Ah, the humble French fry—crispy, golden, and somehow both crunchy and soft. It’s like the potato’s way of giving you a hug. I recently had a batch that rivaled any fast-food joint, and let me tell you, these oven-baked wonders are a game-changer. Perfect for a Sunday afternoon snack or a side for your gourmet burger, they’ve become my go-to for satisfying that salty craving.
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. Wash the potatoes thoroughly, leaving the skin on unless you prefer to peel them. Cut the potatoes into your preferred size for fries.
- Submerge the cut potatoes in cold water for a minimum of 30 minutes to remove excess starch, which helps achieve crispiness. After soaking, drain the water and ensure the fries are completely dry.
- Coat the fries with oil and season them according to your taste. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake the fries in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Afterward, increase the oven temperature to 425°F and continue cooking until the fries are golden and crispy, approximately 20-25 minutes more.
Ingredients
- baked French fries:
- Russet potatoes (quantity as preferred)
- Oil (enough to generously coat the fries)
- Seasonings (such as salt, pepper, or any preferred seasoning blend)
Nutritional Values
Calories: 311 | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 22mg | Potassium: 926mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 65IU | Vitamin C: 24.3mg | Calcium: 123mg | Iron: 8.4mg
FAQ
- How do I ensure my oven-baked fries turn out crispy?
- To achieve crispy oven-baked fries, soak the cut potatoes in cold water for at least 30 minutes to remove excess starch. After soaking, dry them thoroughly to prevent steaming. Generously coat them with oil and bake at two different temperatures: start at 375°F and then increase to 425°F.
- What type of potatoes are best for making oven-baked fries?
- Russet potatoes are ideal for oven-baked fries due to their thick and dry skins, which crisp up well in the oven compared to other potato varieties.
- Can I leave the skin on the potatoes when making fries?
- Yes, leaving the skin on the potatoes adds extra fiber and flavor. However, you can peel them if you prefer.
- How can I reheat leftover oven-baked fries to retain their crispiness?
- To reheat fries and keep them crispy, use a stovetop with a little oil over medium heat or bake them in a preheated oven at 400°F for 5-10 minutes. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make them soft or soggy.
- Can I freeze leftover oven-baked fries?
- Yes, you can freeze leftover fries for up to four months in a freezer bag. Reheat them using the stovetop or oven methods mentioned above. Frozen fries are also a great addition to soups, stews, and casseroles.
Tips
- Soak the Potatoes: After cutting the potatoes into fries, soak them in cold water for at least 30 minutes. This step helps to remove excess starch, which contributes to making the fries crispier when baked.
- Dry Thoroughly: Ensure the fries are completely dry before seasoning and baking. Any remaining moisture can cause the fries to steam rather than crisp up. Use a salad spinner or pat them with a kitchen towel to remove all excess water.
- Generous with Oil: Although these are a healthier version of fries, using a good amount of oil is crucial to achieve a crispy texture. Additionally, lining the baking sheet with parchment paper prevents sticking.
- Two-Temperature Cooking Method: Start by baking the fries at 375°F to cook them through, then increase the temperature to 425°F to achieve a golden and crispy exterior. This method mimics the double-frying technique used for traditional fries.
Equipment
- French Fry Cutter – To cut potatoes into even fries easily.
- Salad Spinner – To dry the potatoes thoroughly after soaking.
- Parchment Paper – To prevent the fries from sticking to the baking sheet.
