Are you craving for some delicious potato fries, but don’t feel like leaving your house? Making homemade fries in the oven is simple and easy, and you can have mouth-watering fries anytime you want! Oven-baked fries are also healthier compared to deep-fried fries, as they contain less oil and calories.

To make homemade fries in the oven, all you need is some potatoes, olive oil, salt, and your favorite herbs or spices. First, preheat your oven to 450°F. While the oven is heating up, wash and peel your potatoes, and cut them into evenly-sized sticks. Next, drizzle some olive oil over the potatoes and season them with salt and your desired spices. Toss the potatoes to evenly coat them with the oil and seasonings. Finally, place the fries on a baking sheet in a single layer and bake them for about 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Once they are golden brown and crispy, take them out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Voila! You have made delicious homemade fries in the oven.

Section: “Steps to Make Homemade Fries in Oven”

Step 1 – Preheat Your Oven

To make perfect crispy homemade fries, preheat your oven to 425°F. This high temperature will help to cook the fries quickly and give them a crispy finish. You can also add a baking sheet to the oven while preheating to make it even hotter, which will help the fries to crisp up faster.

Step 2 – Choose Your Potatoes

Choosing the right type of potatoes is crucial to make the best fries at home. Russet potatoes are the most commonly used potatoes for making fries because of their high starch content and low moisture. However, you can also use Yukon gold or sweet potatoes, which can lend a unique flavor to the fries.

Step 3 – Cut Your Potatoes

After washing the potatoes, cut them into long rectangular shapes about ½ inch in thickness. You can use a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer to get even slices. Make sure to avoid cutting them too thin, as they may burn easily.

Step 4 – Soak Your Potatoes

Soaking the cut potatoes in cold water for at least 30 minutes can remove excess starch and help to make the fries crispy. After soaking, drain the potatoes and pat them dry using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.

Step 5 – Add Seasonings

In a large mixing bowl, add salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika to the dried potato slices and mix well. You can also add various other herbs and spices such as parsley, rosemary, or thyme to give your fries a unique flavor.

Step 6 – Add Oil

Drizzle a generous amount of oil over the seasoned potato slices and mix well. You can use any kind of cooking oil, such as canola, vegetable, or olive oil. The oil will help the fries to cook evenly and also help them to get crispy.

Step 7 – Arrange Fries on Baking Sheet

Spread out the seasoned and oiled potato slices evenly on a baking sheet, making sure there is enough space between each piece. This will allow the hot air to circulate around them, which will help make the fries crispy.

Step 8 – Bake the Fries

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the fries for 20-25 minutes. After 10 minutes, remove the baking sheet and flip the fries over. This will help to cook them evenly on both sides and ensure they will be crispy all over.

Step 9 – Check for Doneness

After 20 minutes, check your fries for doneness. They should be golden brown and crispy. If they are not yet crispy, put them back in the oven for another 5-10 minutes. Keep an eye on them, ensuring they don’t burn.

Step 10 – Serve and Enjoy

Once your homemade oven-baked fries are perfectly crispy, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ketchup, mayo, or ranch dressing and enjoy your delicious homemade fries right at home!

Choosing the right potatoes

The first step in making perfect homemade fries is to choose the right potatoes. Not all potatoes are created equal, and if you choose the wrong ones, your fries may turn out soggy or tasteless. The best potatoes for making fries are high in starch, low in moisture and have a firm, dry texture. Russet potatoes are the perfect choice for homemade fries as they tick all these boxes.

Cleaning and preparation

Before you start slicing your potatoes, it’s essential to clean them thoroughly. Start by washing them in cold water and scrubbing them with a vegetable brush to remove any dirt. Once they are clean, dry them using a paper towel or tea towel.

Slicing the potatoes

When slicing the potatoes, you want to aim for a thickness of around 1/4 inch. It’s crucial to slice them evenly, as this will ensure that they cook evenly. For best results, use a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer.

Soaking the potatoes

Soaking the potatoes is an important step in making homemade fries, as it helps to remove excess starch. Soaking the potatoes for 30 minutes to an hour before cooking will also ensure that they turn out crispy and delicious. To soak the potatoes, place them in a bowl of cold water and let them sit for at least 30 minutes.

Drying the potatoes

After soaking, it’s essential to drain and dry the potatoes thoroughly. Excess moisture can cause the fries to steam rather than roast, resulting in soggy fries. You can use a paper towel or tea towel to dry the potatoes quickly and evenly.

Seasoning the fries

Seasoning is an essential part of making homemade fries. The seasoning you choose will depend on your personal preference, but some popular options include salt, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper. To ensure that the seasoning sticks to the fries, toss them with the seasonings before baking.

Additions to the fries

Homemade fries are delicious on their own, but you can also add toppings and sauces to take them to the next level. Some popular additions include cheese, bacon, chilli, and sour cream. Experiment with different toppings to find your favorite combination.

Choosing the right baking tray

Choosing the right baking tray can make a huge difference in how your fries turn out. A non-stick baking tray or a tray lined with parchment paper will ensure that your fries won’t stick and will cook evenly.

Preheating the oven

Preheating the oven is essential to ensure that your fries cook evenly and become crispy. Set your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and let it preheat for at least 10 minutes before adding the fries.

Cooking the fries

Once your oven is preheated, it’s time to bake the fries. Spread them out evenly on a baking tray, making sure they don’t overlap. Bake them in the oven until they are golden brown and crispy, which should take around 30-40 minutes. Turn them every 10-15 minutes to ensure that they cook evenly.

Additional Tips for the Perfect Homemade Fries in Oven

While following the method above will give you fairly good homemade fries, you can always do more to improve your fries. Here are some additional tips to make sure your homemade fries turn out perfect every time.

  • Potato selection: Choosing the right potato is crucial for the perfect homemade fries. Go for potato varieties that are high in starch like Russet potatoes as they produce crispier fries. Avoid waxy potatoes as they tend to produce a more soggy and uneven texture.
  • The thickness of the fries: The thickness of your fries will affect the texture after baking. Thinner fries will be crispier while thicker fries will be softer. Make sure to slice your fries uniformly to prevent uneven baking.
  • Soaking: Soaking your cut fries in cold water before baking will draw out excess starch, resulting in crispier and less soggy fries. Soaking for an hour is recommended but soaking for as little as 30 minutes can still yield good results.
  • Drain and dry: After soaking, thoroughly drain and dry the fries using a paper towel or clean kitchen towel. Excess moisture can cause the fries to steam, resulting in undesirable texture and uneven baking.
  • Oven temperature: Making sure that your oven temperature is high enough is crucial for crispy homemade fries. A temperature of 425°F (220°C) is recommended. Preheating the oven before baking is crucial for even and consistent baking.

By following these tips, you will drastically increase your chances of a successful batch of homemade fries that not only look but also taste amazing.

Potato Varieties Texture after Baking
Russet Potatoes Crispy
Gold Potatoes Medium Crisp
Red Potatoes Softer Texture

Enjoy your Golden and Crispy Fries!

You’ve successfully learned how to make homemade fries in the oven! I hope this recipe turns out perfect for you and your family. The great thing about this recipe is that you’re in charge of how much oil and seasoning you use, making it a healthier and tastier choice. Thanks for reading and I can’t wait to share more delicious recipes with you. Don’t forget to visit again later for more culinary inspiration. Happy cooking!