the water and blot dry the fries with a paper towel to make sure there is no more excess water. Remember the drier the potatoes, the crispier the fries will be.

6. Place the Fries in a Bowl and Add Seasonings

After drying your potatoes, place them in a large bowl and add your preferred seasoning. Some of the best seasonings for fries include garlic powder, paprika, thyme, rosemary, and black pepper. Mix the fries with the seasoning and make sure it is well coated.

7. Arrange the Fries on Baking Sheet

Transfer the seasoned fries onto your prepared baking sheet and make sure the fries are in a single layer without overcrowding. When the potatoes are crowded together, they release moisture, and this could result in soggy fries.

8. Bake Your Fries

Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 20-30 minutes or until they are golden brown in color. Halfway through the cooking process, take out the sheet and flip the fries over to ensure they cook evenly.

9. Remove Your Fries from the Oven

Once your fries have reached a golden brown color, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Allow the fries to cool for a few minutes to crisp up before serving.

10. Serve Your Fries and Enjoy

Serve your delicious fries on a plate and enjoy the crispy outer layer, and fluffy inner texture. You can also serve them with ketchup or your favorite dipping sauce, and have a tasty treat that’s perfect for a snack or a side dish.

3. Preparing the Fries

Now that you have your ingredients and supplies ready, it’s time to get started with preparing the fries. Follow these steps to achieve perfectly crispy oven-baked French fries.

3.1. Cut the Potatoes Properly

The first and foremost step to making crispy French fries is to cut the potatoes properly. You can either peel the potatoes or leave the skin on, depending on your preference. Cut the potatoes into thin, even pieces, about ¼ to ½ inch wide. Try to keep them as uniform as possible to ensure even cooking.

3.2. Soak the Potatoes in Water

Soaking the potatoes in water will help remove excess starch and prevent them from sticking together while cooking. Place the cut potatoes in a bowl of cold water and let them soak for at least 30 minutes. You can even leave them soaking for up to 2 hours for even better results.

3.3. Dry the Potatoes Thoroughly

After you’ve soaked the potatoes, drain the water and pat them dry with a towel. It’s important to dry them thoroughly to remove any excess moisture. This will help the fries crisp up nicely in the oven.

3.4. Toss the Potatoes with Oil and Seasonings

In a mixing bowl, toss the dried potatoes with oil and your desired seasonings. You can use any type of oil, such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or olive oil. You can also add salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, or any other seasoning you like.

3.5. Arrange the Potatoes on a Baking Sheet

Finally, arrange the potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure there is enough space between each piece to allow air to circulate for even cooking. Bake the fries in the oven at 425°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping them once halfway through cooking.

In conclusion, making French fries in the oven is an easy and delicious alternative to deep frying. By following these simple steps, you can achieve crispy, golden brown fries that are just as good as the ones from your favorite fast-food restaurant. So, get ready to impress your friends and family with your homemade French fry skills!

That’s how easy it is to make your own French fries in the oven!

I hope this recipe was helpful and that you enjoyed making your own fries. There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of biting into a perfectly crispy and salty French fry. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings and dipping sauces to make it your own. Thanks for reading and I hope you visit again for more kitchen inspiration!