Oven Fried French Fries

This is another winning recipe from Annie — best.oven.fries.ever.

My only complaint is they’re a bit labor intensive and take awhile to cook…not exactly week-night friendly!

I’ve found a way to have them on weeknights (I slice the potaotes and soak them when I get home, then toss them in the oven and tell DH to watch them/flip them while I walk the dog) but it’s still definitely a weekend side dish for us.

My fries aren’t as evenly browned as Annie’s, but my oven is a menace and dislikes browning anything. 🙂

Oven Fries

(Annie’s Eats)

3 russet potatoes (about 24 oz. total), peeled and cut lengthwise into even sized wedges
5 tbsp. vegetable, canola or peanut oil, divided
¾ tsp. kosher salt, plus more to taste
¼ tsp. freshly ground black pepper, plus more to taste

Directions
– Preheat the oven to 475˚ F.

– Place the potato wedges in a large mixing bowl.  Cover with hot water; soak for 10-30 minutes.

– Put 4 tablespoons of the oil onto a heavy, rimmed baking sheet.  Tilt the sheet side to side to evenly coat the pan with oil (a pastry brush can also help with this).  Sprinkle the pan evenly with the salt and pepper.  Set aside.

– Drain the potatoes.  Spread the wedges out on layers of paper towels or on clean kitchen towels.  Pat dry with additional towels.

– Wipe out the now empty bowl so it is dry.  Return the potatoes to the bowl and toss with the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil.

– Arrange the potato wedges on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.

– Cover tightly with foil and bake for 5 minutes.  Remove the foil and continue to bake until the bottoms of the potatoes are spotty golden brown, 15-20 minutes, rotating the baking sheet after 10 minutes.

– Using a metal spatula and tongs, flip each potato wedge keeping them in a single layer.  Continue baking until the fries are golden and crisp, 5 -15 minutes.  Rotate the pan as needed to ensure even browning.

– When the fries are finished baking, transfer to a paper-towel lined plate to drain some of the grease.  Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.  Serve warm.