How to Make Crispy Homemade Fries Without Deep Frying | Julia at Home

An easy, no-splatter recipe that produces potatoes with a golden, crisp crust and a richly creamy interior.
Get our Oven Fries recipe: cooks.io/3ASopiX
Buy our winning chefs knife: bit.ly/4bIXjf7
Buy our winning baking sheet: bit.ly/3WT81Lg
Buy our winning nonstick-safe spatula: bit.ly/3USGY07
Buy our winning metal spatula: bit.ly/3UQO456
Buy our winning wire rack: bit.ly/3VcDHd6
Follow Julia on Instagram: / juliacollindavison
ABOUT US: Located in Boston’s Seaport District in the historic Innovation and Design Building, America's Test Kitchen features 15,000 square feet of kitchen space including multiple photography and video studios. It is the home of Cook’s Illustrated magazine and Cook’s Country magazine and is the workday destination for more than 60 test cooks, editors, and cookware specialists. Our mission is to test recipes over and over again until we understand how and why they work and until we arrive at the best version.
If you like us, follow us:
americastestkitchen.com
/ americastestkitchen
/ testkitchen
/ testkitchen
/ testkitchen

[@anitasoto3849]

If you have two baking sheets that are the same, you can use the second one flipped upside down on the first one instead of aluminum foil. I do this with many things to avoid the waste of aluminum foil.

[@Johnny_Guitar]

*EXACTLY !!!* I've mentioned this same issue as a Chef, and it seems that everyone still doesn't get the concept of using two of the same 1/2-Sheet Pans wasting miles on foil for nothing!

[@JewlzYPG]

@@Johnny_Guitar God i'm a dummy, thank you very much kind sir.

[@stizelswik3694]

thing is, I don't have 2 of the same... only 3 of differing sizes! :/ but that is a great idea!

[@MrTeko75]

or use the second pan to make even more fries. :)

[@TheEvie202]

thank you @Anita... for the tip! I have tons od sheet pans and that never occurred to me👍🏼😋

[@tammijatti9164]

I’ve always loved making oven fries, but I could never get them quite right. Oh this is so exciting! Finally!

[@krisqueen5939]

X

[@lorenzobrewer]

​@@krisqueen5939GT❤❤

[@sandrathurber2977]

yum! love this..

[@Stay100chicago]

🫣🤫

[@waymor2460]

Speaking of the dark potato chips Utz now has a flavor called dark russets which is basically a bag full of the slightly burnt chips. So good.

[@lcusatis]

It literally says right on the bag that they are not burnt, but russet's have a higher sugar content, and its the sugar carmelizing.

[@michaelrolland2309]

Trader Joe’s also has them. Addictive.

[@waymor2460]

@@lcusatis I don’t care if they soak them in motor oil, these are some tasty chips.

[@lcusatis]

@@waymor2460 oh yeah, I love 'em.

[@kallen868]

I haven't seen them in ages!😋

[@AA-jn3oc]

Awesome recipe! Turned out great 😊. I kept mine covered for the first 12 minutes then uncovered for another 12 before turning them over for 15.

[@carolyndaughton3373]

This recipe is exactly what I've been looking for! Thank you Julia. Your little meal baskets are so fun!

[@barbarasapp1234]

They look delicious 😋 can't wait to give them a try. Ms Julia you are one of the best 👌

[@barbarasapp1234]

Thanks

[@loriluatminot]

Julia ! For the past 30 years, I thought I made the best oven fries......but these! I can't wait to try your recipe :)

[@lindashaker2629]

Just made them. They came out absolutely delicious. Thank you

[@rosieokeefe4363]

I have been watching and learning your techniques for many years and love all of your recipes!! Thank you so much for sharing!!

[@mariocooke5463]

I love every episode this lady is in

[@patricecooper8419]

What a fantastic idea! I think I might try it this way! Thank you so much for sharing this great video with us! You've made it really easy to do!

[@tf7820]

More Julia @ home please.. You are at your best in these videos!!! Thanks for this one.

[@susanmoy8637]

I like this "old" recipe. Easy and elegant.

