Oven-Baked Seasoned Fries

These oven-baked seasoned fries are an easy, flavorful alternative to deep-fried French fries. With a brief soak in ice water, a light coating of oil, and a simple spice blend, you can achieve crisp, golden fries straight from your home oven. The recipe yields about 8–10 servings as a side and is ideal for family dinners or gatherings.

Ingredients

For the fries:

4 large potatoes (about 2 lbs). You may peel them or leave the skins on, depending on your preference.
8 cups ice water (for soaking)
1 teaspoon vegetable oil or 1 teaspoon olive oil

Dry spice mix:

1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon white pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice

Directions

Prepare the potatoes: Scrub the potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt. You can peel them if you prefer a cleaner look, or leave the skins on for extra texture and nutrients. Cut each potato into 1/2-inch strips for classic fry shapes.
Soak to remove excess starch: Place the cut potato strips into a large bowl and cover with 8 cups of ice water. Soaking helps remove surface starch and promotes crisper fries. Cover the bowl and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour; you can soak longer if convenient.
Dry the potatoes: After soaking, drain the potatoes and spread them on clean kitchen towels or layers of paper towels. Pat them thoroughly dry. Removing as much moisture as possible is key to getting a golden, crisp exterior.
Mix the spices: Combine the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, white pepper, and ground allspice in a small bowl. Alternatively, place the spices in a resealable plastic bag and shake to blend evenly.
Coat with oil: Transfer the dried potato strips to a mixing bowl. Add 1 teaspoon of vegetable or olive oil and toss the fries so the oil coats each piece lightly. This thin coating helps the spices stick and encourages even browning in the oven.
Season the fries: Add the spice mix to the bowl or into the resealable bag with the oiled fries. Toss or shake gently until the fries are evenly coated with the seasoning blend.
Arrange for baking: Spread the seasoned fries in a single layer on a nonstick shallow baking pan. Avoid overcrowding so air can circulate around each fry and they can brown properly.
Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (about 246°C). A very hot oven helps develop a crisp exterior without drying the interior.
Initial bake: Cover the baking pan loosely with aluminum foil and bake at 475°F for 15 minutes. The foil traps a bit of steam at first, helping to cook the fries through.
Finish uncovered: Remove the foil, use a spatula to turn the fries so they brown evenly, and return the pan to the oven. Bake an additional 15–20 minutes at 475°F, or until fries reach your preferred level of golden color and crispness. Keep an eye on them during the final minutes to avoid over-browning.
Serve: Transfer the fries to a serving platter, season with an extra pinch of salt if needed, and serve hot. These fries pair well with ketchup, aioli, or your favorite dipping sauces.

Tips and Variations

– For extra crispiness, you can finish the fries under a hot broiler for 1–2 minutes, watching carefully so they do not burn. – Try substituting black pepper for white pepper if you prefer a more familiar pepper flavor. – Add smoked paprika or cayenne for a smoky or spicy kick. – If you have a convection oven, use the convection setting and check a few minutes earlier, as cooking may be faster.

Servings and Time

Servings: 8–10 (as a side)

Preparation time: about 60 minutes (includes soaking time)

Total time: approximately 95 minutes (soak + bake)

Storage and Reheating

Store any leftover fries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat and regain some crispness, spread them on a baking sheet and reheat in a 400°F oven for 8–10 minutes, or until warmed through and crisped. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain texture, as the microwave will soften them.