Baked French Fries are one of my family’s all-time favorites. My kids love oven fries even more than the store bought fries. Plus, oven baked fries are so much better for them.
These oven baked fries are perfect alongside Jalapeño Cheddar Burgers, served up with Oven Fried Chicken or as chili cheese fries!
Oven Baked French Fries
Russet potatoes are the gold standard for French fries in general. They especially suitable for baked fries, because the skins are thicker and dryer than the skins of other potatoes, so they crisp up nicely in the oven.
Have you ever tried fries in the oven, and found they lack crispiness? Here are two great tips to avoid that problem forever!
How to Make Oven French Fries Crispy
As deep fried french fries are often double fried (once at a lower temp, once at a higher temp to crisp) I’ve found the same thing works magically for oven fries! You can make oven french fries so good and crispy!
- SOAK: Soak the potatoes in cold water after cutting for at least 30 minutes. This step removes a lot of starch (you will see it in the bowl after you remove them) resulting in a crispier French fry!
- DRY: This is really important. Make sure you dry them well so they don’t steam and get soft when they bake! I spin them in my salad spinner and then dap in a kitchen towel.
- OIL & SEASON: Use parchment paper to keep them from sticking and oil to make them crisp! While these are a version of healthy fries, if you want them to crisp, you will still need to be generous with the oil.
- TWO TEMP COOKING: This easy technique allows the fries to bake perfectly crispy! Simply bake at 375°F for a little bit to cook and then turn up the heat to really crisp them up!
How to Cut Potatoes into Fries
I always leave the skin on because it adds a little bit extra fiber (and personally I like the way it tastes… and it’s easier). If you prefer you can peel the potatoes first!
You can cut french fries by hand or save time using a French Fry cutter. I use a cutter for perfectly even fries.
To Cut into Steak Fries:
- Steak fries are typically thicker than french fries. To make baked steak fries, you’ll want to find potatoes that are a little bit smaller. Steak fries should be cut into small wedges about 3/4″ to 1″ thick.
- You will follow the same cooking method below but for a longer period of time.
How to Bake French Fries
To achieve maximum crispiness in your homemade French fries, I do a 2 temperature cook:
- Be sure to preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Dry the fries thoroughly after soaking and before seasoning.
- Generously oil and season the oven fries. Spread evenly in a single layer on a parchment line pan.
- Cook 20 minutes (25 for thicker fries).
- Turn the heat up to 425°F and continue baking until crisp, about 20 minutes.
How Long to Bake French Fries: Remember, thicker fries will take longer and if your fries are too thin, they’ll just burn without crisping.
The length of time for baked French fries will vary, depending on how thick you cut them and of course personal preference. My family likes them more tender crisp, I like them extra crispy!
How to Reheat Fries
You can easily reheat your leftover oven baked fries, either in the oven, or on the stovetop.
- Stovetop Reheating: Add a tablespoon or two of oil in non-stick pan. Reheat over medium heat for a few minutes and enjoy!
- Oven Reheating: Baked fries can be reheated in the oven. Spread them in a single layer on a foil-lined cookie sheet. Bake for 5-10 minutes in a preheated 400°F oven.
- Microwave Reheating: This is less ideal as they can come out soft or soggy! 20-40 seconds should be plenty of time.
How to Freeze Oven Baked French Fries
Your leftover oven baked fries can also be frozen for up to four months in a freezer bag. To reheat, just follow the steps above.
Frozen fries are great reheated but also perfect added to soups, stews and casseroles!
What to Serve With Fries
We love fries with anything with gravy in place of our favorite Mashed Potatoes and with our favorite sandwiches and burgers! Here are a few that we love:
- Mushroom Salisbury Steak – serve with fries instead of mashed potatoes
- Meatball Subs
- Barbecue Ribs in the Oven
- Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes
- Dr. Pepper Crock Pot Pulled Pork
Baked French Fries (Oven Fries)
Ingredients
- 4 large baking potatoes
- 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon seasoned salt or lemon pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Wash potatoes leaving skin on (you can peel them if you prefer). Cut potatoes into desired size fries.
- Let potatoes soak in cold water in the sink or in a bowl for at least 30 minutes. Remove from water and dry very well.
- Toss with oil and seasonings. Spread evenly in a single layer on a parchment-lined pan.
