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How to Make Crispy Seasoned French Fries

February 22, 2022
Shanika | Orchids + Sweet Tea
Learn How To Make THE BEST crispy seasoned french fries. These homemade fries are oven baked-- No frying needed! Crispy exterior + Melt-in-your-mouth center. Everyone will LOVE this crowd-pleasing snack!

How to Make Crispy Seasoned French Fries

Make the most irresistible Crispy Seasoned French Fries! Whip up the crispiest little sticks of potato goodness right in your oven. Imagine a crispy exterior that gives way to a heavenly, melt-in-your-mouth center. It's a fantastic family-friendly side dish or a snack that'll disappear in seconds. Seriously, these homemade fries are so good. They practically vanish into thin air. Vegan + Gluten-free.

Plate of Seasoned French Fries drizzled with ranch sauce

Why Should You Learn How To Make Crispy Seasoned French Fries?

Fries are one of my favorite little handheld indulges by far. Who doesn't love french fries? Whether you're dunking them in ketchup alongside a juicy Vegan Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich or BBQ Jerk Salmon Burger, there's no going wrong with fries.

But when you order fries out, they're so often drenched in oil and super greasy. That's why I decided to make the crispiest seasoned french fries using the oven--no frying necessary.

These flavorful and extra-crisp fries are easy to make and always delicious, especially when you dunk them in homemade sauces. Let's be honest----the dipping sauce is just as important as the actual food being dipped into it, which is why I love having plenty of sauce options for all my dipping pleasures like this Creamy Chipotle Sauce and this Creamy Honey Mustard Sauce. Or you can stick to the much-loved classic ranch dressing!

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Potato slices in an ice bath

Ingredients for Seasoning French Fries

Aside from getting your fries nice and crispy in the oven, you'll want to be sure to season the potatoes very well. Here's how I like to add flavor to my homemade fries:

  • Sea salt. Himalayan pink salt also works.
  • Dried parsley. For some herby flavor. You can also use dried cilantro, basil, or oregano.
  • Garlic powder. This is easier to distribute evenly over the potatoes, plus it won't burn easily like fresh garlic.
  • Smoked paprika. For some smokiness and spice.
  • Cayenne. A pinch more spiciness.
Seasoned French Fries on a wire rack

Tips for Super Crispy Baked French Fries

These are my top tips to make sure your seasoned fries are as crisp as possible:

  • Cut the potatoes to equal sizes as much as possible. This way, they cook at the same rate.
  • Soak the potatoes for at least 20 minutes in cool water. This removes excess starch on the outside of the potatoes that prevent them from crisping up.
  • Let the potatoes dry for at least 30 minutes. moisture is the enemy of crispiness! For good measure, blot them dry with a towel as well.
  • Don't be afraid to season well!
  • Let the oven come fully to a temperature before you add the fries to the oven. It needs to be a nice and hot environment.
  • Spread the potato pieces out well on the baking sheet lined with a wire rack to let the hot air circulate around each individual fry.
Plate of Seasoned French Fries

Easy Homemade Ranch Sauce for Fries

While the fries roast in the, I've oven. I like to make a quick and tangy homemade ranch sauce for dipping. To make it, you'll need:

  • Mayonnaise. I use organic.
  • Sour cream. I use low-fat sour cream, but full-fat works too.
  • Almond milk. You can certainly use another kind of milk if you like, but make sure it's unsweetened.
  • Lemon juice
  • Dried herbs. The classic ranch mixture is parsley, dill, chives, and garlic powder.

Best Condiments to Serve with Crispy Seasoned French Fries

Dipping these Seasoned Crispy Fries is a must and while there are many options out there, I highly recommend serving these fries with any of the following:

Overhead shot of a plate of Seasoned French Fries

Why You'll Love These Crispy Seasoned French Fries-

  • Addictively Crunchy
  • Flavor Explosion
  • Perfectly Seasoned
  • Family-Friendly Favorite
  • Melt-in-Your-Mouth Center
  • Effortlessly Delicious
  • Versatile Side Dish

How To Serve Crispy French Fries?

These homemade fries are so incredibly tasty that they can stand tall as a delicious snack all by themselves. They're a crunchy and satisfying treat that will have you reaching for more.

But if you want a little more, consider pairing them with these delightful options:

Burgers: Match the crave-worthy crunch of the fries with a juicy, flavorful burger. It's a match made in culinary heaven! Try alongside this Jerk Turkey Burger

Sandwiches:  Just like a burger, a sandwich and homemade fries just make the dream combo. Especially paired with this Southern-Style Bacon Grilled Cheese Sandwich or this vegan-friendly Vegan 'Tuna' Melt Sandwich

BBQ Ribs: The combination of succulent ribs like these Braised Apple BBQ Ribs and crispy fries creates a harmony of textures and flavors that will leave your taste buds singing.

Wings: Serve with another favorite side like these juicy tender Orange Chicken Wings or with a veggie alternative like Lemon Pepper Cauliflower Wings

Loaded Fries: Top the fries with a generous helping of hearty chili, gooey melted cheese, and a dollop of sour cream. It's a flavor explosion that combines the indulgence of comfort food with the irresistible crunch of fries. Use this Loaded Potatoes with Spicy Beans or this  Meatless Buffalo Ranch Kettle Chip Nachos for nacho fries inspiration!

