Golden Baked Perfection: Crispy French Fries, No Fryer Needed!

Recipe by Peter G

Published October 06, 2025

Craving that satisfying crunch of French fries without the guilt or messy cleanup of deep-frying? Look no further! These crispy baked French fries deliver all the flavor and texture you love, made healthier and easier in your own oven. Perfect as a side or a snack, they're surprisingly simple to achieve with just a few key steps.

Ingredients

2 lbs Russet potatoes (about 3-4 medium)

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon sea salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

¼ teaspoon paprika (optional, for color)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Wash and peel the potatoes (peeling is optional, but recommended for classic fries). Cut each potato lengthwise into ½-inch thick slabs, then cut the slabs into ½-inch thick sticks, aiming for even sizes.

Place the cut potato sticks into a large bowl and cover them with very hot tap water. Let them soak for at least 15-20 minutes. This step helps remove excess starch, leading to crispier fries.

Drain the potatoes thoroughly and spread them out on a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Pat them completely dry. This is a crucial step for achieving crispiness.

Return the dried potatoes to the large, dry bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika (if using). Toss well to ensure all fries are evenly coated.

Arrange the seasoned potato sticks in a single layer on the prepared baking sheets, making sure not to overcrowd them. Give them space to crisp up. If necessary, use a third baking sheet.

Bake for 20 minutes, then remove from the oven, flip the fries with a spatula, and rotate the baking sheets (if using two). Return to the oven and bake for another 15-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy to your liking.

Serve immediately.

Final Notes

These oven-baked fries are fantastic on their own, but they truly shine when paired with your favorite dipping sauces like ketchup, sriracha mayo, or a homemade aioli. They make a perfect side for burgers, sandwiches, or even as a standalone snack for movie night. Get ready for a healthier crunch that everyone will love!

About the Author

Peter G

Cooking is my passion. I love blogging and sharing my creative recipes with the world. With my busy lifestyle, it can be challenging to create new recipes, write posts, and ensure everything is formatted and presented well. I started MealMagX for this very reason—for those who share my passion for creative cooking but may not have the time to maintain a blog.