How To Make Crispy Baked French Fries
French fries are one of those foods that almost everyone loves. They’re salty, crispy, and comforting — but most of the time, we think of them as something you can only get from a deep fryer at a restaurant. The good news? You can make crispy french fries at home in the oven, without any deep frying at all.
Over the years, I’ve tested different methods — soaking, boiling, double baking — and while they work, they take way too much time and effort. I wanted a simpler way to get golden, crispy fries with soft insides, and after a lot of trial and error, I finally figured out the trick.
The secret? Avocado oil.
Why Avocado Oil Works Best for Baked Fries
If you’ve ever tried making fries in the oven with olive oil, you’ve probably noticed they don’t get super crispy — or worse, they burn before they cook through. That’s because olive oil has a low smoke point, which means it breaks down when cooked at high heat.
Avocado oil is different. It has a very high smoke point, which means it can handle the heat required to crisp up potatoes without burning. Plus, it keeps more of its natural nutrients even at high temperatures, making it a healthier choice.
Another bonus? Avocado oil doesn’t have a strong flavor, so your fries just taste like fries — crispy, salty, and delicious.
Tips for Perfect Crispy Oven Fries
To make sure your baked fries turn out golden and crunchy every single time, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Cut them evenly – Slice your potatoes into sticks about ¼-inch thick. If they’re too thick, they’ll stay soft. Too thin, and they’ll burn before they crisp.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan – If fries are piled on top of each other, they steam instead of crisp. Spread them out in a single layer on two baking sheets if needed.
- Use high heat – Bake at 425°F. This is hot enough to crisp the outside while keeping the inside fluffy.
- Flip halfway through – Turn the fries and swap the trays halfway through cooking so they cook evenly on all sides.
- Be patient – Oven fries take about 40–45 minutes. If you want them extra crispy, leave them in a little longer, but keep an eye on them so they don’t burn.
Step-by-Step Recipe: Crispy Baked French Fries
Ingredients (serves 4):
- 2 large russet potatoes*
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- Sea salt, to taste
- Optional: fresh or dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley
*Russet potatoes are the best choice because they have a higher starch content, which makes them crispier.
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Cut potatoes into fries about ¼-inch thick. Try to keep them all the same size so they cook evenly.
- Toss with oil – Add the fries to a large bowl, drizzle with avocado oil, and toss until evenly coated.
- Spread them out – Place the fries in a single layer across the two baking sheets. Do not overcrowd.
- Season – Sprinkle lightly with sea salt and herbs if using.
- Bake for 15 minutes. Remove from the oven, flip the fries, and switch the baking sheets to the opposite racks.
- Bake for another 15 minutes. Flip once more and continue baking for 5–10 minutes, depending on how crispy you like your fries.
- Serve hot with ketchup, mayo, or your favorite dipping sauce.
What to Serve With Crispy Oven Fries
While french fries are amazing on their own, they’re even better as part of a meal. Here are a few delicious pairings:
- Buffalo Baked Chicken Fingers – Crispy chicken with spicy kick.
- Homemade Salmon Burgers – A lighter, healthier option with loads of flavor.
- Easy Baked Chicken Nuggets – Kid-friendly and perfect for dipping.
- Stovetop Chicken – Quick, juicy, and simple.
- Moroccan Lamb Burgers – A bold, flavorful twist that pairs perfectly with crispy fries.
Final Thoughts
Making crispy french fries at home doesn’t mean you need gallons of oil or a deep fryer. With the right technique and a little avocado oil, you can have fries that are crunchy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and full of flavor — all straight from your oven.
Next time you’re craving fries, skip the takeout and try this recipe instead. Your kitchen will smell amazing, and you’ll have a basket of golden, crispy fries ready to enjoy.
