Baked French Fries (Oven Fries)

These perfectly seasoned shoestring baked French fries (oven fries) are crispy, flavorful, and just the right amount of golden.

Crispy Baked French Fries

I’ve got a serious love for fries—whether they’re thick-cut wedges, delicate shoestrings, or crispy curly fries, I’m all about them. Paired with tangy ketchup, creamy aioli, rich homemade mayo, or spicy sriracha, fries are the ultimate sidekick for everything from juicy burgers to tender steaks. While many restaurants seem to have perfected them, at home, people often shy away from the deep fryer and opt for the simpler oven-baked route.

I’ve experimented with oven fries a fair bit, and let’s just say, it wasn’t always smooth sailing. Getting that crispy crunch without the mess of oil can be tricky. Oven fries tend to turn mushy or end up overcooked, dry, or even burnt. They also have a sneaky way of sticking to the pan, which means all the crispy bits stay behind. After several attempts, I finally cracked the code for the perfect bake.

This recipe is my foolproof method for crispy oven-baked fries. With the right seasoning and a little patience, you’ll get golden fries that are crunchy on the outside and tender inside—without the mess of frying. It’s my go-to way to make fries, and I’m pretty sure once you try it, you’ll feel the same.

Why I Love This Recipe

• Super easy to make with no frying mess.
• You can season them however you like.
• Perfect for dipping in all your favorite sauces.

Ingredients

Here’s a quick rundown of the ingredients for these crispy oven fries and why I love using them:

• Russet potatoes – These starchy potatoes give the fries that perfect crispy exterior and soft interior.
• Garlic olive oil – Adds a rich, garlicky flavor and helps the fries crisp up nicely in the oven.
• Grated Parmesan cheese – Gives the fries a little savory kick and helps with that golden, crispy finish.
• Sea salt – Enhances all the flavors and adds the right amount of seasoning.
• Garlic powder – Brings out the garlic flavor without being overpowering.
• Onion powder – Adds a touch of savory depth.
• Ground black pepper – For a little heat and balance to the seasoning.
• Smoked paprika – Gives a subtle smoky flavor and a nice pop of color.
• Dill weed – Adds a fresh, herby note that complements the other flavors.
• Fresh parsley (optional) – For a fresh garnish to add a pop of color and a little extra flavor if you’re feeling fancy.

How to Make Baked French Fries (Oven Fries)

Find the complete recipe with measurements in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

• Step One (Soak the Potatoes)
  Start by cutting your potatoes into fries. Toss them in a big bowl of water and let them soak for about 30 minutes. This helps get rid of some of the starch, so your fries turn out crispier.
• Step Two (Preheat the Oven)
  Preheat your oven to 375°F and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. Set those aside while you get the fries ready.
• Step Three (Drain and Dry the Potatoes)
  After 30 minutes, drain the potatoes and give them a rinse under cold water. Then, dry them off really well with paper towels. You want to get them as dry as possible, so they crisp up in the oven.
• Step Four (Coat the Fries)
  Put your dried potatoes in a large bowl and drizzle on that garlic-infused olive oil. Toss them around to make sure every fry gets a nice coat of oil.
• Step Five (Season the Fries)
  In a small bowl, mix together Parmesan, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, smoked paprika, and dill. Sprinkle this seasoning over your fries and toss again to make sure they’re all covered.
• Step Six (Arrange and Bake)
  Spread your fries out in a single layer on the baking sheets. Stick them in the oven and bake for about 20 minutes.
• Step Seven (Flip and Crank the Heat)
  After 20 minutes, give the fries a good stir and rotate the baking sheets. Turn the oven up to 450°F and bake for another 20-25 minutes until they’re golden and crispy.
• Step Eight (Serve and Enjoy)
  Take them out of the oven, sprinkle with some fresh parsley if you like, and serve them up with your favorite dipping sauce.

Recipe Tips

Here are some tips for making these baked French fries even better:

• If you like extra crispy fries, don’t be afraid to let them bake a little longer. Just keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
• If you want to switch up the seasoning, try adding a pinch of cayenne for heat or some dried rosemary for an herby kick.
• Make sure the fries are in a single layer on the baking sheet—this helps them crisp up better without sticking together.
• You can use any kind of oil for the garlic oil, but olive oil gives it that perfect flavor for these fries.
• If you’re in a hurry, you can skip the soaking step, but it really helps the fries turn out crispy if you’ve got the time.

Storage and Freezing Tips for Baked French Fries

Here are some tips to help you store, reheat, and freeze your fries so they stay crispy and delicious.

