Baked French Fries: a healthy way to make fries at home

If you've been searching for a healthier way to make French fries, look no further. What's the secret? Baking them in the oven! Baked French fries are super quick and easy to make and are far healthier than classic French fries because they're baked rather than deep-fried. That said, they still have the same crispy, crunchy, perfectly salty taste but with fewer calories and less grease.

You can even add different seasonings for tasty twists that go with whatever main dish you're serving your baked French fries with. Enjoy homemade oven French fries with your favorite sandwiches, a homemade burger, or add some chopped bacon, cheese, and chives and make them into loaded fries. Whatever you choose, you can rest assured these baked French fries will taste just as good if not better than anything you'd get at a fast-food restaurant.

How to Make Baked French Fries

When we said this recipe for oven fries was easy, we meant it. While you're preheating your oven, cut the potatoes into fries – you can either peel the skin or leave it on. Soak them in cold water for at least 30 minutes. The longer you leave them to soak, the crispier they'll be.

Take the fries out of the water and dry them well with paper towels. Pop them in a bowl and toss them with some olive oil and your preferred seasoning, then arrange them on a baking sheet. Bake the fries for 20 minutes, then crank up the heat on your oven to 425°F and cook them for another 20 to 25 minutes or until they're golden brown.

Tips for the Best Oven Fries

Switch up your seasonings for tasty baked oven fries variations. Lemon pepper, Old Bay, Creole seasoning, Italian seasoning with a dash of parmesan, Lawry's – try your favorites!

Use a floury potato like Russet, Maris Piper, or King Edward.

The longer you leave your potatoes to sit in cold water, the crispier your fries will end up. The key to avoiding soggy fries is to dry them thoroughly after they've soaked in the water.

Don't overcrowd the baking sheet. The more room the fries have, the crispier they'll become.

What to Serve with Baked French Fries

Serve your oven French fries as a side dish to accompany burgers, fried chicken, chicken wings, sandwiches, and more. You can even load them with cheese and chili to make homemade chili cheese fries.

How to Store and Freeze Oven French Fries

You can keep leftover oven French fries in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat them, bake them in the oven for 5 to 10 minutes at 400°F or reheat them in a skillet pan with a drizzle of oil.

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F.

Wash the potatoes. Slice them into French fries.

Soak the fries in cold water for a minimum of 30 minutes. Take them out of the water then dry them completely.

Place the fries in a large bowl. Add the oil, salt, and pepper, and toss to coat. Arrange the fries on a baking tray in a single layer.

Bake for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, turn the heat to 425°F and cook for 20 to 25 more minutes, or until the French fries turn golden brown.

Notes

You can leave the skin on the fries or peel them, depending on your preference.