This crispy baked fries recipe is a healthier take on the iconic side-dish, and tastes incredible alongside battered fish, burgers, or even as a snack.

I refuse to believe that anyone could dislike french fries. From thick-cut to shoestring, baked fries are an institution across the USA and beyond, and go with just about anything. This super-simple recipe bakes the fries in the oven, for a crispy, lightened-up take on this classic dish.
Ingredients for Baked Fries
Potatoes: I often get asked if it makes a difference what potato you make your fries from. The answer is yes, absolutely it makes a difference! The best types are russet or Idaho potatoes, because they have a perfectly fluffy texture when baked.
Oil: I used olive oil for this baked fries recipe. Just drizzle a little on top of your raw fries and sprinkle with a pinch of salt.
How to Make Fries in the Oven
- Preheat: Line a baking tray with parchment paper or grab a silicone baking mat, then preheat the oven to 400F/204C.
- Prepare the potatoes: Slice the potatoes lengthways into french-fry shapes. The ideal size is around ¼ inch/6mm wide. Then, place the fries into a bowl and drizzle with some olive oil and salt. Toss them until they are evenly coated.
Tip: If you have time then consider soaking the potato slices in cold water for between 10 minutes and 24 hours. This will remove the excess starch, and help maximize their crispness.
- Bake: Spread the potatoes evenly over the baking tray, then bake them for around 20 minutes.
Tip: For crispy-all-over french fries, flip them over halfway through baking.

Baked Fries Recipe Swaps
These baked fries taste amazing sprinkled with 1 teaspoon of garlic and/or onion powder. You could also try adding a little dried rosemary for a herbed version.
This recipe serves four people but can easily be adapted. Each serving is 1 medium russet potato, so feel free to add or subtract potatoes depending on your party size.

French Fries Serving Suggestions
Serve in a bowl with ketchup or mayonnaise, or on the side of a burger or tofish.
How to Store Baked Fries
You can prepare your potatoes up to 24 hours before you’re ready to cook them. Simply fill a bowl with cold water and submerge the sliced fries.
In terms of baking, these fries are best when you eat them straight from the oven, as they will lose their crispness over time.
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Baked Fries | Crispy Comfort Food
- Author: Rachel Steenland
- Total Time: 40-50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Craving deliciously crispy baked fries? This recipe is for you. Baked in the oven and perfectly crispy and fluffy every time.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 400F/204C and line baking tray with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Prepare potatoes: Cut potatoes lengthways into fries, around 1/4 inch/6mm wide.
- Place into a bowl (see note) and then drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Toss to coat.
- Spread potatoes evenly on baking tray, then place into the oven.
- Bake: Bake fries for 35-40 minutes until golden brown and crispy, flipping half way through. Then remove from the oven, sprinkle with a little salt, and serve while hot and crispy. Enjoy!
Notes
- If desired, leave the potato skins on as they contain nutrients and fiber, and it saves time!
- Remove excess starch by soaking the potato slices in cold water for 10 minutes, up to 24 hours. Drain and pat dry before adding olive oil and salt. I don’t often do the step, but if you have the time, you can achieve extra crispy baked fries.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-40 minutes
Keywords: baked fries
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