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These small batch baked French fries are crisp on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with flavor. Made with just one potato and a few pantry staples, they’re the perfect side or snack when you want something quick, easy, and satisfying.
Featured Comment
“Mmmm this was fabulous! Love the simple seasonings that I already had in my cupboard!”
– Julie
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthier: Baked instead of fried.
- Simple: Quick prep with no fuss.
- Single Serving: Just the right amount for one.
- Flavorful: Seasoned with a tasty blend of spices.
What I love most about these baked fries is the way they transform a single potato into something irresistible. There’s magic in the crispy edges, the golden color, and the way they disappear faster than I ever expect.
They’re golden, crisp, and warm straight from the oven, and they make any meal feel a little more fun.
Explore our collection of single serving and small batch potato recipes made with just one potato. Try our pillowy small batch gnocchi, creamy single serving colcannon, hearty clam chowder for one, cheesy twice baked potato, and crisp single serve hash browns. Each recipe highlights the flavor and versatility of a single potato.
Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this small batch french fry recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.
- Russet Potato: Use 1 medium russet potato. Its high starch content makes it perfect for crispy baked fries. If you have extra, try them in our single serving Zuppa Toscana or small batch Potato Salad recipes.
- Olive Oil: I use extra virgin olive oil for its rich flavor and quality. A lighter olive oil works too.
- Seasonings: A mix of salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning adds great flavor. For a different spin, use 1/2 teaspoon of taco seasoning or creole seasoning instead.
Recipe Variations
Here are a few easy ways to change up your baked fries with simple ingredient swaps:
- Cheesy: Top with shredded cheese and bake until melted.
- Spicy: Add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for heat.
- Garlic Parmesan: Toss with minced garlic and grated Parmesan.
- Herbed: Sprinkle with chopped rosemary, thyme, or your favorite herbs.
- Small Batch Sweet Potato Fries: Swap the russet for a sweet potato.
How To Bake French Fries
These photos and instructions help you visualize how make this single serving french fries recipe. See the recipe card below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice 1 large russet potato into thick strips: cut in half lengthwise, then into quarters, then into 2–4 strips per quarter.
- Place the strips on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil.
- Sprinkle with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Toss to coat evenly.
- Spread the strips out in a single layer and bake for 25 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
Expert Tips
- Cut Evenly: Uniform strips help the fries cook at the same rate.
- Peel or Don’t: I leave the skin on for texture and nutrients, but peeling is fine if you prefer.
- Give Them Space: Spread the fries out so they crisp instead of steam.
What To Serve With Baked French Fries
These small batch fries pair well with any of these easy, flavorful meals:
Frequently Asked Questions
Make sure the fries are evenly spaced on the baking sheet and not crowded. Also, avoid using too much oil.
Yes, just be sure to use a larger baking sheet to avoid overcrowding if necessary.
Reheat in a 375°F oven or toaster oven for 5-7 minutes until warm and crispy.
This recipe is written for the oven, but you can adapt it for an air fryer. Cook at 375°F for about 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through.
RELATED: Single Serving Comfort Food Recipes
Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder or you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:
If you’ve tried these small batch baked french fries or any recipe on One Dish Kitchen please let me know how you liked it by rating the recipe and telling me about it in the comment section below.
If you take a picture please tag us on Instagram (@onedishkitchen) we’d love to see!
Small Batch Baked French Fries
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 large russet potato – scrubbed, rinsed, and dried
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Slice 1 large russet potato into thick strips: cut in half lengthwise, then into quarters, then into 2–4 strips per quarter.
- Place the strips on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil.
- Sprinkle with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Toss to coat evenly.
- Spread the strips out in a single layer and bake for 25 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
Notes
- Cut Evenly: Uniform strips help the fries cook at the same rate.
- Peel or Don’t: I leave the skin on for texture and nutrients, but peeling is fine if you prefer.
- Give Them Space: Spread the fries out so they crisp instead of steam.
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
Can these be done in a pan on the top of the stove if the potatoes are parboiled first?
If the potatoes are parboiled first, you can definitely finish them in a pan on the stove. Just be sure to use a heavy-bottomed skillet with a bit of oil, and cook them over medium to medium-high heat until they’re golden and crispy on the outside. Keep an eye on them and turn them occasionally so they brown evenly. The texture will be a little different from oven-baked fries, but still delicious!
Will this recipe work in an air fryer?
Yes. If using an air fryer, arrange the potatoes in a single layer in the basket of an air fryer preheated to 375 F. Cook for a total of 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through.
I made these French Fries tonight and they were delicious
I love French Fries
Can you use an air fryer?
We have not tested this recipe using an air fryer but other readers have with success.
After cutting the potatoes, I soak them in water for 25 minutes rinse, dry, then add them back to a bowl to mix the seasonings.
Very easy recipe. One medium russet potato was just enough. Not quite as crispy as fried but a lot less greasy. So glad I didn’t stop at the drive thru.
Would it be easier to put the cut up potatoes into a bowl, then add the spices and olive oil and hand mix. Then place on baking tray one at a time? I just thought that you might get a better uniformed coating this way.
What size is the tray?
I use a rimmed baking sheet that is 10″ x 15″. You can use any size that holds the french fries without crowding them.
Love your recipe!
Mmmm this was fabulous! Love the simple seasonings that I already had in my cupboard!