Crispy Oven-Baked French Fries🥗 Side

Name: Crispy Oven-Baked French Fries
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 80 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 lbs russet potatoes, cut into 1/4-inch sticks; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp cornstarch; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp paprika; Salt to taste

Golden, crispy fries baked in the oven — no deep fryer needed. The cornstarch trick makes them extra crunchy.

By Jason Miller, Weeknight Cook & Household Coordinator

Prep: 40 minCook: 40 minServes: 4

potato fries baked crispy classic

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The best side dishes do not just fill space on the plate — they earn their spot. This crispy oven-baked french fries is exactly that kind of recipe: simple enough to make on a busy weeknight, flavorful enough to hold its own next to any main course, and satisfying in a way that makes you reach for seconds.

Position your oven rack in the center for even heat distribution, and let the oven preheat fully before anything goes in — this is especially important for achieving a crisp, golden exterior. Add the garlic after the other aromatics have softened — it burns faster than onions and can turn bitter if it hits high heat for too long.

This pairs well with almost any protein, from a simple roasted chicken to grilled steak or baked salmon. Make extra — it reheats well and having a ready-made side dish in the fridge makes weeknight cooking significantly easier.

Ingredients

2 lbs russet potatoes, cut into 1/4-inch sticks
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp cornstarch
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp paprika
Salt to taste

Instructions

Preheat oven to 425°F. Place a baking sheet in the oven to preheat.
Soak cut potatoes in cold water 30 minutes. Drain and pat very dry.
Toss potatoes with cornstarch until evenly coated.
Add olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, and salt. Toss again.
Spread on the preheated baking sheet in a single layer with space between fries.
Bake 20 minutes, flip, then bake 15-20 more minutes until golden and crispy.
Season with extra salt immediately.