• Storage: Keep leftover fries in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. They’ll be best if you eat them sooner rather than later, but they’ll still be good for a little while.
• Reheating: To get them crispy again, pop the fries on a baking sheet in a 400°F oven for about 5-10 minutes. You can also reheat them in the air fryer if you have one—about 5 minutes at 375°F should do the trick.
• Freezing: To freeze, arrange the cooked fries in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours. Once they’re frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer bag or container. When you’re ready to eat them, bake straight from the freezer at 400°F for 20-25 minutes to crisp them up.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use a different type of potato? Russet potatoes work best for crispy fries, but you can also try Yukon Gold or sweet potatoes for a different flavor and texture.
• Can I skip soaking the fries? Soaking the fries removes the starch from the potatoes, which helps result in a crispier fry. You can skip soaking them in a pinch, but keep in mind that your fries will end up softer. Do not skip this step if you don’t have to.
• How do I dry my fries? It’s important to dry your French fries as much as possible after rinsing. Excess moisture causes the fries to steam rather than bake and results in soggy fries. I like to spread the fries out on a tea towel or several layers of paper towels and top with another towel. Gently press on the fries to help the towel soak up the water. It’s easiest to do this in a few batches so the fries become as dry as possible.

More Potato Recipes To Make

Here are a few more of my unique potato recipes that bring fresh twists to this classic ingredient.

• Cheesy-Crushed Rosemary Roasted Potatoes
• Garlicky Lemon Shallot Potatoes
• Baked Sweet Potato Chips with Lime
• Baked Sweet Potato Wedges
• Salt and Vinegar Potatoes
• Breakfast Potatoes (Home Fries)

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Print Recipe

5 from 4 votes

Baked French Fries (Oven Fries)

These perfectly seasoned shoestring Baked French Fries (oven fries) are crispy, golden, and tossed in a savory blend of garlic olive oil and spices. Easy to make and baked to perfection, they’re the ideal side dish or snack, served warm with your favorite dipping sauce.

Prep Time45 minutes mins

Cook Time40 minutes mins

Total Time1 hour hr 25 minutes mins

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Baked French Fries (Oven Fries)

Servings: 4

Calories: 267kcal

Author: Cathy Pollak

Equipment

• Knife For slicing the potatoes into fries.
• Cutting board For cutting the potatoes.
• measuring cups and spoons For accurate measurements.
• mixing bowls For soaking the potatoes.
• parchment paper For lining the baking sheet.
• baking sheet For baking the fries.

Ingredients

• 4 large (2.5 lbs.) russet potatoes
• 1/4 cup garlic flavored olive oil* or any olive oil
• 1 tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
• 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/4 tsp dried dill
• fresh minced parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

• Cut the potatoes into fries and place them in a large bowl of water. Let them soak for 30 minutes.
  4 large (2.5 lbs.) russet potatoes
• Preheat the oven to 375°F and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. Set aside.
• Drain the potatoes and rinse them under cold water. Dry thoroughly with paper towels. (Toss out any small or thin fries, as they’ll burn during cooking.)
• Transfer the potatoes to a large mixing bowl and add the garlic olive oil. Toss to coat the fries evenly.
  1/4 cup garlic flavored olive oil*
• In a small bowl, combine the Parmesan cheese, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, paprika, and dill. Add the seasoning mix to the fries and toss to coat.
  1 tsp sea salt, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp ground black pepper, 1/4 tsp smoked paprika, 1/4 tsp dried dill , 1 tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese
• Spread the fries in a single layer on the prepared baking sheets and bake for 20 minutes.
• After 20 minutes, give the fries a good stir and rotate the baking sheets. Turn the oven up to 450°F and bake for another 20-25 minutes until they’re golden and crispy.
• Sprinkle with fresh parsley. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
  fresh minced parsley for garnish (optional)

Notes

*Garlic Olive Oil: If you can't find garlic olive oil, simply make your own.

Here’s my stovetop method for infusing 1/4 cup of olive oil with garlic:

1. In a small saucepan, combine 1/4 cup olive oil and 1 crushed garlic clove.
2. Heat over low heat for about 5 minutes, just until the garlic becomes fragrant (don’t let it brown).
3. Remove from heat and discard the garlic before tossing the oil with your fries.

 

For optimal outcomes when making these baked oven fries, I recommend referring to the recipe details within the post. The recipe post commonly includes valuable notes, expert tips and frequently asked questions, that are not presented in the recipe card, often including how to make this recipe dairy-free, gluten free or vegan and ideas for healthy ingredient substitutions or variations.

The provided nutrition information is merely an approximation, as variations can arise depending on the specific ingredients/brands you select.

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Nutrition

Nutrition Facts

Baked French Fries (Oven Fries)

Amount Per Serving (201 g)

Calories 267 Calories from Fat 86

% Daily Value*

Fat 9.6g15%

Saturated Fat 1.5g9%

Polyunsaturated Fat 1.1g

Monounsaturated Fat 6.7g

Cholesterol 1mg0%

Sodium 435mg19%

Potassium 1056mg30%

Carbohydrates 41g14%

Fiber 5g21%

Sugar 2.1g2%

Protein 5g10%

Vitamin A 9IU0%

Vitamin C 16mg19%

Calcium 46mg5%

Iron 2mg11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Have you tried this recipe? Share your experience in the comments below and let me know how it turned out.

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