Crunchy Perfection: Easy Oven Fries Recipe to Satisfy Your Cravings

Preheat the oven to the recommended temperature for baking fries.

Preheat the oven to 425°F, the recommended temperature for baking fries. This high heat will help achieve a crispy exterior while keeping the inside of the fries fluffy. Ensuring that your oven is properly preheated is crucial for even cooking and optimal results. By preheating the oven, you set the stage for perfectly golden and crunchy oven fries that will satisfy your cravings.

Wash and peel the potatoes, then cut them into even-sized strips.

To begin making delicious oven fries, start by washing and peeling the potatoes. It's important to choose high-starch potatoes like Russets for that perfect crunch. Once peeled, carefully cut the potatoes into even-sized strips to ensure they cook uniformly. This step is crucial in achieving crispy fries with a fluffy interior. Cutting the potatoes into strips of about 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch in width works well for that ideal balance between crispiness and tenderness.

Soak the potato strips in cold water for about 30 minutes to remove excess starch.

Soaking the potato strips in cold water for about 30 minutes is a crucial step in achieving perfectly crispy oven fries. This process helps to remove excess starch from the potatoes, which can prevent them from becoming too soggy during baking. By soaking the strips, you'll notice that the water becomes cloudy as the starch leaches out. Once the soaking time is up, be sure to drain and pat dry the potato strips thoroughly with paper towels before proceeding with seasoning and baking.

Drain and pat dry the potato strips thoroughly with paper towels.

After soaking the potato strips in cold water to remove excess starch, it is crucial to drain and pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels. This step helps to ensure that the fries will achieve maximum crispiness in the oven. Excess moisture on the surface of the potatoes can lead to steaming instead of proper browning during baking. By patting them dry, you are setting the stage for perfectly crunchy oven fries that will satisfy your cravings.

Toss the potato strips with olive oil, salt, and any desired seasonings in a mixing bowl.

To achieve the perfect balance of flavor and crispiness in your oven fries, it's essential to season them well. After patting dry the potato strips, transfer them to a mixing bowl. Add a generous drizzle of olive oil, ensuring each strip is lightly coated. Sprinkle salt over the potatoes, adjusting to taste preferences. This step not only enhances the natural flavors but also aids in achieving that desired crunch. Feel free to get creative with additional seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, or herbs for a personalized touch. Toss everything together gently until the potatoes are evenly seasoned before proceeding to bake them for a delightful outcome.

Arrange the seasoned potato strips in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

After patting the potato strips dry, it's time to arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Ensuring they are in a single layer will allow for even cooking and crispiness. Make sure there is some space between each strip to prevent them from steaming instead of crisping up. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect crunch we all love in oven fries. Once they are evenly spread out, the seasoned potato strips are ready to go into the preheated oven for baking.

Bake the fries in the preheated oven, flipping them halfway through the cooking time for even crispiness.

Bake the fries in the preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. Flipping the fries ensures that they cook evenly on all sides, resulting in a perfectly crispy exterior. This simple step helps to achieve that desired crunchiness without having to deep fry the potatoes. Remember to handle the baking sheet carefully when flipping the fries to avoid any accidents or spills.

Once the fries are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the oven and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

Once the fries are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the oven using oven mitts to protect your hands from the heat. The hot fries will be tempting, but allow them to cool for a minute before serving to avoid burning your mouth. Serve the delicious oven fries hot with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ketchup, aioli, or barbecue sauce, to enhance their flavors and enjoy a crunchy delight that will satisfy your cravings.