The perfect healthy side dish for any burger, sandwich, or wrap!
Is there anyone out there who doesn’t like French fries? I highly doubt it. This beloved side dish is also one of the most classic accompaniments to sandwiches, burgers, and wraps. That said, it’s not always the best choice if you’re trying to better your health. Fortunately for all of us, these Crispy Pan-Roasted French Fries are not only healthier than the traditional deep-fried option, but they also taste just as incredible!
Deep Frying vs. Pan-Roasting
Deep frying literally requires food to be submerged in hot oil. This oil is typically extremely unhealthy, and it can add saturated fats, trans fats, and an absurd number of calories to otherwise nutritious ingredients. Regularly eating deep-fried food can lead to health issues such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.
This is where pan-roasting comes in to save the day! This method of cooking is already a healthier option because the food is not submerged in trans-fat-laden oil. Our pan-roasted french fry recipe does use olive oil, but this is one of the healthier oils for cooking. It’s loaded with heart-healthy fats that will benefit your body instead of hurt it. In addition to being a healthier cooking method, roasting potatoes can also improve their texture and increase the flavor of this vegetable!
More Nutritious Than You May Think
Potatoes are often mistaken as “unhealthy,” but this is not necessarily true. The nutritional benefits of potatoes are greatly dependent on the method by which they are cooked. You don’t have to feel guilty for enjoying a serving of these Crispy Pan-Roasted French Fries. They only contain 151 calories per serving and 1 gram of saturated fat. Better yet, roasted potatoes offer your body nutrients, like potassium, iron, vitamin C, and plenty of fiber!
The Perfect, Simple Side Dish
While this recipe requires a little effort to prepare, the outcome will be well worth it. All you need are three ingredients, as well as a baking sheet, large mixing bowl, and a salad spinner.
The toughest part of preparing this recipe is cutting up the potatoes. We recommend leaving the skin on, as this is where most of the fiber is found. Before you start cutting, be sure to preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. As you cut the potatoes, you’ll want to submerge them in a large bowl of cold water to keep them from oxidizing and turning brown. After all of the fries have been cut, pour out the water and use the salad spinner to remove any remaining moisture.
You can use the same large bowl to toss the potatoes in the olive oil and salt. Once they are evenly covered, place them in a single layer on an already-greased baking sheet. The fries will need to roast for about 30-35 minutes. Halfway through, you’ll want to flip and rotate to help them reach a golden, crispy perfection!
These delicious fries will pair wonderfully with any of the main courses below:
Crispy Pan-Roasted French Fries
Ingredients
- 1 pound russet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt plus extra for seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Coat a baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
- Cut the russet potatoes into 1/4-inch thick matchsticks. You can remove the peels, if you like, but we like keeping the peels on for extra nutrition. As you cut the potatoes, place them in a large bowl of cold water to keep them from turning brown.
- When all the potatoes are cut, drain the water and spin the potatoes dry in batches using a salad spinner.
- In a large bowl, toss the cut potatoes with the olive oil and kosher salt. Spread the potatoes out in a single layer on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through and flipping the potatoes with a spatula, until the potatoes are golden brown and crispy. Season the fries with additional salt, if desired.
Nutrition Information
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