Easy Homemade Baked French Fries are seasoned with rosemary and garlic, then baked until crispy and flavorful.
My oldest daughter came home from college recently and introduced the family to this simple oven fries recipe. These baked fries are crisp, tasty, and lighter than deep-fried versions—so they satisfy that fries craving without a heavy feeling.
How to make Homemade Baked French Fries
Making these homemade baked fries is straightforward, though it requires a bit of prep. The key step for crispness is cutting the potatoes evenly and soaking them briefly to remove excess starch.
We prefer leaving the skins on for added texture and flavor, but you can peel the potatoes if you like smooth, skinless fries.
How do you cut potatoes into fries?
Cut each potato in half crosswise, then cut each half into quarters lengthwise. Finally, slice each quarter into strips about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. This yields fries that are substantial enough to get crisp on the outside and tender inside.
How long do you soak potatoes in water?
Soak the cut potatoes in cold water for 15 to 20 minutes. Soaking removes surface starch, helps prevent browning, and improves crisping during baking.
After soaking, drain and rinse the potatoes, then dry them thoroughly with a clean towel or paper towels. Toss the dried potato strips with a small amount of olive oil and seasonings—this recipe uses Italian seasoning and dried rosemary for a savory, aromatic flavor, but you can use other herbs and spices to suit your taste.
Arrange the seasoned fries in a single layer on parchment-lined baking sheets so they don’t steam. No additional oil or cooking spray is necessary on the parchment.
Bake at a high temperature until the fries are golden brown and crisp—about 30 minutes—tossing or stirring occasionally to promote even browning. Finish with extra salt or fresh rosemary, if desired.
Serve these homemade baked French fries hot with your favorite dips. They pair perfectly with burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, or as a satisfying side to many weeknight meals.
Recipe for Homemade Baked French Fries
Homemade Baked French Fries
Dee
30 minutes
30 minutes
1 hour
10
Ingredients
- 4 large russet potatoes, washed with skins on
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning mix
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- dash of pepper
- additional salt and rosemary, if desired
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Wash potatoes and cut each in half crosswise. Cut each half into quarters lengthwise, then slice into strips about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick.
- Place the cut potatoes in a large bowl and cover with cold water. Soak for 15 to 20 minutes to remove excess starch.
- Drain and rinse the potatoes, then pat them dry. Toss with olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, dried rosemary, garlic powder, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Arrange the potatoes in a single layer on parchment-lined baking sheets, leaving space so they don’t crowd. Bake about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and crispy.
- Remove from oven, season with additional salt and rosemary if desired, and serve immediately.
Nutrition
Nutrition estimates are approximate.
Additional Info
My family loved these easy baked fries, and they disappeared fast. I hope you enjoy them as much as we do.
