Crispy, golden fries without the guilt of deep-frying—perfect for any meal!
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4–6
Author: Valerie Brunmeier
❤️ Why You’ll Love These Fries
These oven-baked French fries are an all-time family favorite. With just three basic ingredients and no messy frying oil, they deliver the crispy, golden goodness you crave—without the extra fat and calories.
They’re the perfect side dish for:
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Burgers and sandwiches
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Philly cheesesteaks or grilled steak
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Baked chicken or meatloaf
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Breakfast plates with eggs
No peeling, no soaking (unless you want to), and no fryer needed—just clean, crispy fries from your oven.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes (unpeeled) | 2 to 2¼ pounds (about 3–5 medium potatoes) |
| Olive oil | 3 tablespoons |
| Fine sea salt | ½ teaspoon (or to taste) |
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Oven & Potatoes
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Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
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Lightly grease a large rimmed baking sheet with nonstick spray.
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Scrub the potatoes clean and dry them thoroughly with paper towels.
Step 2: Slice into Fries
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Cut potatoes into ½-inch thick slices, then slice into ¼–½ inch matchsticks.
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Place in a large bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and toss to coat evenly.
Step 3: Bake
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Spread fries in a single, even layer on your prepared baking sheet.
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Bake for 20 minutes, then toss with a spatula.
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Return to the oven and bake for another 20–25 minutes, tossing once or twice more, until golden brown and crisp to your liking.
Step 4: Season & Serve
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Sprinkle with fine sea salt, toss gently, and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Flavor Variations
Mix it up with seasoning blends before baking or sprinkle after for extra punch:
| Flavor Style | Seasoning Tip |
|---|---|
| Classic Sea Salt | Simple and crispy—sprinkle with fine salt before serving. |
| Cajun Fries | Toss with Cajun seasoning before baking. |
| Garlic Parmesan | Toss hot baked fries with garlic powder and grated Parmesan. |
| Old Bay Fries | Add Old Bay seasoning before baking. |
| Italian-Style | Mix in dried oregano, basil, and garlic powder for herby fries. |
Best Potatoes for Baked Fries
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Russet potatoes: Best for super crispy results. Drier texture = better crunch.
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Yukon Gold potatoes: Creamier inside with a slightly crispy outside. Great flavor!
No peeling required—the skins add texture, nutrients, and save time!
❓ FAQ
Do I need to soak the potatoes first?
Not necessary! While soaking can help remove excess starch and increase crispiness, it’s totally optional for oven-baking. Just be sure the fries are well-coated with oil and spaced out on the baking sheet.
What’s the best temperature for baking fries?
425°F (220°C) is perfect. Higher temps may burn them; lower temps won’t give you the crispiness you want.
Can I make these in the air fryer?
Yes, but you’ll need to work in multiple batches due to smaller capacity. The oven is great for feeding a crowd all at once.
How do I reheat leftover fries so they’re crispy again?
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Toaster oven: Quick and effective—just a few minutes.
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Conventional oven: Preheat to 425°F, bake fries for 5–10 minutes, tossing once.
Pro Tips for Crispy Results
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Don’t overcrowd the pan—give fries room to roast.
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Use a dark or well-seasoned baking sheet for better browning.
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Don’t stir early—wait at least 15–20 minutes before flipping for that golden crust.
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Use a French fry cutter to save time and get even fries.
️ What to Serve With Oven Baked Fries
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Classic Cheeseburgers
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Philly Cheesesteaks
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Grilled Chicken Sandwiches
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Crispy Fish Tacos
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Steak and Eggs
Storage & Reheating
| Method | Instructions |
|---|---|
| Fridge | Store cooled fries in an airtight container up to 3 days. |
| Reheat | Use toaster oven or conventional oven at 425°F until crisp again. Avoid microwaving—they’ll get soggy. |
| Freezer | Not recommended. Fries lose their texture when frozen and reheated. |
Optional: Soaking Instructions (Advanced Tip)
If you want ultra-crispy fries, here’s how to soak them:
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Place sliced potatoes in a bowl and cover with cold water.
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Let them soak for 1 hour at room temp.
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Drain and dry thoroughly with a clean kitchen towel.
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Proceed with oiling and baking as usual.
Final Thoughts
These Crispy Oven Baked Fries are fast, easy, and family-approved. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or making a weeknight dinner feel special, they’re the perfect sidekick to any main course.
Once you try these golden, oven-roasted fries, you may never go back to the deep fryer again.
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