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Enjoy a healthy twist on a classic favorite with these warm, perfectly crisp, slightly salty Baked French Fries! Crisp on the outside and fluffy on the inside, these healthy baked French fries will be a hit.
These golden fries are baked, not fried, making them a guilt-free side dish or snack that still packs all the flavor and crunch you crave. These Healthy Baked French Fries pair well with almost anything. Pair them with Refreshing Cucumber Salad, Simple Middle Eastern Salad, Nacho Cheese Sauce, or Best Yum Yum Sauce.
Table of Contents
Recipe Overview
Cuisine: American
Preparation Method: Oven-Baked
Skill Required: Easy, great for all cooking levels
Signature Taste: Crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside
Diet Info: Vegan, gluten-free, low in fat, and a healthier alternative to fried fries
Why to Make This Recipe
Easy: With just three ingredients, these baked fries require very little preparation. Chop them, soak them in water, season them, and bake them.
Healthy: Enjoy all the satisfaction of crispy fries with none of the guilt. Because these fries are baked, you only need a small amount of oil to get them crispy. This makes them a healthier option than deep-fried French fries. Baked potatoes are lower in fat and calories compared to traditional deep-fried versions.
Versatile: Guys, these homemade fries are incredible! Customize with your favorite seasonings to suit any craving. Whether you prefer fries classic or spicy, feel free to season them with your favorite seasonings.
Recipe Tip
If you want extra crunchy fries, sprinkle a small amount of cornstarch or semolina over them before baking.
Ingredients
Idaho potatoes: They are perfect for baking because they have a high starch content, which helps achieve that crispy exterior while keeping the inside fluffy. Russet potatoes are also good for this recipe.
Olive oil: Opt for extra virgin olive oil for a richer flavor profile. It helps achieve a crispy texture.
Salt: Use sea salt or kosher salt for a more flavorful finish. Add it according to taste.
Step-by-Step Guide
First, preheat oven to 400°F.
Then, peel the potatoes then wash them.
Next, cut off each potato’s ends (tips of each end) so that the ends are flat and not round.
After that, cut the potatoes vertically into 3 flat slices then cut each slice into potato wedges.
Now, place a parchment paper on a large baking sheet.
Then, place the cut potatoes on the parchment paper, sprinkle with salt, then pour the olive oil all over the potatoes. Mix well with your hands or a wooden spoon until all potatoes are coated.
Finally, bake for 40 minutes then broil on high for about 4-5 minutes, or until golden.
How to Serve Baked French Fries
Arrange these crispy baked fries on a platter and serve them hot, straight out of the oven, for maximum crunch.
However, don’t miss to sprinkle extra sea salt or your favorite seasoning, and garnish them with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for a touch of freshness.
These oven-baked fries are versatile as you can pair them with a variety of dipping sauces such as ketchup, Garlic Aioli, or spicy sriracha mayo.
Crispy oven-baked potatoes complement well with grilled steak or chicken such as Shish Tawook – Lebanese Grilled Chicken Skewers alongside Grilled Corn with Spicy Cajun Butter and Grilled Shishito Peppers.
You will also love to pair them with fresh Mediterranean salads like Fattoush and Tabbouli.
For dips, serve baked fries with Lebanese Garlic Sauce, Tzatziki, Muhammara, Hummus, or Baba Ghanoush.
Recipe Tip
Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Variations and Substitutes
Sweet Potato Fries: For a slightly sweet flavor, swap Idaho potatoes for sweet potatoes.
Oil Substitutes: Instead of olive oil, use avocado or coconut oil for different flavor profiles and health benefits.
Seasoning Mixes: Add a tasty variety by using different seasonings like smoked paprika, garlic powder, or Cajun spices for a spicy kick.
Herb Variations: Sprinkle fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley for an aromatic twist.
Parmesan-Crusted: For cheesy crispy fries, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese during the last few minutes of baking.
Tips and Tricks
Uniform Cutting: Cut the potatoes into equal-sized wedges. This will ensure that they cook evenly throughout.
Soak for Extra Crispiness: The best-kept secret for getting crisp oven-baked fries is to soak them before baking. Soaking draws out the starch, which makes the fries firmer and less likely to clump together in the oven.
Preheat for Crispiness: Make sure your oven is fully preheated to 400°F before baking. This helps the fries cook evenly and achieve a golden, crispy exterior.
Avoid Overlapping: Make sure the fries are spread out evenly on the baking sheet. This is critical in ensuring that the food cooks evenly and crisply.
Flip for Even Crispiness: Flipping fries in the oven guarantees that all sides are golden and crispy.
Don’t Skimp on the Oil: To crisp up the potatoes and give them a hint of that familiar French fry flavor, you need to season them with some oil.
Storage Tips
Refrigerator: Let the oven-baked French fries cool completely then store them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Arrange the cooled French fries in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. To reheat, bake them in a preheated oven at 400°F until crispy.
Reheating: To get them nice and crispy again, reheat them quickly in the oven or an air fryer at a high temperature, 5-10 minutes at 400°F.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! Just keep in mind that you will need to cook the fries in more batches.
Season the baked fries with chili powder and a pinch of cumin to make spicy fries.
Soaking the potatoes before baking removes the starch which allows them to crisp in the oven.
These crispy homemade fries are best served hot from the oven, but you can soak them ahead of time for up to 24 hours. Season and bake them just before serving for the best crispness.
Ensure the oven is preheated, and the potatoes are not overcrowded on the baking sheet, allowing for proper airflow.
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- Mexican Street Corn (Elote)
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- Viral Smashed Tacos
- Beef and Broccoli Sweet Potatoes
- Viral la Scala Chopped Salad
- Sautéed Mushrooms and Onions
Healthy Baked French Fries
Ingredients
- 6 Idaho potatoes, medium size
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- salt, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Peel the potatoes then wash them.
- Cut off each potato's ends (tips of each end) so that the ends are flat and not round.
- Cut the potatoes vertically into 3 flat slices then cut each slice into potato wedges.
- Place a parchment paper on a large baking sheet.
- Place the cut potatoes on the parchment paper, sprinkle with salt, then pour the olive oil all over the potatoes. Mix well with your hands or a wooden spoon until all potatoes are coated.
- Bake for 40 minutes then broil on high for about 4-5 minutes, or until golden.
Notes
- Uniform Cutting: Cut the potatoes into equal-sized wedges. This will ensure that they cook evenly throughout.
- Soak for Extra Crispiness: Soaking potato wedges draws out the starch, which makes the fries firmer and less likely to clump together in the oven.
- Preheat for Crispiness: Make sure your oven is fully preheated to 400°F before baking. This helps the fries cook evenly and achieve a golden, crispy exterior.
- Avoid Overlapping: Spread out the fries evenly on the baking sheet. This is critical in ensuring that the food cooks evenly and crisply.
- Flip for Even Crispiness: Flipping fries in the oven guarantees that all sides are golden and crispy.
- Don’t Skimp on the Oil: To crisp up the potatoes and give them a hint of that familiar French fry flavor, you need to season them with some oil.
