Healthier French Fries and Budget Friendly
Craving crispy yet guilt-free French fries? These Healthier French Fries are your go-to recipe for satisfying that craving without breaking your budget! Made with just a handful of pantry staples like russet potatoes, olive oil, and seasonings, this recipe skips the deep frying in favor of oven baking or air frying—delivering golden, crunchy perfection with minimal oil. The secret lies in soaking the potato slices to remove excess starch, ensuring a beautifully crisp texture every time. Customize the flavor with optional garlic powder or smoked paprika, and enjoy a wholesome side dish that's family-friendly and perfect for any meal. Ready in just 45 minutes, these fries are as economical as they are delicious!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 pieces Russet potatoes (medium-sized)
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoons Garlic powder (optional)
- 0.5 teaspoons Smoked paprika (optional)
- 0.25 teaspoons Black pepper
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) or preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
Wash and scrub the potatoes thoroughly to remove dirt. Leave the skins on for added fiber or peel them based on your preference.
Cut the potatoes into evenly sized strips, about 1/4 inch thick, to ensure uniform cooking.
Place the sliced potatoes in a large bowl of water and let them soak for 20-30 minutes. This helps remove excess starch and makes the fries crispier.
Drain the potatoes and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel until no moisture remains.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the potato slices, olive oil, salt, garlic powder (if using), smoked paprika (if using), and black pepper. Toss until all slices are evenly coated.
For oven baking: Arrange the potato slices in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet, making sure they don’t overlap. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
For air frying: Place the potato slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer, working in batches if necessary. Air fry for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking.
Once cooked, remove the fries and let them cool for 2-3 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce or enjoy them on their own!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
936 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 29.1 g | 37% | |
| Saturated Fat | 4.9 g | 25% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 2407 mg | 105% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 150.5 g | 55% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 13.5 g | 48% | |
| Total Sugars | 7.1 g | ||
| Protein | 18.6 g | 37% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 96 mg | 7% | |
| Iron | 5.6 mg | 31% | |
| Potassium | 3868 mg | 82% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
