Crispy Oven-Baked Fries

4.6
(5)
4 Reviews

Classic french fries get their crispy exterior and pillowy soft interior thanks to a dunk or two in hot oil. The trick for achieving the same craveable results minus the deep fryer is to boil cut-up potatoes in salted, acidulated water prior to putting them into the oven. Yes, it's an extra step, but it's worth it. The salt helps extract excess moisture from the potatoes while the vinegar strengthens the exterior and helps the fries hold their shape. The result? Crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside.

By
Adam Dolge
Headshot of Adam wearing a blue button up shirt on a white background
Adam Dolge

Adam Dolge is an award-winning journalist, freelance writer and recipe developer. He is the author and food photographer for the blog The Real Recipes, where he shares recipes inspired by his experience working for food magazines and professional test kitchens.

EatingWell's Editorial Guidelines
Updated on April 18, 2024
Tested by
EatingWell Test Kitchen
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Tested by EatingWell Test Kitchen

The EatingWell Test Kitchen is comprised of a group of culinary professionals who develop and test our recipes. Our recipes go through a rigorous process, which includes testing by trained recipe testers, using different equipment (e.g., gas and electric stoves) and a variety of tools and techniques to make sure that it will really work when you make it at home. Testers shop major supermarkets to research availability of ingredients. Finally, a Registered Dietitian reviews each recipe to ensure that we deliver food that's not only delicious, but adheres to our nutrition guidelines as well. Learn more about our food philosophy and nutrition parameters.

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Reviewed by Dietitian
Breana Lai Killeen, M.P.H., RD
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Reviewed by Dietitian Breana Lai Killeen, M.P.H., RD

Breana Lai Killeen, M.P.H, RD, is a Chinese and Jewish chef and dietitian who has worked in all facets of the food world. She is a recipe developer, culinary nutritionist and marketing specialist with more than 15 years of experience creating editorial and digital content for top food and kitchen brands.

EatingWell's Editorial Guidelines
Crispy Oven-Baked Fries
Photo: Eva Kolenko
Active Time:
15 mins
Total Time:
1 hr
Servings:
4
Nutrition Profile:
Nut-Free Dairy-Free Soy-Free Vegan Vegetarian Egg-Free Gluten-Free Low-Calorie
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Ingredients

  • 8 cups water

  • 1 tablespoon cider vinegar

  • 1 ¼ teaspoon salt, divided

  • 1 ½ pounds russet potatoes, scrubbed

  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

Directions

  1. Place a rimmed baking sheet in the oven; preheat to 425°F. Combine water, vinegar and 1 teaspoon salt in a large pot and bring to a boil over high heat.

  2. Cut potatoes into ½-inch-thick sticks. Add to the pot, reduce heat to medium and cook just until starting to become tender, 8 to 10 minutes.

  3. Carefully remove the potatoes to a clean kitchen towel with a slotted spoon. Gently pat dry, then transfer to a medium bowl and toss with oil. Carefully spread the potatoes in a single layer on the hot baking sheet. Bake, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy, 30 to 40 minutes.

  4. Transfer the fries to a paper-towel-lined bowl. Let rest for 2 minutes. Remove the paper towels and sprinkle the fries with the remaining ¼ teaspoon salt. Serve immediately.

Originally appeared: EatingWell Magazine, March 2021

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

197 Calories
7g Fat
31g Carbs
4g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Serving Size 1 cup
Calories 197
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 31g 11%
Dietary Fiber 2g 7%
Total Sugars 1g
Protein 4g 8%
Total Fat 7g 9%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Vitamin A 2IU 0%
Sodium 228mg 10%

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.

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