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Craving crispy, golden fries without the guilt? These low calorie french fries are your answer! With just a touch of oil and a hot oven, you can enjoy all the crunch and flavor of classic fries, minus the excess calories. Perfect for snacking, sides, or even a light meal, this recipe is a game-changer for health-conscious food lovers.
I remember the first time I tried making low calorie french fries at home. I was skeptical—could they really be as good as the deep-fried version? But after one bite of these oven-baked delights, I was hooked. Now, they’re a staple in my kitchen, especially when I want something satisfying without derailing my healthy eating goals.
Ready to whip up a batch of these irresistible low calorie french fries? Let’s get started!
What to Expect
- Time: 50 minutes (including prep and baking)
- Difficulty: Easy
Before You Begin
For the best low calorie french fries, make sure your potatoes are thoroughly dried after washing. This helps them crisp up beautifully in the oven. Also, preheat your oven well—this ensures even cooking and that perfect golden finish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Potatoes | 700 g |
| Oil | 20 g |
| Salt | To taste |
| Pepper | To taste |
| Spices | To taste |
Step-by-Step Guide
- Preheat your oven to 220°C (430°F).
- Peel 700 g of potatoes and cut them into even strips.
- Wash the potato strips several times to remove excess starch, then pat them completely dry with paper towels. The drier, the crispier!
- In a bowl, toss the dried potato strips with 20 g of oil, ensuring each piece is lightly coated.
- Arrange the potatoes on a parchment-lined baking sheet, making sure they don’t touch each other.
- Bake for 30 minutes at 220°C (430°F), then flip the fries and bake for another 10-15 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Transfer the low calorie french fries to a bowl and season with salt, pepper, and your favorite spices.
Pointers for Perfection & How to Store
For extra crispiness, sprinkle a pinch of cornstarch over the potatoes before baking. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain their texture. If you love creative potato dishes, check out this Frika Potato And Cheese Hash Recipe for another delicious idea!
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Low calorie french fries
- Total Time: 70
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Low Calorie French Fries bring the flavor of a soul food dinner without the heavy grease. By using a clever oven-baking method and a robust ‘soul seasoning’ blend—featuring smoked paprika, garlic, and a hint of cayenne—you get crispy, savory fries that satisfy your cravings for a fraction of the calories. Naturally gluten-free and vegan.
Ingredients
2 large Russet potatoes (the best starch content for crispiness)
1 tablespoon olive oil (or avocado oil)
— The Soul Seasoning Blend —
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon sea salt (or seasoned salt, ensure GF)
½ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little kick)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or spray lightly with non-stick spray.
2. Prep the Potatoes: Scrub the potatoes clean (peeling is optional; leaving skin on adds fiber). Cut them into uniform sticks, about ¼ to ½ inch thick.
3. Soak (Crucial for Crispiness): Place the cut potatoes in a large bowl and cover with cold water. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes. This removes excess starch that makes fries soggy.
4. Dry Thoroughly: Drain the water and pat the potatoes completely dry with a clean kitchen towel. They must be bone-dry to crisp up!
5. Season: Wipe out the bowl to ensure it’s dry. Return the potatoes to the bowl. Drizzle with the 1 tablespoon of olive oil and toss to coat evenly.
6. Add the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne. Toss again until every fry is coated in the spice blend.
7. Arrange: Spread the fries in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Do not overcrowd them; they need space for air to circulate, or they will steam instead of roast.
8. Bake: Bake for 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and carefully flip the fries using a spatula.
9. Crisp: Return to the oven and bake for another 10–15 minutes, or until the fries are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
10. Serve: Taste and add a pinch more salt if needed while they are hot. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
Potato Choice: Russet potatoes are essential here. Waxy potatoes like red or Yukon Gold will result in softer fries.
The Soak: Don’t skip the soaking step! It makes a huge difference in texture.
Air Fryer Option: These cook perfectly in an air fryer! Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
Dip Pairing: Serve with a healthier dip like Greek yogurt mixed with hot sauce or a low-sugar ketchup.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Soul Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 300
- Fat: 7
- Saturated Fat: 1
- Unsaturated Fat: 5
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 3
- Cholesterol: 0
Your Burning Questions Answered!
- Can I use sweet potatoes for low calorie french fries?
- Absolutely! Sweet potatoes work great—just adjust the baking time as needed.
- What’s the best oil for crispy fries?
- Avocado oil or olive oil both work well for high-heat baking.
How do I make them extra crispy?
Ensure the potatoes are bone-dry before baking, and don’t overcrowd the baking sheet.
Dig In & Enjoy!
These low calorie french fries are proof that healthy eating doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or texture. Whether you’re serving them as a side or enjoying them as a snack, they’re sure to become a favorite. For more delicious ideas, follow me on Pinterest.