Crispy Oven-Baked French Fries Recipe

Baked French fries: a lighter, healthier take on classic fries. Crispy, delicious, and made with just three ingredients.

Who doesn’t love French fries? They’re irresistible, but deep-fried versions can feel heavy. Over the years I perfected a simple baked fries method that delivers crispiness and great flavor without the extra oil.

This recipe uses only three ingredients: potatoes (Russet are ideal for extra crispiness), extra virgin olive oil (or any oil you prefer), and salt. The result is golden, crunchy fries with a lighter texture than the fried version.

Oil quantity is flexible based on preference. I typically use 1 tablespoon for a lighter coating and up to 2 tablespoons if you want a richer finish. Season with salt to taste—about 1/4 teaspoon works for me, but adjust to your liking.

If you want more flavor, you can easily add spices and herbs: black pepper, smoked or sweet paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, thyme, rosemary, fresh parsley or basil, minced fresh garlic, or even grated cheese. They’re excellent with a sprinkle of vegan Parmesan if you like a cheesy touch. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce—classic ketchup, vegan mayonnaise, barbecue sauce, or vegan ranch all pair beautifully.

Ingredients for baked French fries

Gather the simple ingredients below:

• Potatoes – Russet potatoes give the crispiest results because they’re high in starch and low in moisture. Other varieties work fine too, so use what you have.
• Extra virgin olive oil – I prefer extra virgin olive oil for its flavor and health benefits, but any neutral oil is fine.
• Salt – I use Himalayan pink salt, but any salt will work. Season to taste.

How to make baked French fries

1. Preheat the oven to 430ºF (220ºC).
2. Peel the potatoes or leave the skins on, then slice them into evenly sized fry shapes so they cook uniformly.
3. Optional: place the cut potatoes in a bowl of cold water and let them sit for 30 minutes. This removes excess starch and helps achieve extra crispiness.
4. Drain and thoroughly dry the potato pieces with a kitchen towel.
5. Transfer to a large bowl, toss with the oil until evenly coated.
6. Arrange the fries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper in a single layer. Bake for about 40 minutes, turning once after roughly 25 minutes, until golden and crisp.
7. Remove from the oven, season with salt to taste, and serve immediately. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4–5 days.

Looking for more potato recipes?

• Hash Browns
• Breakfast Potatoes
• Smashed Potatoes
• Baked Potato Wedges
• Vegan Mashed Potatoes

Did you make this baked French fries recipe?

Please leave a comment below, share your experience, rate the recipe, or tag a photo on Instagram. I’d love to see how your fries turned out!