These crispy oven baked French fries come out golden and seasoned without the extra oil or hassle of deep frying. A cold water soaking trick helps them bake up extra crispy.
Crispy Fries, No Fryer
- Why Make It: Even first time cooks can make fluffy fries with crispy edges and a bright lemony seasoning using budget friendly ingredients and simple steps.
- Technique: Simply cut potatoes, soak, toss with seasonings, and bake in one pan for crispy homemade fries without deep frying.
- Recommended Tools: A classic fry cut is ¼” to ½” thick. I like to use a French fry cutter for uniform slices, but a sharp knife works well too.
- Serving: Serve these up with simple ketchup, lemon garlic aioli, or fry sauce. Crispy oven fries make the perfect accompaniment to burgers, chicken nuggets, or grilled mains.
Ingredient Notes
- Potatoes: Russet potatoes make the best French fries because their starchy texture keeps the inside soft and fluffy while the outside turns golden and crisp. Yukon gold potatoes can also be used, but the fries will be creamier and not quite as crisp.
- Oil: Olive oil helps adhere seasoning, crisp up and brown the fries. Other neutral high temp oil, like avocado oil, will work too.
- Lemon Pepper Seasoning: Brings salt, pepper, and bright citrus flavor in just one step. Check the label, since some blends are salt free, so you may need to add salt.
Variations
- Peeling is totally optional. I like the extra chewy crisp texture and earthy flavor that the skin provides. And who doesn’t love saving an extra step?
- Add garlic powder, salt, and pepper before baking, then finish with grated Parmesan to make garlic Parmesan fries.
- Try some Cajun seasoning for a bold and spicy profile.
- Ranch seasoning adds tangy and savory flavor, serve with extra ranch for dipping.
- Season baked French fries with smoked paprika for a deep flavor and a pop of color.
- Keep it traditional and sprinkle fries with salt before baking then add a light splash of vinegar just before serving.
- A last minute broil is optional, but it helps the food get a deeper color and a crispier golden finish. Watch closely as they can burn quickly.
How to Make Oven Baked French Fries
- Peel, soak, and season fries (full recipe below).
- Roast fries in a single layer.
- Flip with a spatula and continue baking.
- Broil for 2 minutes for extra crispy fries, if desired.
Storing & Reheating Leftover Fries
- Refrigerate leftover fries in an airtight container for up 4 days. Freeze for up to 4 months in a zippered freezer bag.
- To reheat leftover oven baked fries:
- Microwave first to get them hot, then pop them under the broiler for a few minutes to crisp them up.
- Air fry in batches at 425°F for about 4 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
- Fry leftover fries in a little oil on medium heat until browned and crispy again.
Easy Dinners That Love Fries
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Oven Baked French Fries
Fresh cut potatoes are tossed with olive oil and seasoning, then baked until tender inside and crispy outside.
Ingredients
- 6 potatoes
- 2 to 3 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1 to 2 Tablespoons lemon pepper or preferred seasoning (with salt)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Line baking tray with parchment paper.
- Peel potatoes (or scrub clean and leave peels if preferred). Cut into fries using knife or fry cutter. Place in a bowl of cold water as you cut remaining potatoes.
- Rinse potatoes and dry very well with a tea towel. (Spinning dry with a salad spinner before using a towel helps).
- In a large bowl, toss the towel dried potatoes with olive oil and lemon pepper.
- Place fries on parchment lined baking tray, leaving space between fries to allow for airflow.
- Bake for 25 minutes. Flip (or stir), and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until fries reach desired crispiness.
- Optional: Place fries under the broiler for about two minutes. Flip them, and broil for another two minutes. This makes them golden brown.
Notes
- Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days, or freeze in zipper bags with the air squeezed out for up to 4 months.
- Reheat leftovers in the microwave for a minute or two, or if you want them crispy again, put them under the broiler for about 3 minutes, flipping them in between until hot and crispy. Re-season as desired and serve.
Nutrition Information
Calories: 318 | Carbohydrates: 59g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Sodium: 16mg | Potassium: 1352mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 11IU | Vitamin C: 18mg | Calcium: 48mg | Iron: 3mg
Nutrition information does not include optional ingredients or garnish and is an estimate. It may change based on actual ingredients and cooking methods used.
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