4 Tips for the Best Baked Fries

French fries are one of the most loved snacks around the world. But most people think that to get crispy fries, you need to deep fry them in oil, which isn’t very healthy. The good news is that you can make healthy french fries at home that are just as crispy and delicious, using your oven instead. With a few easy tips, you can enjoy beef tallow french fries that are golden on the outside, soft on the inside, and full of flavor. Here are 4 tips to help you make the best baked fries ever.

Tip 1: Cut Your Fries the Right Size

The first step to crispy fries is how you cut your potatoes. The size of each fry makes a big difference.

• Thin fries are crispier: If you cut your potatoes too thick, they may stay soft in the center. Thin fries, about 1/4 inch thick, will cook faster and get crunchier.
• Medium fries balance crunch and softness: Cutting your fries around 1/2 inch thick gives a nice mix of crispy outside and tender inside, which many people enjoy.
• Even pieces cook better: Try to cut all the fries the same size so they cook evenly. Uneven fries may result in some being too soft or some burning.

By taking a little extra time to cut your potatoes carefully, you’ll notice a big difference in how crispy your fries turn out.

Tip 2: Soak Your Potatoes

Soaking your cut potatoes in cold water is an important step that many people skip. This step removes extra starch from the potatoes.

• Why soak them? Starch traps water inside the potato, and water keeps fries soft instead of crispy. By soaking, you remove some of this starch and help your fries get golden and crunchy.
• How long to soak: Soak the potatoes for about one hour. For extra crispiness, you can soak them up to 2 hours.
• Dry thoroughly: After soaking, drain the water and dry the fries completely with a clean towel or paper towels. Dry fries bake better and crisp up faster.

This step may seem small, but it’s one of the secrets to getting fries that taste like they came from a restaurant—without frying.

Tip 3: Use Parchment Paper and Space Them Out

How you place your fries on the baking sheet is just as important as cutting and soaking them.

• Line with parchment paper: This prevents the fries from sticking to the pan. Foil can make fries stick even if you use a lot of oil.
• Give them room: Don’t let the fries touch each other. Crowding them creates steam, which makes fries soft instead of crispy.
• Avoid plastics: If you normally use silicone baking mats, consider avoiding them for high heat, as some plastics can release chemicals when heated.

By keeping fries separated and using the right baking surface, each fry can cook evenly and become perfectly crisp.

Tip 4: Double Bake for Perfect Crispiness

The final tip is to bake your fries at two different temperatures. This double-bake method helps them get crunchy on the outside while staying soft inside.

• First bake: Start at 400°F for about 20 minutes. Toss the fries halfway through so they cook evenly.
• Second bake: Increase the oven to 425°F and bake for another 10 minutes or until they reach the crispiness you want.
• Season while baking: You can toss the fries in a little olive oil, salt, smoked paprika, or your favorite spice blend before baking. Simple seasonings often taste best and keep the fries healthy.

This two-step baking process is the secret that makes baked fries taste just like deep-fried fries, without the extra oil.

Final Thoughts

By following these 4 tips—cutting the right size, soaking your potatoes, using parchment paper, and double baking—you can make golden, crispy, and delicious healthy french fries at home. They are easy to prepare, better for you than deep-fried fries, and can be seasoned any way you like. Serve them with a favorite dipping sauce, like garlic aioli or ketchup, and you have a perfect snack or side dish that everyone will love.