How to make DELICIOUS crispy oven fries

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I’m going to be completely honest I had no idea what I was doing when it came to home made oven fries until Shay Elliot from the Elliot Homestead made a video about them last year and my life has never been the same. Much like once I mastered bread all those years ago I will never, ever buy fries from a bag again. These are far too simple to and delicious to ever eat frozen fries again.

Making fries is more than just slicing up some potatoes and tossing them in the oven. For years I tried different cuts, and oil. Changed up the temperature of the oven and even tried boiling the potatoes before baking them. Nothing gave me that crispiness I was looking for, that was until I learned the rules around making crispy oven fries.

The Rules

The rules to follow for making amazing oven fries are as follows

• Bake at a high temp (425F)
• Use LOTS of oil
• Don’t let the fries steam. Give them plenty of space.
• Salt

These rules will set up the perfect base for whatever kind of fries you want. But before all of that we need to start with the basics… the potato.

Choosing the right potato

When choosing a potato for oven fries you want to choose a potato that is high in starch and low in moisture. Remember steam is not our friend and the starch is going to give you the crispiness you are craving. Russet potatoes are the winner hitting both those marks.

Now let’s talk size, this really depends on whether or not you are going for a wedge fry or shoe string or something in between. For Wedge cuts you are looking for smaller palm of your hand size potatoes that you can cut into 6ths, for any of those longer fries you are going to want to choose one of those size of your head potatoes, because who doesn’t love an extra long fry!

Tips for Amazing Oven Fries the First time

• If you are pre-cutting your fries earlier in the day make sure they are left to soak in ice cold water. This will prevent the starches from oxidizing, turning your potatoes an awful grey or black.
• Dry the fries well with dish towels or in a salad spinner before tossing in oil to make sure the oil sticks and does not just slip away.
• The oil is what will allow the fries to cook evenly. If the fries are not coated in the oil then you will get those funky fries that are burnt and also raw. If in doubt, add more oil.
• Bake at a high temperature 425-450F this will cook them quickly giving a crispy outside and fluffy inside.
• Steam is the enemy when it comes to crispy fries. If all the fries cannot fit on one pan, or one shelf of the oven make sure that you are rotating the pans often so the fries don’t steam.
• If adding parmesan cheese to the fries do not add before baking, sprinkle and toss in the cheese in the last 5-10 minutes.

What You Will Need

The Tools

• Cutting Board
• Sharp Knife or French fry cutter
• Sheet pan
• Lage bowl
• Small Bowl
• Parchment Paper

The Ingredients

• Potato
• Salt
• Olive Oil

Crispy Oven Fries Timeline

Start by pre heating the oven to 425F. You want the oil on the fries to heat up quickly soaking at a high temperature in a hot oven is what we are looking for here, don’t cheat and put them in before the oven is screaming hot.

Then scrub the potatoes removing all dirt and cutting off soft spots or where eyes that are beginning to form.

Slice potatoes in desired shape and place in a large bowl.

Heavily drizzle oil over the poratoes, and when you thing there is enough add another drizzle.

Generously salt and add any other desired seasonings and then toss making sure all fries are coated in spices and oil.

Lay the fries out on a parchment paper lined baking sheet. Don’t crowd the potatoes, and make sure they are in a single layer.

Bake until crispy, approx 20-30 minutes depending on size of the fries and how many.

Seasonings

One of the best parts of making your own fries is the seasonings. Whether you like them extra spicy or with just a little salt this is where you can really get creative. Here are some of my favourite seasonings, all of which are let your soul speak to you style measurements.

Garlic Parmesan

• Garlic Powder
• Salt
• Parmesan Cheese

The trick with anything with parmesan cheese is you want to add it all the seasonings except the cheese, you will add the parmesan for the last 5-10 minutes. This way it won’t burn, it will just crisp up a bit and add some texture to the fries.

Spicy fries

• chili powder
• oregano
• garlic
• salt
• pepper
• Red Pepper Flakes

These fries can be very spicy so make sure that you are not too heavy handed if you are just looking for a little kick. When cooked they will be very dark, but don’t worry they are not burnt they are maginificent!

Cajun Seasoning

• Smoked Paprika
• Salt
• Garlic Powder
• Onion Powder
• Dried Oregano 
• Red Pepper Flakes 
• Black Pepper
• Ground Thyme

Fry Sauces

Now that the fries are properly seasoned it’s time to talk sauces, for some a basic ketchup will suffice while others need the full works (think chilli cheese fries), my personal favourite will always be a light gravy and ketchup.

Light gravy

• 1 tablespoon flour
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 3 cups bone broth

In a small sauce pan heat oil and whisk in flour. Once the Flour begins to brown add broth and whisk until thickened.

Another favourite dipping sauce is the creamy sauce.

Creamy fry sauce

• 1/4 cup mayonaise
• 1 Tbsp ketchup
• 1 Tbsp mustard
• 1 tsp pickle brine
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• salt and pepper to taste

Combine all ingredients together in a bowl and let sit in the fridge for a couple of hours. It can be eaten right away but it’s best if you let it set for a bit.

You might also enjoy

If you enjoyed this family favourite you may enjoy some of these kid friendly recipes that you will enjoy as well!

• Veggie Loaded Mac and Cheese
• Easy Homemade Gnocchi
• Instant Pot Lemon Chicken Orzo
• Homemade Hamburger Helper
• Homemade Pizza Dough

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