[@breakeoila44]

Even my kids loved the Tian! Asked me to cook it again. Really enjoyed the video, smart & simple. Thanks Julia!!!

[@ianlindridge5378]

I've used Italian salad dressing occasionally as sub for vegetable oil. Your recipe has a few more techniques than my simple oil dressed! Thanks.

[@rachelseepersad5490]

I'm excited to try this! Thank you for the recipe 😊

[@robertledsome3327]

I've been baking fries for years, just spray with olive oil add onions and garlic slices... delicious!

[@Turritopsis-dohrnii]

Thats interesting as there are many conflicting opinions on the smoke point of olive oil but you prove it is perfectly good at high temps. Thanks 🤓

[@cynthiahermstad7332]

Oooo - they look dee-licious 😃 Your descriptions are so good I can almost smell these. I will be trying these this week. Thank you so much 💖💖💖

[@maryserrano6448]

They look amazing. Yummy can't wait to try them this way in the oven.

[@keithgrant122]

Ahh!! Well done .can't wait to try. Love how effortless ATK make all these Delicious Foods so Easy as well as Educate us on food science too! Bravo!! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼🎉thank you all!!❤

[@tilliemaekirk9444]

Always learn something new from Julia, thanks for another great technique.

[@MaryJane-kj7qk]

Looks great! I like the really crispy ones too. Can't wait to give them a go

[@dalewilliams2063]

Genius in its simplicity. Bravo!

[@jbt6007]

I have never seen a technique like this for home fries??!! I can't wait to try it.

[@rjjeffreys]

I am so going to make these, Julia. Thank you!

[@timothyjohnson6258]

Looks delicious and as an added extra bonus, easy to make. I will be trying this within the next week. Thanks.

[@robertshelby239]

I can't wait to make these. Thanks Julia!

[@gnawbabygnaw]

I always enjoy learning how from Ms. Julia! 🤙🤙

[@yourleftisttesticle]

Potato bites, fries, and wedges were the first side dishes I learned to do right. It sometimes seems like I've mastered them, but then I learn a different approach, such as putting the seasoning on the pan. Of course, I don't think I'll personally follow that approach, as It seems like it uses more salt than I am allowed to consume (kidneys). However, covering it with foil I might do. It seems like trapping the heat increased the browning. Absolutely need that in for any roasted fry.

[@catherineharris27]

I season my fries with Salt, pepper, cajun & pap and then dust with parsley b4 serving. Yummy ❤❤❤...adding malt vinegar to them is good too.

[@karencalhoun6930]

For years I've been doing a similar version of this with cooking spray to decrease calories. Now I will add the hot water step and salt and pepper the pan. Can't wait to try. I LOVE AMERICA'S TEST KITCHEN. Thank you, Julia

[@sigrid714]

Being a lazy person always trying to cut corners in the process, I microwave the potatoes whole until they're about 180°F by infrared thermometer (about 2 min per side). This method only works on potatoes that aren't too thick otherwise the center will be undercooked. I then just leave them out to cool until they're cool enough to handle, and then cut them into fries. They should be cooked enough to not oxidize, but still be firm enough to toss with some oil and seasonings. Then I air fry them at 390°F for about 20-25mins or until golden brown. They end up crispy and golden on the outside and fluffy on the inside, and because they're semi pre cooked in the microwave, they end up white and fluffy and don't have any greying or gumminess from oxidation. It's a quick way to get restaurant style fries without any soaking or parboiling or drying.

[@wastrelway3226]

Sigrid, I'm lazy, too and I would never do this recipe or yours. I don't peel, I cut them into fries, fry with bacon grease in a wok, done. It doesn't take much grease and you just keep tossing them until they are evenly browned. (I don't own a microwave or an air fryer, anyway.)

[@leapintothewild]

I microwave fresh cut potatoes in a glass bowl, no liquid, and air fry or oven fry with a little oil and salt - very similar to what you describe. Also do the same for roasted potatoes. Saves a ton of time after a long day!

[@richoneplanet7561]

Wow looks great Julia! It's on my menu! 👍🏼

[@paul_domici]

These look great! I like to blanch my potatoes then deep fry them! It takes a while but it's the best!!!

