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Are you in the mood for some crispy, golden French fries without the hassle of a big batch? This small batch French fries recipe is just what you need. Made with a single russet potato, these homemade fries are cooked to perfection in the oven. They are crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and seasoned just right with a blend of salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Ideal for a quick side dish or a snack, these oven-baked fries offer a healthier alternative to the traditional fried version.
Explore our delightful selection of single potato recipes! Savor our homemade Gnocchi, creamy Colcannon, hearty Clam Chowder, cheesy Twice Baked Potato, and crispy Hash Browns. Each dish is created to bring out the best flavors of just one potato!
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Why You’ll Love This French Fries Recipe
- Healthier Option: Baked, not fried, for a lighter take on classic fries.
- Easy to Prepare: Simple, straightforward steps perfect for any cooking level.
- Perfectly Portioned: Ideal for one, avoiding food waste.
- Versatile Side Dish: Complements both meat and fish dishes beautifully, like Baked Chicken Thighs, Sheet Pan Steak, or Baked Stuffed Fish.
- Deliciously Seasoned: A tasty blend of spices for an irresistible flavor.
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Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this french fry recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.
- Potato: A single russet potato is all you need for this recipe. Russet potatoes are ideal for baking as they crisp up beautifully, giving you that perfect crunchy exterior. If you’ve got extra potatoes, consider using them to make Zuppa Toscana or Potato Salad.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: This is my go-to oil for its quality and flavor. Extra virgin olive oil is less processed, retaining the authentic taste and nutritional benefits of olives. Its robust flavor enhances these baked fries, but a lighter olive oil can be substituted if preferred.
- Seasonings: The classic combination of salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning brings out the flavors in the fries. For a twist, you can use 1/2 teaspoon of taco seasoning or 1/2 teaspoon of creole seasoning instead, adding a unique and exciting flavor profile to your fries.
Recipe Variations
Mix up your French fries routine with these exciting variations.
- Cheesy Fries: Sprinkle with cheese and bake until melted.
- Spicy Fries: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes for a kick.
- Garlic Parmesan Fries: Toss with minced garlic and grated Parmesan.
- Herbed Fries: Use a mix of fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme.
- Sweet Potato Fries: Substitute russet with sweet potatoes for a sweeter version.
Baking French Fries: Simple And Delicious Steps
- Prepare the Potato: Start by slicing a large russet potato into thick strips. First, cut the potato in half lengthwise, then slice each half again, creating quarters. Finally, cut each quarter into 2-4 strips, depending on how large your potato is.
- Toss with Oil: Lightly drizzle the potato strips with olive oil.
- Season the Fries: Next, sprinkle a pinch of salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning over the potato strips. Using your hands, gently toss the strips to make sure they are evenly coated with the seasoning. This step is crucial for infusing the fries with flavor.
- Bake: Arrange the seasoned potato strips on a baking tray. Place them in a preheated oven at 400° F (200° C). Let them bake for 25 minutes, or until they turn golden and crispy.
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Expert Tips
- Uniform Cutting: For even baking and consistent doneness, slice your potatoes into evenly sized pieces. This ensures that all your fries will be perfectly cooked at the same time.
- To Peel or Not to Peel: While I typically keep the skin on for extra texture and nutrients, feel free to peel the potato if you prefer a smoother fry.
- Spacing is Key: Arrange the potato wedges on your baking sheet with a bit of space between each one. This allows for complete crisping and prevents the fries from sticking together.
What To Serve With French Fries
Elevate your homemade French fries with these delicious accompaniments, perfect for dipping or drizzling.
- Classic Ketchup: A timeless and popular choice for a reason.
- Queso (Cheese Sauce): Perfect for those who love a cheesy, spicy kick.
- Tangy Malt Vinegar: Offers a sharp contrast to the fries’ richness.
- Smokey BBQ Sauce: For a touch of sweetness and smoke.
- Flavorful Remoulade Sauce: A unique choice that brings a zesty and slightly spicy flair.
Frequently Asked Questions
Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge, though they’re best enjoyed fresh.
Fresh is best, but frozen and thawed can work in a pinch.
Yes, they are naturally gluten-free.
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 would like more information on the baking dishes I use in our “recipes for one”, please visit our FAQ page.
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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.
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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
- Heat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
- Prepare the Potato: Start by slicing a large russet potato into thick strips. First, cut the potato in half lengthwise, then slice each half again, creating quarters. Finally, cut each quarter into 2-4 strips, depending on how large your potato is.
- Add Oil: Lightly drizzle the potato strips with olive oil.
- Season the Fries: Next, sprinkle a pinch of salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning over the potato strips. Using your hands, gently toss the strips to make sure they are evenly coated with the seasoning. This step is crucial for infusing the fries with flavor.
- Bake: Arrange the seasoned potato strips on a baking tray. Place them in a preheated oven at 400° F (200° C). Let them bake for 25 minutes, or until they turn golden and crispy.
Notes
- Uniform Cutting: For even baking and consistent doneness, slice your potatoes into evenly sized pieces. This ensures that all your fries will be perfectly cooked at the same time.
- To Peel or Not to Peel: While I typically keep the skin on for extra texture and nutrients, feel free to peel the potato if you prefer a smoother fry.
- Spacing is Key: Arrange the potato wedges on your baking sheet with a bit of space between each one. This allows for complete crisping and prevents the fries from sticking together.
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 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!