Baked French Fries Recipe

Russet potatoes: These are the best choice for fries due to their high starch content and low moisture, which helps them become crispy when baked.

Olive oil: This healthy oil helps to coat the potatoes, ensuring they bake evenly and develop a golden-brown color.

Salt: Enhances the natural flavor of the potatoes.

Black pepper: Adds a subtle heat and depth of flavor to the fries.

To achieve extra crispy fries, soak the potato slices in cold water for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps to remove excess starch, which can prevent them from becoming crispy. Make sure to dry the potatoes thoroughly with a kitchen towel before tossing them with olive oil and seasoning.

• russet potatoes - Substitute with sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes offer a slightly sweeter flavor and are rich in vitamins A and C.

• russet potatoes - Substitute with yukon gold potatoes: Yukon gold potatoes have a creamy texture and hold their shape well when baked.

• olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor, making it ideal for baking.

• olive oil - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil adds a subtle sweetness and is also stable at high temperatures.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt has a more complex flavor and contains trace minerals.

• salt - Substitute with kosher salt: Kosher salt has larger crystals and a milder flavor, making it easier to control the seasoning.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a milder flavor and is less visually noticeable in the dish.

• black pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds a spicy kick and enhances the overall flavor profile.

• Allow the baked french fries to cool completely at room temperature. This prevents condensation, which can make them soggy.

• Transfer the cooled fries to an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. If using a container, ensure it has a tight-fitting lid to maintain freshness.

• For added protection, especially if you plan to store them for more than a day, wrap the fries in aluminum foil or plastic wrap before placing them in the container or bag.

• Store the fries in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When ready to reheat, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 10-15 minutes until they regain their crispiness.

• If you wish to freeze the fries, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place the sheet in the freezer for about an hour, or until the fries are firm. This prevents them from sticking together.

• Once the fries are frozen, transfer them to a resealable freezer bag or an airtight container. Label the bag or container with the date to keep track of their freshness.

• Frozen baked french fries can be stored for up to 2 months. To reheat, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the fries for 15-20 minutes, or until they are heated through and crispy.

• For an extra burst of flavor, consider sprinkling the reheated fries with additional salt, black pepper, or even some garlic powder or paprika before serving.

• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread the leftover baked French fries on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 10-15 minutes, turning halfway through, until they are heated through and regain their crispiness.

• Air Fryer Method: Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the French fries in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even reheating.

• Skillet Method: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of olive oil to the skillet. Once the oil is hot, add the French fries in a single layer. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are heated through and crispy.

• Microwave Method: Place the French fries on a microwave-safe plate lined with a paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, checking and stirring halfway through. Note that this method may not retain the original crispiness.

• Toaster Oven Method: Preheat your toaster oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread the French fries on the toaster oven tray in a single layer. Heat for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through, until they are warmed and crispy.

• Oven: Used to bake the fries at a high temperature to achieve a crispy texture.

• Baking sheet: Provides a flat surface for spreading the fries in a single layer to ensure even cooking.

• Parchment paper: Prevents the fries from sticking to the baking sheet and makes for easy cleanup.

• Mixing bowl: Used to toss the potato fries with olive oil, salt, and pepper to ensure they are evenly coated.

• Peeler: Helps in peeling the potatoes efficiently before cutting them into fries.

• Knife: Essential for cutting the peeled potatoes into fry shapes.

• Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for cutting the potatoes safely.

• Spatula: Useful for turning the fries halfway through the baking process to ensure they cook evenly on all sides.

Preheat the oven early: Start preheating your oven while you prepare the potatoes to save time.

Use a mandoline: A mandoline slicer can quickly and uniformly cut the potatoes into fries.

Soak the potatoes: Soak the cut potatoes in water for 30 minutes beforehand to remove excess starch, ensuring they bake faster and crispier.

Line the baking sheet: Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup quicker.

Batch cooking: If making a large quantity, use multiple baking sheets to cook all fries at once, reducing overall cooking time.