Crunchy Salty Sweet

I don’t know about you guys, but when it comes to guilty pleasure food I am ALL about french fries. Specifically, McDonald’s french fries…but let’s not tease ourselves. Obviously  fries are one of those things you ‘should have sparingly’, so I’ve done a bunch of research to figure out how to make delicious fries at home, on a frequent basis, while still being a reasonable person.

I was under the impression that even if I used 1/2 cup of oil, baked fries would never get crispy. And then I saw a recipe that I knew would change all of that. By simply soaking the potatoes before cooking, and then starting the cooking process with the fries covered in foil, you’re basically guaranteed crispy baked fries.

Now don’t get me wrong, those sounded great, and would totally work by themselves if that’s what you’re going for. However, if you want to spice things up a bit (literally), this recipe will lead you to probably the most scrumptious at-home-baked fries I’ve ever had (and this includes the frozen types!).

Start by preheating the oven to 450 degrees CONVECTION (or 475 regular).

Slice potatoes into fries.

Soak in enough hot water (the hottest water out of your faucet is fine) to cover the fries, for 20 minutes.

Mix the spices together and set aside. Feel free to leave out the cayenne for less spicy fries!

Drain the potatoes, and dry them as thoroughly as you can with a towel.

Line a baking sheet with foil.

In a large bowl, add the oil over the fries and stir around to coat them. Sprinkle the seasoning onto the fries and give them another toss to coat.

Pour the potatoes onto the sheet pan and spread across so none of the fries are overlapping.

Cover the pan with foil and bake for 5 minutes.

Remove the foil and continue baking for 15 minutes.

Flip the fries and bake until completely cooked through and crispy, about 15 more minutes.

Serve immediately!

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Adapted from: Divas Can Cook

Makes: 2-3 servings

Prep: 30 minutes, Cook: 35 minutes, Total: 65 minutes

• 2 large russet potatoes, washed
• 3 Tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne (optional)

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees CONVECTION (or 475 regular).

Slice potatoes into 1/2 inch wide fries.

Soak in enough hot water to cover the fries, for 20 minutes.

Mix the spices together and set aside. Feel free to leave out the cayenne for less spicy fries!

Drain the potatoes, and dry them as thoroughly as you can with a towel.

Line a baking sheet with foil.

In a large bowl, add the oil and fries and stir around to coat them. Sprinkle the seasoning onto the fries and give them another toss to coat.

Pour the potatoes onto the sheet pan and spread across so none of the fries are overlapping.

Cover the pan with foil and bake for 5 minutes.

Remove the foil and continue baking for 15 minutes.

Flip the fries and bake until completely cooked through and crispy, 10-15 more minutes.

Serve immediately!