Baked French Fries
The ultimate comfort food, Baked French Fries are crispy, golden, and easy to make at home. Perfect for satisfying cravings during movie nights or as a side dish for your favorite entrees, these fries will leave you wanting more. Try making them tonight for a delicious treat!
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Oven
- Chef's Knife
- Baking Sheet
Ingredients
- 6 cups water for boiling
- 2 cups distilled white vinegar
- 0.25 cup kosher salt plus more for seasoning
- 4 large russet potatoes skin on, scrubbed, cut into fries shape
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 6 tablespoons vegetable oil
- chopped parsley for garnishing
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). A hot oven is crucial for achieving that desirable crispiness.
- In a large pot, add the water, vinegar, and kosher salt. Bring it to a boil over high heat. This boiling step will help us create the ideal texture for the fries.
- Line two baking sheets with paper towels to absorb excess moisture. This will ensure your fries are crispy.
- Once the water is boiling, add the potatoes to the pot. Boil them gently for about 8 minutes. You want them to be tender but not falling apart.
- After 8 minutes, carefully remove the potatoes using a slotted spoon. Be gentle so they don’t break. Transfer them to the prepared baking sheets in a single layer.
- Pat the potatoes dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. Let them cool for a few minutes while you prep the next step.
- In a large bowl, toss the cooled potatoes with 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil and 1 teaspoon of kosher salt. This coating will help them crisp up beautifully in the oven.
- Add the remaining oil to your baking sheets, using 2 tablespoons on each sheet. Make sure to spread it evenly.
- Heat the baking sheets in the oven for 5 minutes. This step is essential to getting that golden brown color.
- Remove the heated sheets from the oven and quickly divide the coated potatoes between them in a single layer. Make sure they’re not overcrowded to ensure even cooking.
- Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the underside of the fries turns brown and crisp. Keep an eye on them!
- Once the first side is done, remove the baking sheets from the oven. Gently turn the fries over and bake for another 10 minutes. This will ensure both sides are equally crispy.
- After baking, remove from the oven, season with additional salt if desired, and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve immediately with ketchup or your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- Tip 1: Leftover fries can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven to regain crispiness.
- Tip 2: You can freeze uncooked fries after boiling and drying them. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze, and then transfer to a zip-top bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few minutes to the cooking time.
- Tip 3: Serve your Baked French Fries with a side of homemade ketchup or aioli for an elevated experience.
- Tip 4: Depending on your oven, you may need to adjust cooking times. Keep a close eye to avoid overcooking.
- Tip 5: Cut the potatoes into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking. Thin fries will cook faster than thicker ones.