Crispy oven fries

With the right technique, you can make oven fries that are crispier and better seasoned than deep fried.

2-4 servings

Time: 1 hr 15 mins

By Ethan Chlebowski

Check out my video on these fries for how I arrived at this recipe. It covers the step-by-step process and some extra food science.

Ethan Chlebowski

Ethan Chlebowski

CREATOR

Ingredients

  • Crispy oven fries

    • russet potatoes
      3-5
    • salt
      to taste
    • vinegar
      ~15 ga splash
    • peanut oil
      ~60 gor as needed

Method

Step 1: Prep

  1. Set a pot of water on high heat to .
  2. Preheat the oven to 450°F/232°C (use the convection setting if you have it).
  3. Meanwhile, peel the potatoes, slice them into roughly 1/2 inch sheets, then into roughly 1/2 inch thick fries (or to your desired fry size).

Step 2: Parboil the fries

Once the water has boiled, add the vinegar and a large pinch of salt, stirring to dissolve the salt. Add the potatoes to the water and for 8 minutes.

  • Note: The vinegar will slow down the breakdown of the potato starch so the fries do not fall apart as easily.
  • Boiling the fries will their exterior, which will give you much crispier results in the next steps.

When the time is up, pour the fries into a colander and let the excess steam evaporate for a couple of minutes.

Step 3: Coat the fries with oil

Add the fries to a large baking sheet and pour over the peanut oil. Gently mix the fries around so the oil completely coats the outside of each fry.

  • There should be a thin layer of excess oil on the pan.
  • Make sure the fries aren't overly crowded. They need space to properly in the oven. Use 2 baking sheets if needed.

Step 4: Roast

Add the pan to the preheated oven and for 15 minutes.

Pull the baking sheet out and flip each fry over with a spatula. At this point, you should be able to see some blistering on the outside but the fries won't be overly crisp. If they look a little dry, drizzle over more peanut oil.

Add them back to the oven and roast for another 15-20 minutes.

  • At this point, they should be and crispy, though it could take longer depending on the size of the fry, how crowded the pan is, or the amount of oil used.
  • If they aren't crispy, let them go longer!

Step 5: Finish & serve

Set a paper towel in a bowl. Add the fries and immediately season with salt while they are warm with oil on their surface. Toss the fries with the paper towel so it absorbs the excess oil. Taste and adjust with more salt, if needed.

  • Feel free to add spices, fresh herbs, cheeses, or any flavorings of your choice during this stage. Serve and enjoy.
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