Oven Baked Red Skinned Potato Fries

Name: Oven Baked Red Skinned Potato Fries
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 100 min
Ingredients: 2 pounds red skinned potatoes ((900g)); 3 tablespoons oil ((canola, vegetable, avocado etc)); ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon paprika

These rustic, homemade Oven Baked Red Skinned Potato Fries provide a healthier alternative to classic French fries, with a delicious blend of paprika and garlic seasoning.

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Golden brown red skinned fries on a plate next to a dipping sauce.

Last Updated on November 2, 2023 by Betty Davies

These homemade Oven Baked Red Skinned Potato Fries, are a rustic and healthier twist on classic French fries. With a delicious blend of paprika and garlic seasoning, these easy skin-on fries are baked to perfect crispness in the oven.

Red skinned potato fries served on a plate next to a pot of tomato ketchup.

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This red skinned fries recipe is a kid-friendly potato side dish that’s super easy to make. There’s something irresistible about crispy, homemade fries that kids just love, and these are no exception.

Plus, they’re healthier than your typical French fries because they’re baked, not deep fried, so you don’t need much oil at all. And with the skins left on, they deliver extra fiber and nutrients, making them a wholesome choice for your family.

These fries make a great sharing appetizer or a tasty side dish for your meals. And if you’re hosting a party or having a big family dinner, this recipe can easily be scaled up for a crowd.

When they come out of the oven, they have a buttery taste and texture that’s just out of this world. The secret is the blend of garlic and paprika seasoning that’s not only flavorful but also gives the fries a vibrant, appealing color. They will be a hit at your table!

Make sure to try also this Red Skinned Potato Salad and these Air Fryer Red Potatoes too!

Why you will love this recipe!

So easy: Quick to prep and easy to bake. No need to keep tossing them in the oil to make them evenly crispy. Just put them in the oven and flip them only once halfway through the cooking.
Healthier: Since they are baked instead of fried, they need much less oil and therefore are lower in fat and calories.
Dietary info: These baked red potatoes are gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian, and dairy-free.

Ingredients

Red Potatoes: Compared to yellow or white potatoes, red potatoes have less starch. This means that they have a creamy and buttery texture when cooked, instead of a soft and fluffy one.
Oil: Incorporating oil in the cooking process is crucial for ensuring the potatoes cook evenly and achieve those desirable crispy edges. Opt for a neutral-tasting oil with a high smoke point – vegetable, canola, and avocado oils are all excellent choices.
Seasonings: To bring out the flavor of these fries, use a blend of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and salt.

How to make homemade red skinned potato fries

Be sure to scroll down for the full recipe!

Wash and cut the potatoes, then place them in a bowl of water (photo 1).
Drain and pat dry the potatoes, then add the oil and seasonings (photo 2).
Lay the potatoes on a lined baking sheet (photo 3).
Bake in the oven until golden brown and crispy (photo 4).

Four step by step photos to show how to make the recipe.

Recipe Variations

You can use other waxy potatoes, like fingerlings, or baby potatoes.

You can use many different seasonings like Italian herbs, chili pepper flakes, curry powder, chipotle, or even harissa paste.

If you like meatier potatoes, you can cut them into thicker wedges. In this case, you may need to cook them a few minutes longer. They’re ready when a fork can easily pierce them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need to peel the potatoes?

No, they’re more rustic and easier to prep with the skin on. Plus, waxy potatoes tend to have very thin skins.

Do you need to soak the potatoes?

Yes, soaking the potatoes in water for at least 30 minutes, or ideally, for the whole night, will wash off some of the starch. This step stops the sugars in the potatoes from turning brown before they are fully cooked.

Are these potatoes healthy?

Red potatoes are nutrient dense and the USDA food database mentions that they are the healthiest variety of potato. Plus, baking them in the oven drastically reduces the amount of oil used, making them a healthier side dish.

Seasoned homemade potato fries piled on a plate.

Serving Suggestions

If you serve these baked french fries as an appetizer, you can serve them along some dips like ranch, ketchup, mayo, or bbq sauce. Or try some of these homemade dips:

If instead you’re serving fries as a side dish, you can pair them with so many main dishes. These are some of my favorites:

Make Ahead and Storage

You can store the raw cut potatoes in the bowl of water overnight if you want to prep them in advance.

The cooked potatoes are best enjoyed straight away, but will also keep well covered in the fridge for up to 4 days. They can easily be reheated in the oven at 400F / 200c for 5 to 10 minutes.

Recipe Notes and Tips

Cut the red-skinned potatoes as evenly as you can. The thinner you cut them, the crispier they will be.
The water for soaking should be ice cold for the best result.
Flip the fries halfway through the cooking to let them cook evenly.
Cook them in a single layer to make sure they turn crispy and not steamed.

With their crispy edges, creamy interiors, and a delightful blend of seasonings, these easy-to-make Oven Baked Red Skinned Potato Fries offer a healthier and equally delicious alternative to traditional French fries.

More Potato Side Dishes

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