There’s nothing quite like the satisfying crunch of perfectly crispy French fries.
Whether you’re looking for a delicious side dish for your vegan burger or a tasty snack, achieving that golden, crispy texture is key. With this easy oven-baking technique, you can make crispy French fries without needing a fancy air fryer.
By using simple ingredients and following a few essential steps, you’ll get fries that are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, right from your regular oven.
Perfect for an alternative to deep-fried as well as using expensive air-fryers, these oven-baked fries are sure to become a favorite in your home.
Enjoy them with your favorite dipping sauces or as a delicious side for any meal, like our easy 3 ingredient soy burgers!
How to Make Perfect Crispy French Fries in the Oven
4
servings20
minutes40
minutesIngredients
4-6 large potatoes
4 tablespoons rapeseed (or sunflower) oil
1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional for crispy coating)
Salt to taste
About 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
Garlic powder
Paprika
Onion powder
Optional: any other preferred seasoning, I love using cayenne!
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Wash the potatoes thoroughly and cut them into thin, even strips.
- Place the potato strips in a large pot of cold water and bring to a boil with 1 tablespoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon baking soda.
- Boil the potatoes for about 5-7 minutes, or until slightly soft but not falling apart.
- Drain the potatoes and pat them dry thoroughly with a clean towel.
- Toss the dried potatoes in a bowl with olive oil, cornstarch (optional), salt, pepper, and any additional seasonings.
- Spread the potato strips out in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with slightly crumpled aluminium sheet (or parchment paper)
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the fries are golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let the fries cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Coat the aluminium sheet in oil to make sure the strips doesnt stick
Why This works – the two hacks for crispy french fries in the oven, explained!
Baking soda hack for crispy french fries
Adding baking soda to the boiling water creates an alkaline environment. This breaks down the pectin in the potato’s cell walls, which helps the surface starch to gel and crisp up during baking.
The result is a crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender. Soaking the potatoes before boiling also removes excess starch, further enhancing the crispiness. By following these steps, you achieve fries that are golden brown and perfectly crispy without the need for frying.
Aluminum foil hack for oven baking
Baking on aluminum sheets can be effective for achieving crispy results, but it depends on a few factors:
Heat Conductivity: Aluminum sheets conduct heat well, which can help cook fries evenly and promote crispiness.
Non-Stick Surface:
If using aluminum foil, make sure it is lightly greased or lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Alternatively, non-stick aluminum baking sheets are available.
However, the key is to ensure the surface is well-prepared with oil to avoid sticking and ensure even cooking. I find it helps my fries crisp up better.