1-First Step: Gather and Prep Potatoes Start with 4 medium russet potatoes, about 2-3 pounds total. Wash them thoroughly under cold water, leaving skins on for extra crispiness and nutrients. Cut into 1/4-inch matchsticks or wedges for uniform cooking. Aim for even sizes to avoid uneven browning.

2-Second Step: Soak to Remove Starch Place cut potatoes in a large bowl of cold water for 30-60 minutes. This crucial step rinses away surface starch, preventing gumminess and promoting crispiness in your homemade baked french fries recipe. Stir occasionally for best results. Busy parents can do this ahead while prepping other dishes.

3-Third Step: Dry Thoroughly Drain potatoes and pat completely dry with clean kitchen towels or paper towels. Moisture is the enemy of crispy oven fries, so be meticulous. Let them air dry for 10 minutes if time allows.

4-Fourth Step: Season the Fries Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. In a large bowl, toss dried potatoes with 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and optional 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder. For extra crunch, add 1 teaspoon cornstarch per pound of potatoes.

5-Fifth Step: Arrange on Sheets Spread fries in a single layer on sheets, ensuring no overlapping. Overcrowding leads to steaming instead of baking. Place sheets in the preheated oven, ideally on convection mode for better air circulation.

6-Sixth Step: Bake to Perfection Bake for 25-35 minutes, flipping halfway with tongs for even golden color. Edges should be crispy and browned, interiors fork-tender. For thicker baked potato wedges, extend to 35-40 minutes.

7-Final Step: Serve Hot Remove from oven and transfer to a wire rack for 5 minutes to stay crisp. Season with extra salt if needed. Serve immediately with ketchup, aioli, or as a side. Total time: about 1 hour, yielding 4 servings of healthy baked french fries oven-style.