A while back, I was stuck on the idea of figuring out how to make oven fries crispy so I could avoid the trouble of deep frying them. It’s something I was never able to master, but I never knew what I was really missing.
Luckily, I finally learned the secret to making French fries in the oven that turn out deliciously crispy every time! The most surprising thing about the “secret” to making crispy oven baked fries is that you do it. Before Any cooking you do!
The secret to crispy oven baked fries
The “secret” to deliciously crispy oven fries turned out to be quite simple: just you Soak them in salted water. Soaking potatoes in salt water before cooking helps draw out a lot of their moisture, so they crisp up nicely in the oven without overcooking.
Here’s one of my favorite recipes for oven baked fries, so you can put this method to the test for yourself!
Italian Crispy Oven Baked Fries
Adapted from Martha Stewart
Ingredients:
- 6 russet potatoes, peeled
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- 2 cups grated Romano cheese
- 1/4 cup parsley leaves, finely chopped
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Directions:
Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees. Cut your potatoes into sticks about 1/3″ thick. Place the potatoes in a bowl of cold water with two tablespoons of salt. Let the fries soak in the salted water for about 15 minutes.
When you are ready to cook the potatoes, drain and pat dry.
Place your fries in a bowl and pour olive oil on top. Toss the fries with your hands so they are all coated with oil. Then transfer the oiled fries to two baking sheets. (I used my oven mats on my baking sheet, because it makes clean up so much easier!)
Spread the fries in a single layer on each baking sheet. Then sprinkle the dried herbs evenly over the potatoes, followed by the cheese and parsley.
Bake until the potatoes are golden brown, about 45 to 50 minutes, rotating the pans after 30 minutes for even baking.
Remove the finished fries from the sheets and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce. Yum!
Related: The secret to making the best Utah fry sauce
Do you cook french fries at home?
Italian Oven Baked Fries Recipe
Making deliciously crispy baked fries is easier than you think!
- 6 Russet potatoes Peeled
- 1/4 Cup olive oil
- 1 Spoon Dried Italian herbs
- 2 Cup Romano cheese Iron grating
- 1/4 Cup Parsley leaves finely chopped
- Kosher salt and black pepper
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Cut the potatoes into steaks about 1/3” thick, then put them in a bowl of cold water with two tablespoons of salt and let them soak for 15 minutes.
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Drain and dry the potatoes.
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Place the fries in a bowl, drizzle with olive oil, then toss the fries with your hands until evenly coated.
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Spread the fries in a single layer on two baking sheets, then sprinkle the dried herbs, cheese and parsley evenly over the top.
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Bake at 400°F until the potatoes are golden brown, about 45 to 50 minutes, rotating the pans after 30 minutes to ensure they bake evenly.
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Season with salt and pepper and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Calories: 380kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 15gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated fats: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 35mgSodium: 412mgPotassium: 941mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 365IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 399mgIron: 3mg