[@pollyanna1112]

Theoretically, Julia still did a blanching technique just modified. By popping them the container with hot tap water for ten minutes then drying them off - a quicker yet effective blanching method 🎉

[@cathydecarles7084]

Julia I love how you cook These potatoes in the Oven thank you for sharing this

[@novanorman1091]

I’m going to try your way! I’m hoping for crisp! Thanks for sharing!!

[@user-wr9nb4vd8y]

Sounds great. I plan to try this technique on sweet potatoes!

[@stephenparker4083]

I like the recipe that uses a coating of cornstarch slurry. We make those about once a week and they never disappoint.

[@jq7136]

How to make corn starch slurry- can you taste it in cooked fries?

[@BGraves]

Ever tried potato starch?

[@Kimberly1Lily]

​@@BGraves That's a great idea.

[@stephenparker4083]

@@jq7136 3/4 cup water and 3 tablespoons of cornstarch. Dissolve the cornstarch in the water in a glass or ceramic bowl and then microwave in 20 second intervals until the slurry begins to solidify. Then take it out of the microwave and let cool a bit. Add your prepared potatoes and coat them all. Cook on a foil lined baking sheet, covered, at 425 degrees F for about 25 minutes, then remove the foil and cook an additional 12 minutes or so on each side. You don't taste the cornstarch; it just make a good crunchy crust.

[@stephenparker4083]

The foil can be sprayed with cooking spray to prevent sticking and also drizzle 2 tablespoons or so of vegetable oil over the potatoes to give the right french fried flavor.

[@velmafloryanzia5101]

Wow, can't wait to try this one!!!😋TYVM!!!

[@marytamone5095]

Thanks for the recipe. Can't wait to try it.

[@lsequeira3139]

Gotta try this method. Thank-you for sharing.

[@patriciakoester1580]

Love all you recipes!!! ♥️ Patricia

[@teinelona7]

I was just looking at the 4 russets I bought last week, without one clue what to make with them. Now I know 👍🏾

[@cynthiarobinson3048]

Those look AMAZING!!!

[@jlsoler3575]

Julia. I am a big Fan for many years. You are a amazing cooking teacher....Happy Cooking>>>Jose from Orlando Florida

[@louisel.sinniger2057]

Omg. Next on my “to do list” for sure!

[@mayonnaiseeee]

Awesome. I will try any oven roasted potato recipe that promises a crispy finish. Thanks!

[@user-zq1is4cm5g]

Thank you for the tips on oven fries, the ones I've made were not very crispy, now I know what to do.

[@mariegrimes5878]

Loved it been a fan for years

[@Turritopsis-dohrnii]

love the black pepper ball bearings! True cooking science 🤩🤩🤩

[@DIaneW702]

Thanks for the great tip Have to try 👍

[@autumnsky8647]

Thank you! Can't wait to try!

[@chuckles2189]

Looks good, will give it a try. Thanks

[@jonimaricruz1692]

What excellent tips and techniques! That’s why I love you guys!🫶 Thanks!

[@sharonh988]

Thanks, they look so good.

[@stjabnful]

I’m so trying this way for French fries!

[@kristinbray6453]

Looks delicious!! Thank you for sharing your wonderful recipes with us. Have a wonderful day.

[@ralphhernandez3521]

That is such a terrific idea, putting the salt and pepper on the pan underneath the potato wedges. The aluminum foil over the potatoes was something I never thought of. Thank you for showing me that trick. I almost gave up on oven fried potatoes.

[@Johnny_Guitar]

As a Chef.....drop the aluminum foil! Why? Because it's a waste and you DON'T need it and instead, use a second 1/2-sheet pan, turn it upside down and cover the lower pan with it! DONE.

[@kathleenconner3605]

I love sweet potato fries and I am gonna try this. I hope it works out just as well for them. can't wait to taste them....

[@respectpleasethankyou]

Great content, as usual ❤🎉🎉🎉😊 THANK YOU

[@marystephenson3625]

I’ve been making my fries this way since I saw it originally on ATK!

[@joyr36]

Thank you for this recipe. They look delicious.

[@teresaandrews1341]

Can’t wait to try it!!!

[@scofah]

You are great! 🍟😋looks yummy!

