Craving those perfect, golden-brown fries but don’t want to deal with the hassle of deep frying? Say hello to these amazing oven-baked homemade fries! They’re crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and absolutely bursting with flavor. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll never look at frozen fries the same way again!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthier Option: Baked, not fried, but still incredibly crispy and delicious.
- Customizable: Season them however you like – the possibilities are endless!
- Budget-Friendly: Way cheaper than store-bought fries and just as tasty.
- Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike will love these crispy potato delights.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Potatoes: Yukon Gold potatoes are the star of the show, giving us that perfect crispy-outside, creamy-inside texture.
- Olive Oil: Helps achieve that golden-brown crispiness we’re after.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and gives that classic fry taste.
- Garlic Powder: Adds a savory depth that’ll make your taste buds dance.
- Dill Weed: A secret ingredient that takes these fries to the next level.
- Onion Powder: Brings a subtle sweetness and more savory goodness.
- Black Pepper: For a little kick and extra flavor complexity.
- Optional Toppings: Fresh herbs or cheese for that gourmet touch.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Variations
Want to mix things up? Try these tasty twists:
- Spicy Fries: Add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the seasoning mix.
- Parmesan Fries: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the hot fries right out of the oven.
- Herb-lovers Delight: Mix in dried rosemary or thyme with the seasoning.
- Sweet Potato Fries: Swap regular potatoes for sweet potatoes for a different flavor profile.
How to Make Homemade Fries
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 450°F and oil up a large baking sheet. This high heat is crucial for crispy fries!
Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes
Cut your potatoes into 1/4-inch sticks. No need to peel unless you want to – the skin adds extra crispiness and nutrients.
Step 3: The Secret Soak
Soak the potato sticks in very hot tap water for 10 minutes. This step is magic for crispy fries!
Step 4: Dry and Season
Drain and dry the potatoes thoroughly. Then toss them with olive oil and your seasoning mix until every fry is coated.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Spread the fries in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, then flip and bake for another 5-10 minutes until golden and crispy.
Step 6: Final Touch
While still hot, sprinkle with any additional toppings and extra salt to taste. Then, dig in and enjoy your crispy creation!
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Even Cuts: Try to cut your fries as evenly as possible for consistent cooking.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Give your fries space on the baking sheet. Overcrowding leads to steaming instead of crisping.
- Flip with Confidence: Use a sturdy spatula to flip the fries in sections, ensuring even browning.
- Watch Closely: Every oven is different, so keep an eye on your fries towards the end of cooking time.
How to Serve
These fries are perfect on their own, but why stop there? Serve them alongside your favorite burger, use them as a base for loaded fries, or pair them with a variety of dipping sauces. They’re great for game day snacks, casual dinners, or anytime you’re craving something crispy and delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover fries in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. But let’s be honest, leftovers are rare with these!
Freezing
While you can freeze these fries, they’re best enjoyed fresh. If you do freeze them, reheat in the oven for best results.
Reheating
To bring back the crispiness, reheat in a 400°F oven on a preheated baking sheet for 5-8 minutes. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of potato?
Absolutely! Russet potatoes work well too. They might need a slightly longer cooking time, but they’ll still be delicious.
Why soak the potatoes?
Soaking removes excess starch, which helps the fries crisp up better in the oven. Don’t skip this step!
Can I make these in an air fryer?
Yes! Cook at 380°F for about 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
How can I make these fries extra crispy?
Make sure your oven is fully preheated, don’t overcrowd the pan, and flip the fries halfway through cooking for maximum crispiness.
These homemade fries are a game-changer – crispy, flavorful, and so much better than anything you can get from a drive-thru. They’re the perfect side dish for almost any meal, or a fantastic snack on their own. So grab some potatoes and get ready to experience fry perfection right in your own kitchen. Happy frying!
Print
Crispy Homemade Fries Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dishes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Crispy, golden homemade fries seasoned with garlic, dill, and onion powder. These oven-baked fries are a healthier alternative to deep-fried versions, offering a perfect balance of crispy exterior and creamy interior.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- 1 1/2 pounds golden yellow potatoes (Yukon Gold or similar, about 4)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus additional to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dill weed
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Optional toppings: fresh parsley, chives, freshly grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven and baking sheet: Place a rack in the lower third of your oven and preheat to 450 degrees F. Drizzle a large rimmed baking sheet with 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil, brushing it to coat the pan evenly.
- Prepare the potatoes: Scrub the potatoes and peel if desired. Slice into 1/4-inch-wide sticks. Place the potatoes in a large bowl and cover with very hot tap water. Let sit for 10 minutes.
- Dry the potatoes: Drain the potatoes and transfer them to a clean towel. Dry thoroughly, changing the towel as needed. Rinse and wipe out the soaking bowl, then return the dried potatoes to it.
- Season the potatoes: Drizzle the potatoes with the remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil and sprinkle with salt, garlic powder, dill weed, onion powder, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
- Arrange and bake: Spread the potatoes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Roast in the lower third of the oven for 15 to 20 minutes, until golden underneath.
- Flip and continue baking: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and carefully loosen the fries from the bottom of the pan with a large, firm spatula. Flip them in large sections and return to a single layer. Continue baking for 5 to 10 additional minutes, until golden and crisp.
- Serve: While hot, sprinkle with desired toppings and additional salt to taste. Serve immediately
Notes
- Yukon gold potatoes provide the best texture, with creamy interiors and crispy exteriors.
- To store, place leftover fries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, preheat oven to 400°F with an empty baking sheet inside. Spread fries on the hot pan and bake for 5-8 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