Overhead shot of a plate of Seasoned French Fries drizzled with ranch sauce

Crispy Seasoned French Fries Q + A's

Can I Air-Fry These Fries?

While I made these french fries originally in the oven, this recipe will also work in your air fryer.
I have found that cooking with an air fryer is fast and fairly easy. Air fryers tend to get hotter and have better air circulation than your oven, so the homemade fries might need a slightly shorter cook time.
If air frying, check on the fries every 10 minutes to shake the potatoes so they do not stick. After 30 mins, check for doneness every few minutes. Both the oven and the air fryer make excellent crispy potato french fries!

Can I Use Other Seasonings?

Absolutely! You can get creative with your seasoning choices. Just be mindful of the quantities to ensure the seasoning complements the fries without overpowering them.

What Is The Best Type Of Potatoes For Fries?

The top contenders for potatoes are Idaho or Russet potatoes. However, you can also make french fries using large Yukon potatoes as well as sweet potatoes for a nice twist!

Why Won't My Fries Get Crispy?

This issue is rather common if you use very starchy potatoes OR you don't allow for the potatoes to soak correctly. I always ensure ensuring that your water is VERY cold and stirring in the salt so that they are well dehydrated after the soak. In addition, it's never bad to prolong the soak time a bit (adding another 30 minutes) for bigger batches.

More Delicious Side Dishes

MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?

If you make these Crispy Seasoned French Fries, tag @orchidsnsweettea_ on Instagram and hashtag it #orchidsandsweettea.

Seasoned French Fries on a wire rack

How to Make Crispy Seasoned French Fries

February 22, 2022
5 from 2 votes
Make the most irresistible Crispy Seasoned French Fries! Whip up the crispiest little sticks of potato goodness right in your oven. Imagine a crispy exterior that gives way to a heavenly, melt-in-your-mouth center. It's a fantastic family-friendly side dish or a snack that'll disappear in seconds. Seriously, these homemade fries are so good. They practically vanish into thin air. Vegan + Gluten-free.
Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Serves: 6 servings

Ingredients

FRENCH FRIES:

  • 4 large russet potatoes
  • 3-4 Tbsps Extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon sea salt (You can also use pink himalayan salt)
  • 1 tablespoon dried parsley
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 ½ tsps smoked paprika
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper

EASY HOMEMADE RANCH SAUCE:

  • 1 cup organic mayonnaise
  • ½ cup low-fat sour cream
  • ¼ cup Almond milk, unsweetened (See Notes!)
  • 2 tsps freshly-squeezed lemon juice
  • 2 tsps dried parsley
  • 1 teaspoon dried dill
  • 1 teaspoon dried chives
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt
  • Pinch of black pepper

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. 

PREP + SOAK POTATOES:

  • Rinse and pat dry each potato and cut lengthways into halves and then in halves lengthways again, and then one last time----this should create a "stick-like" shape. You should have about 6-8 pieces of fries (aka "sticks") when done for each potato. Repeat until all potatoes are cut.
  • In a bowl, add cold water until ¾ filled along with a few ice cubes to keep things cold. Add cut potatoes into bowl and let soak for 20 minutes.
  • Once soak time is complete, drain potatoes and pat dry thoroughly before adding them unto a flat surface (i.e. countertop, cutting board, etc.) lined with paper towels for them to "dry" out for a bit (about 30-minutes to 1 hour). NOTE: This process helps them to be extra crispy.

BAKE THE FRIES:

  • Add the dry cut slices of potatoes into a large bowl along with the seasonings, mixing everything together with your hands until fries are full coated.
  • Transfer the fries to the prepared baking sheet and bake for 35-40 minutes or until fries are golden and crispy. NOTE: Test the doneness of potatoes by using a fork to insert into the centers. If it goes through easily, they are done.

MAKE THE RANCH SAUCE:

  • In a bowl or measuring cup, mix together all sauce ingredients until creamy and smooth. Refrigerate until ready to use.
  • Remove from oven and serve with a side of your favorite condiment/sauce. My dairy-free Garlic Lime Sauce also goes well with these fries if you aren't a fan of ranch sauce.
  • Bon Appetit!

Tips & Tricks

  • STORAGE: Place any leftovers in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
  • WHAT PLANT-BASED MILKS ARE GOOD FOR THIS RECIPE? My go-to plant-based brand for Cashew milk when using store-bought is the Forager Project. However, you can always use your fave or one of the following: Almond, coconut milk, homemade oat milk (froths/foams VERY WELL), homemade cashew milk, flax milk, etc.
  • STORAGE (RANCH SAUCE): Any leftovers can be kept in a tightly sealed jar and refrigerated for up to 2 weeks. 

Nutrition

Calories: 547kcal | Carbohydrates: 48g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 37g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 18g | Monounsaturated Fat: 12g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 22mg | Sodium: 1639mg | Potassium: 1139mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 914IU | Vitamin C: 21mg | Calcium: 91mg | Iron: 3mg

DID YOU MAKE THIS recipe?

Tag @orchidsnsweettea_ on Instagram and hashtag it #orchidsandsweettea

How to Make Crispy Seasoned French Fries.

Shanika

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