[@deborahdillard7761]

Gotta try this method!

[@tgrim50]

Oh that looks so good.

[@stizelswik3694]

now THIS is a recipe I can follow! Thanks for sharing!!! I just subscribed. Even at my age (71) we can always learn something new!

[@dzintrarowe4272]

You nailed it. I make own all time

[@jadams4963]

The smartest greatest cooks on earth y'all know what Americans want that socialize the old fashion way with food showing off their best recipes I had all bars with girl customers make a buffet everyone brought food on Fridays tgif and my art classes we really enjoyed ourselves like kids back in day

[@aurorapang3530]

You make it easy for me, thank you

[@sitinowak]

Thanks for the video, will try making them.

[@M_Ladd]

My mouth is watering!

[@davidbaise5137]

Your channel turned up… Been following you since the Chris days. Thanks so much for this. You are my fave host.

[@iansmith1472]

Excellent, looks easy, even us bachelors should be able to do this!

[@_o_-I-_o_]

Great video, no surprise. Brief but complete, tips seamlessly woven in (e.g. the glory of the lowest oven rack).

[@toin9898]

I'm also team Yukon Gold! The perfect all-purpose potato!

[@kathyworkman1678]

Perfect 👍. Thank you

[@lenglish1264]

Love your videos. Thanks!!!

[@WerewolfSlayer91]

I just use fries from the store and coat them with sunflower oil and put them in the airfryer tim their brown. I have only once made homemade fries, but sure would be the same concept. Then you do not need to flip and all that stuff, it's nice to rattle the container at 3-4 minutes at the end, it's enough to kinda get the middle fries access to get more brown / roasted. It takes 15 minutes instead of 35 minues+ inn and out of the Owen ect. Doing this since we got airfryer some years ago.

[@toib.7143]

Outstanding!!! However I gotta confess, I used bags of frozen fries, both crinkle cut, and steak fries. (reason being, I shamefully NEVER! learned how to use that type of potato peeler, the few times I tried, I've cut myself everytime, if I use a knife, I waste too much of the potatoe) still I followed your process to the T, and everyone was impressed. Also, I only have 3 cookie sheets of different sizes, I prefer the foil. I am a reuser of foil, I carefully wash and dry the foil, for later. Shhhh, don't tell my family about any of this!!!

[@marlenemorris7889]

They looked very good and easy

[@adelmoumen6139]

Thank you and let’s try it.

[@denisevulliet7332]

Please make a London Fog cake, that is my favorite cake, with the salted caramel on top of the earl grey frosting. Yummy

[@haggielady]

I love your oven fries.

[@jq7136]

? Will it work with light olive oil (it’s healthier)? You said leave foil on first 5min, but when first half time -20min you said-you had foil on then removed. So leave foil on longer than 5 min(?), and not have on after flip for 2nd half cooking? I’m confused. Tks ahead for reply. Also will this work with skin on?(has more nutrients)

[@KiKiD9554]

Trying this tomorrow...yum

[@unvielhunzafoods6680]

Wow 😮 amazing trick 👏

[@njboesman]

Great recipe and technique, I wonder if I could do this on my grill to avoid all that oven heat in the summer? I’m confident it would work just as well

[@lukec.9819]

Great tips!! Can you post a recipe for air fryer fries??❤

[@SnakeAndTurtleQigong]

Loving it!

[@user-oq5uj8lk3p]

Woww, what a recipe❤ well i still achieved burn seversl but very happy with it😌

[@normaberastain2997]

Love it you thanks for share updated French fries 🍟 😊

[@diferrara1719]

Love your style Julia. Short and sweet with great tips!

[@user-sy6fz4qt1t]

Wonderful recipe, I think I'll do this with some olive oil and extra seasoning

[@AClark-bq6oc]

Thanks for a great video!😁

[@moonshadow3559]

Looks delicious ‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️

[@cynthusinfinite]

Yes this works and makes great fries without the deep fry.

[@cathypoags9054]

Thanks Chef Delicious!!

[@user-ze7hc3dn8w]

I am now starving for them, thank you!!! (maybe??)

[@carlam.9529]

Love it 😊