![First pictures of RED V-RAPTOR [X] and Komodo [X] cinema cameras with Nikon Z-mount leaked online](https://nikonrumors.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/RED-V-RAPTOR-X-Z-Mount-and-Komodo-X-Z-mount.webp)
![RED V-RAPTOR [X] video camera with Nikon Z-mount mockup](https://nikonrumors.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/RED-V-RAPTOR-X-video-camera-with-Nikon-Z-mount-mockup.jpg)
.png?width=1920&height=1920&fit=bounds&quality=80&format=jpg&auto=webp#)
Baked French Fries
These are the best oven baked French fries that taste just like a restaurant! They come out crispy and perfectly…
These are the best oven baked French fries that taste just like a restaurant! They come out crispy and perfectly seasoned: no need for frying.
Want to make the best homemade fries you’ve ever had? Try these baked French fries! Here at A Couple Cooks, Alex and I have tested countless batches to get to our ultimate oven baked fries recipe. We discovered a few tricks that make an ultra crispy exterior and the perfect seasoning blend!
Everyone who tries these has a “whoa!” moment when they take the first bite. Here’s what you need to know about how to make baked French fries at home!
How to cut French fries by hand
To make baked French fries at home: you’ll need to learn how to cut them! It’s not hard once you’ve done it once. Watch the video below to review the method:
- Slice off the ends of each potato, then slice off part of the side to make a base.
- Place the potato half cut side down and cut off a 3/8-inch slice, then lay the slice on its side and cut it into several long 3/8-inch wide strips.
- Repeat until all potatoes have been cut into fries!
A secret to crispy fries: the cold soak
The secret to the perfect texture for crispy baked French fries? Soak the fries in cold water before baking. Here’s why:
- Soaking makes the outside crispy and inside soft. In back to back tests, we found this makes for just the right tender interior and crispy exterior.
- The soak is only 10 minutes. Some fry recipes call for soaking for 1 hour or more. We also did back to back tests for this one, and found that the 10 minute soak was actually better!
- You can soak while your oven preheats. You don’t lose any time with the soak because you can do it while the oven is preheating. Ideally you can cut, soak and season the fries before the oven is ready to go.
Seasoning for baked French fries
What’s the best seasoning for baked French fries? We’ve tried about a million spices, but we finally narrowed it down to this delicious seasoning blend:
- Smoked paprika: The Spanish version of paprika that infuses a hint of smokiness into each bite. When you buy a jar, you can use it up with these smoked paprika recipes.
- Old Bay: Old Bay is an American seasoning blend that’s often used to season seafood and potatoes. You can find Old Bay in your grocery store in the spices aisle, buy Old Bay online, or make homemade Old Bay seasoning.
- Garlic powder
- Salt and pepper
Tips for crispy baked French fries
Now that they’re soaked and seasoned: let’s get to baking! Here’s how to bake your baked French fries so that they get perfectly crisp:
- Soak the fries for 10 minutes in cold water. This gets just the right soft texture inside.
- Use parchment paper. Lining the baking sheets with parchment paper makes for easy cleanup!
- Space oven racks. Make sure your oven racks are evenly spaced for the most even cooking.
- Spread the fries in an even layer. Don’t let them touch each other, or they’ll become soggy.
- Bake 20 minutes, then flip and bake 10 minutes. This gets them crispy on both sides! Eat immediately for the best texture and flavor.
How to make a larger batch
This baked French fries recipe makes a good amount of fries. But here’s something to keep in mind: each serving is much less than you’d get in a restaurant. That helps keep this recipe on the healthy side.
If you want to increase the quantity, you can go up from 1 ½ pounds to 2 pounds of potatoes. This is the maximum that will fit across 2 baking sheets in the oven at once. And you don’t want to make them in batches: because you should eat them immediately!
Dip ideas for French fries
The best part of French fries: dipping them! Here are some of our favorite dips for French fries:
- Aioli. Creamy, rich aioli is the perfect dipping sauce for fries! Try Mayo Aioli, Basil Aioli, Lemon Aioli or Pesto Aioli.
- Honey Mustard. This honey mustard sauce is sweet and tangy.
- Special Sauce. This special sauce is a combination of all the best condiments.
- Ketchup. Try homemade ketchup for a fun spin on this condiment.
- Ranch. Go for homemade ranch or buffalo ranch.
Also try: Step them up with French Fry Seasoning, or top them like Greek Fries!
Dietary notes
This baked French fries recipe is vegetarian, vegan, plant-based, dairy-free and gluten-free.
Baked French Fries (So Crispy!)
Print RecipeThese are the best oven baked French fries that taste just like a restaurant! They come out crispy and perfectly seasoned: no need for frying.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 3 to 4
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- 2 large russet potatoes (1 1/2 to 1 3/4 pounds)*
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (purchased or homemade)
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Evenly space the oven racks to ensure even cooking.
- Meanwhile, cut the potatoes into fries: (Watch this video or use a fry cutter.) Wash the potatoes, leaving the skins on. Slice off the ends of each potato, then slice off part of the side to make a base. Place the potato half cut side down and cut off a 3/8-inch slice, then lay the slice on its side and cut it into several long strips. Repeat until all potatoes have been cut into fries. The pieces can be uneven, but aim for as uniform of thickness as possible. See the video for full instructions!
- Soak in cold water (10 minutes): Place the cut fries into a medium bowl and rinse with cold water until water is clear. Then fill the bowl with cold water and allow to rest for 10 minutes (while the oven preheats). Then drain the potatoes and dry them thoroughly with a clean dish towel.
- Season the fries: Add the fries to a dry bowl and toss them with the olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, Old Bay, black pepper, and kosher salt. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Spread the fries in straight lines on the paper, placing them as far apart as possible.
- Bake: Bake the fries for 20 minutes. Take them out of the oven and carefully flip each fry. Return to oven (reversing the pans on top and bottom racks). Bake additional 8 to 10 minutes until they are crisp and golden brown, watching carefully as the bake time depends on the fry thickness and your oven. (If the majority of the fries seem soft, continue to bake a few more minutes.)
- Taste and add a few more pinches salt if desired. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
*This makes a good amount of fries, but much less than a restaurant portion (that’s as intended!). The largest quantity of fries that fits on two baking sheets is 2 pounds, you can increase to that much if desired (adjust seasonings accordingly).
A French fry cutter cuts the fries very quickly, but it takes up quite a bit of cupboard space. Here’s a link to the French fry cutter we use.
