5-Ingredient Crispy Oven Baked Fries (using Russet Potatoes)
There’s nothing better than a tray of hot, crispy oven baked fries fresh out of the oven. They’re golden, perfectly salty, and all without the hassle of deep frying. These fries are simple enough for a weeknight side dish, yet fun and nostalgic enough to serve with burgers on a weekend.
Why You’ll Be Obsessed with These Fries
I actually don’t know a single person who doesn’t love french fries. I also think it’s a scam that you need to deep fry or air fry in order to get delicious homemade french fries! I’m here to tell you that you can get the same results in your regular old oven.
Crispy edges, fluffy insides, and just the right amount of seasoning. These fries are the perfect balance of comfort food and everyday easy. Plus, since they’re oven baked instead of deep fried, you can feel good about making them any night of the week.
It’s so important to have simple, go-to sides that pair well with so many things. Knowing I have options like this to throw together any night of the week is one less thing I need to worry about.
What You Need to Make the Magic Happen
The best part? You only need a handful of pantry staples to pull these off. Other than the Russet potatoes, you need olive oil, salt, garlic powder and paprika. Nothing fancy, just pure fry magic.
PRO TIP ON THE POTATOES: Russets are your best friend here because they’re high in starch and low in moisture, which means they bake up with that fluffy inside and crisp outside. Other varieties, like Yukon Golds, will still work but tend to be a little creamier and softer rather than super crunchy. If you’re after true restaurant-style fries, stick with Russets.
Step-by-Step: The Crispiest Oven Baked Fries
This recipe is all about simple steps with maximum payoff. Slice your potatoes into thin, even sticks, toss them with oil and spices until they’re fully coated, then spread them out in a single layer. Pop them in a hot oven, and bake until crispy, golden perfection.
Pro Tips for Golden, Crunchy Fries
Don’t crowd the pan, space equals crispiness. If they’re too close, they’ll steam rather than crisp. Cut your potatoes as evenly as possible so they bake at the same pace (a sharp knife if key for this), and if you’re craving extra crunch, give them a few more minutes at a higher heat. These little tricks make all the difference.
Serving Ideas That Take Fries to the Next Level
Of course fries are amazing on their own, but why stop there? Serve them next to juicy burgers, grilled chicken, or even alongside a big salad for a fun twist. And don’t forget the dips, classic ketchup, ranch, or a garlicky aioli will take these fries to the next level.
5-Ingredient Crispy Oven Baked Fries (using Russet Potatoes)
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side dish
- Method: Oven baked
- Cuisine: American
Description
There’s nothing better than a tray of hot, crispy oven baked fries fresh out of the oven. They’re golden, perfectly salty, and all without the hassle of deep frying. These fries are simple enough for a weeknight side dish, yet fun and nostalgic enough to serve with burgers on a weekend.
Ingredients
- 4 large Russet potatoes
- 2–3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Cut the potatoes into desired size. I like to cut them into thin fries and do this by first slicing the potatoes into ¼ inch flats (lengthwise), then cut the flats into thin sticks.
- Place them on a parchment lined baking sheet (or two if they’re too crowded). Drizzle with olive oil and spices and use your hands to coat the potatoes really well with the oil and seasonings.
- Spread into a single layer and bake for 35-45 minutes or until desired crispiness. If they’re not as crispy as you like after 45 minutes, turn the heat up to 450 degrees and roast for an additional 5-7 minutes.
