Easy Oven Baked French Fries coated in olive oil, tossed with savory seasoning, and baked until golden and crispy. They’re simple to prepare and pair perfectly with burgers, grilled chicken, or your favorite dipping sauces.
These homemade baked french fries deliver the satisfying texture of store-bought fries but with the advantage of fresh ingredients and no excess oil from deep frying. They’re easy to customize and make a great side for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Homemade French Fry Ingredients
- 6 medium potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
How to Make Baked French Fries
Start by washing the potatoes thoroughly. I usually leave the skins on for extra texture and nutrients, but you can peel them if you prefer. Slice the potatoes into sticks about ¼”–½” thick for a nice balance between soft interior and crispy edges.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). For crispier results, place the baking sheet in the oven as it preheats so the fries hit a hot surface when you put them in. Line the pan with parchment paper or foil for easier cleanup.
To reduce excess starch and help the fries crisp, you can soak the cut potatoes in cold water for 15–30 minutes, then drain and pat them dry with a clean towel. Whisk together the olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and rosemary in a large bowl. Add the potato sticks and toss until they are evenly coated. If they look dry, add a little more oil—just enough to coat each fry.
Spread the seasoned potatoes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet so they roast rather than steam. Bake at 400°F for about 25 minutes, turning once halfway through to promote even browning. If you like them extra crispy, bake for an additional 5 minutes or so, watching closely to prevent burning. For a final crisp edge, a brief broil of 1–2 minutes can help—keep a careful eye on them.
Serving Suggestions
These baked fries are delicious on their own, or serve them with a variety of dips: ketchup, ranch, blue cheese dressing, or a tangy house sauce. They also make a great accompaniment to burgers, grilled chicken, or pork chops.
Storage and Reheating
Store cooled fries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on a baking sheet in a 375°F oven for 8–12 minutes, or use an air fryer for a few minutes to regain crispness. Microwaving will make them soft, so it’s best avoided if you want to retain texture.
Simple Recipe Card
Oven Baked French Fries
Author: Jeannie Z
Prep: 15 mins • Cook: 25 mins • Total: 40 mins
Ingredients
- 6 medium potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
Instructions
- Wash potatoes and slice into fries about ¼”–½” thick.
- Optional: soak cut potatoes in cold water for 15–30 minutes, then drain and pat dry to remove excess starch.
- Preheat oven to 400°F and, if desired, place the baking sheet inside while the oven heats.
- Whisk olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and rosemary in a large bowl.
- Toss potatoes in the oil and seasoning until evenly coated. Add a bit more oil if needed.
- Arrange fries in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 25 minutes, turning once halfway through. For crispier fries, bake 5–10 minutes longer or broil for 1–2 minutes while watching closely.
Notes
To help the fries crisp, remove excess moisture before baking and use a hot baking sheet. Spacing the fries so they aren’t crowded will also improve browning.
Nutrition information is approximate and should be used as a guide.
Did you make this recipe? Please leave a comment and a rating below — I love hearing how it turned out.