- Bake for 20 minutes. Turn the oven up to 425° and cook fries until golden, about 20-25 minutes more.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American© SpendWithPennies.com. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited. Please view my photo use policy here.
Like our recipes?
Follow us on Pinterest!
Excellent and easy recipe. Fantastic outcome!
I made these in a gas oven on a convection bake setting. I came close to burning everything. I probably cut them too thin for this kind of oven and setting. I noticed in time to turn down the heat and shorten the second cooking time. It was a near thing. I think the recipe will work well if I cut the pieces into wedges or if I use my usual, electric oven. I loved all of your tips!
We do use a standard electric oven so that be the issue, Carol. I am glad you got it in time though and could save the fries!
Gas oven here. No burning.
Made some super yummy fries! Thank you!
Exactly what I was looking for.
These fries actually came out crispy!!! Thank you!!!!!
I made these a couple times and they were always everyone’s favorite part of the meal!
This time I need enough for seven to eight guests. That’s a lot of potatoes on one tray.
Should I bake two batches one at a time and then crisp up just before eating… or bake on two baking sheets at the same time (which I always find a bit tricky as the temps are different)?
You can do two sheets at the same time, ensure there is space between the racks for the air to circulate and rotate/switch the trays. You may need to add a little bit of extra cooking time. If your oven has a convection feature, reduce the heat by 25°F and use the convection. Let us know how it goes!
First time making homemade french fries from scratch. Overall, most of my batches were crispy (with some being a little burnt due to oven temp) and some came out a little soft haha. I overdid the seasoning and the taste is a little extra salty and peppery (with added onion/garlic powder and paprika). Thank you for the recipe, will try this with sweet potatoes some other time!
So happy that you love these fries! We sure do!
I’m only making a small amount for myself so I still need to do the full time or less?
You’ll likely still need the full cook time. You want to cook them until they’re browned and crisp, check them a few minutes early to ensure they don’t overcook.
Delicious and perfect. I followed it exactly, though I sprinkled some cayenne before roasting.
Hi, I am going to try out this recipe. My question is do I need to flip these fries halfway during the cooking time?
The fries do not need to be flipped (although you can if you’d like to, I never do though). Enjoy Julia!
Followed the instructions to a T and the fries stuck to the paper and weren’t very crispy
Did you use parchment paper or waxed paper? They shouldn’t stick to parchment paper so I can’t say for sure what went wrong.
I just made them and there amazing, so good. I added garlic powder, oregano, ground hot chilly, salt and pepper and honestly its packed with flavor. This recipe is a 10/10
Can I use russet potatoes instead of baking potatoes? I have a bunch
Russets work great for this recipe, Amanda!
This is the first time I have ever commented on a recipe in all the years I have been looking them up. These are hands down the best fries I have ever made! I have tried every method possible including my air fryer and these are absolutely perfect! I will never make fries another way.
Well thank you so much for leaving your comment Eileen! I’m so happy to hear that these fries worked so perfectly for you!
Excellent! Will make again
My whole family loved these! I told my daughter that I got the recipe from the same site I got the oven roasted potatoes recipe, and she told me that she “really loved that woman’s potato stuff. She’s the best!” I didn’t have any seasoned salt, so I made a mixture of 1 tbs kosher salt, 1 tsp black pepper, 1/4 tsp paprika, 1/4 tsp garlic powder, and 1/8 tsp onion powder, and then used 1 tbs of that mixture. This was such an awesome recipe. I am looking forward to making it again!
Tried your mixture and it was great! Thanks for sharing!
The recipe for the crispy oven fries is awesome! A MUST for cooking fries.
I used a hair dryer to dry them as a joke and it ended up being perfect. Quick and easy.
What a clever idea! I was bummed because I don’t have a salad spinner. Will try this, David!
I made these previously and they were a huge hit. A terrific recipe!
Can you share what French Fry cutter you use? I poked around and have not found one that has the real thin cut like yours. Thanks
Mine is an old Williams Sonoma one called a “professional multi chopper”. I can’t see any like it. Some of the professional ones on Amazon have a few blade sizes but they’re more expensive. Hope that helps!
Making these tonight! Do I have to season them before putting them in the oven or can I season them after?
You can do either but we find the seasoning sticks better if you season before cooking.
These oven fries are the most crispy ones I have ever made. I will definitely make these again – thank you!
Yay! You’re welcome Lin!
These are absolutely perfect! There is no other way to describe them.