I’m excited to share my homemade oven fries recipe with you. These fries are a healthier, crunchy alternative to deep-fried fries—perfect for a satisfying snack or as a side dish.
Level: Easy
Total Time: 55 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
I love making homemade oven fries because they’re simple, tasty, and much healthier than traditional fast-food fries. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a plate of crispy, golden fries that are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re in the mood for a snack or need a side for dinner, these oven fries are sure to please.
Description
This recipe is all about simplicity and flavor. I start by peeling and cutting medium baking potatoes into thick, 1/2-inch strips, which gives the fries a hearty texture. Rinsing the potatoes in cold water helps remove excess starch, ensuring they turn out crisp. After patting them dry, I toss the potatoes with vegetable oil and a sprinkle of salt and black pepper. Arranging them on a wire rack inside a baking pan lets the hot air circulate, resulting in fries that are tender on the inside and delightfully crunchy on the outside.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs medium baking potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch thick strips
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Directions
- Prep the Potatoes:
- Peel the potatoes and cut them into 1/2-inch thick strips.
- Rinse the strips in cold water and pat them dry thoroughly with a paper towel.
- Season:
- Place the potato strips in a mixing bowl.
- Drizzle with vegetable oil and toss until evenly coated.
- Season with salt and black pepper according to your taste.
- Arrange for Baking:
- Preheat your oven to 450°F.
- Spray a wire baking rack with nonstick cooking spray and set it on top of a 15 x 10 x 1-inch baking pan.
- Arrange the seasoned potatoes in a single layer on the rack, ensuring they are not crowded.
- Bake:
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes, or until the fries are tender inside and golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- For even crispiness, turn the fries halfway through the baking time.
- Serve:
- Remove the fries from the oven and serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Process Details
- Cutting and Rinsing: Cutting the potatoes into uniform strips helps them cook evenly, while rinsing removes extra starch for a crisper finish.
- Drying Thoroughly: Patting the potatoes dry ensures the oil adheres well, which is key to achieving a crunchy texture.
- Using a Wire Rack: Placing the fries on a wire rack allows air to circulate around them, helping the fries become uniformly crisp.
- Even Baking: Flipping the fries halfway through ensures that all sides get a nice, even brown color.
Tips for Success
- Uniform Cuts: Try to cut the potatoes as evenly as possible to ensure they cook at the same rate.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Spread the fries out on the rack so that the hot air can circulate, which is essential for crispiness.
- Extra Seasoning: Feel free to experiment with additional seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, or dried herbs for an extra flavor boost.
- Check for Doneness: If the fries aren’t crispy enough after 45 minutes, you can bake them for an extra 5 minutes—just keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
Serving Ideas
- As a Snack: Enjoy these oven fries on their own with a side of ketchup or your favorite dipping sauce.
- Side Dish: They pair perfectly with burgers, sandwiches, or grilled chicken.
- Party Appetizer: Serve them at your next get-together with a tangy aioli or spicy mayo for dipping to impress your guests.
Nutrition Info (Approximate per Serving)
- Calories: 180–220
- Fat: 5–7 grams
- Carbohydrates: 30–35 grams
- Protein: 3–4 grams
I truly enjoy making these homemade oven fries because they offer a healthier twist on a classic favorite without sacrificing flavor or crunch. With simple ingredients and a straightforward process, you can easily whip up a batch of crispy fries that are perfect for any meal or snack. I hope you give this recipe a try and enjoy these delicious oven fries as much as I do—I’d love to hear your feedback!