How to Make Steak Fries in Oven

There’s something undeniably satisfying about biting into a thick, crispy-on-the-outside, fluffy-on-the-inside steak fry. Whether served alongside a juicy burger or a sizzling ribeye, steak fries are a comfort food favorite. But deep frying isn’t always the healthiest or cleanest option. That’s where oven-baked steak fries shine. You get all the texture and flavor you crave, with less oil and less mess.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through every step of making perfect steak fries in the oven. From selecting the right potato to seasoning ideas and serving suggestions, this article has everything you need to turn your kitchen into a steakhouse experience.

What Are Steak Fries?

Steak fries are thick-cut French fries, usually around ½ inch to ¾ inch in thickness. They are typically made from starchy potatoes like russets and are known for their substantial bite and soft interior. Unlike skinny fries or shoestring potatoes, steak fries are designed to hold their own next to hearty meals like grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or barbecued ribs.

While some may confuse them with potato wedges, steak fries are usually cut in a more uniform rectangular shape rather than triangular. Their thickness makes them ideal for baking, as they crisp nicely on the outside while retaining a fluffy, pillowy inside.

Ingredients and Tools You’ll Need

Before diving into the preparation, let’s gather everything you’ll need to make these steak fries successfully.

A. Basic Ingredients

• 4 large russet potatoes (or about 2 pounds)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil (or vegetable oil)
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Optional Seasonings:

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (for a kick)
• Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme) for garnish

B. Tools

• Sharp chef’s knife or fry cutter
• Large mixing bowl
• Baking sheet (preferably rimmed)
• Parchment paper or aluminum foil
• Tongs or a spatula
• Clean kitchen towel or paper towels

Choosing the Right Potato

The best fries start with the right kind of potato. While you might be tempted to use whatever you have on hand, not all potatoes are created equal when it comes to texture and flavor.

Why Russet Potatoes Are Ideal

Russet potatoes, also known as Idaho potatoes, are high in starch and low in moisture. This makes them perfect for baking into crispy steak fries. The starch helps develop that golden, crunchy exterior, while the fluffy interior gives that soft, melt-in-your-mouth bite.

Other Options

If russets aren’t available, Yukon golds are a decent backup. They have a slightly waxier texture and buttery flavor, but won’t crisp quite as well. Avoid red potatoes or new potatoes as they are too waxy and hold too much moisture for the steak fry style.

Prepping the Potatoes

Proper prep is essential for evenly cooked and crispy oven steak fries.

1. Wash and Scrub

Potatoes often come with dirt or pesticide residue. Scrub them thoroughly under cold running water using a vegetable brush. You can peel them if you prefer, but leaving the skin on adds texture and nutrients.

2. Cut Into Steak Fry Shapes

Using a sharp knife, slice the potato lengthwise into thick planks, then cut each plank into thick sticks. Aim for uniform size so they cook evenly—about ½ inch thick is ideal.

3. Soak the Fries

Once cut, place the fries in a large bowl of cold water and soak for at least 30 minutes, or up to 1 hour. This removes excess surface starch, which helps prevent the fries from sticking and enhances crispiness.

4. Drain and Dry

After soaking, drain the potatoes and lay them out on a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Pat them thoroughly dry. Removing moisture is crucial to getting crispy fries in the oven.

Seasoning the Fries

Now it’s time to season your soon-to-be steak fries.

1. Add Oil

Transfer the dried potato sticks to a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and toss well to coat each piece evenly.

2. Add Seasonings

Sprinkle on your salt, pepper, and any optional seasonings. If you’re a fan of spice, a touch of cayenne or chili powder adds heat. Want a smoky note? Use smoked paprika. For a classic flavor, stick with garlic powder and onion powder.

Toss again to ensure each fry is evenly coated. Don’t skimp on the seasoning—it’s the difference between bland and bold.

Baking the Steak Fries

Now we’re ready to bake.

A. Preheating the Oven

Set your oven to 425°F (220°C). A hot oven is essential for a crispy finish. If you have a convection oven, use the convection setting at 400°F for even better results.

B. Arrange on Baking Sheet

Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup. Spread the fries out in a single layer with some space between each one. Overcrowding leads to steaming instead of crisping.

If necessary, use two sheets rather than cramming too many fries onto one.

C. Bake and Flip

Place the fries in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes. At the halfway point, use tongs or a spatula to flip each fry. This helps them crisp evenly on both sides.

Continue baking for another 15–20 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp. Total bake time should be around 40–45 minutes, depending on your oven and fry thickness.

Tips for Extra Crispiness

Want your oven-baked steak fries to mimic the crunch of deep-fried ones? Follow these tips:

• Use a Convection Setting: If your oven has it, the fan will circulate hot air and create a more even, crispy result.
• Preheat Your Baking Sheet: Stick the sheet in the oven as it preheats, then carefully arrange the fries on the hot surface. This jump-starts browning.
• Finish Under the Broiler: After baking, broil the fries on high for 2–3 minutes to add extra color and crunch.
• Don’t Overcrowd: Always give fries enough space so the hot air can circulate around them.

Serving Suggestions

Steak fries are versatile and pair beautifully with a variety of dips and dishes.

Popular Dipping Sauces

• Ketchup (classic choice)
• Garlic aioli
• Sriracha mayo
• Honey mustard
• Cheese sauce
• Ranch dressing

Main Course Pairings

• Ribeye or T-bone steak
• Grilled chicken or pork chops
• Cheeseburgers
• BBQ brisket or pulled pork
• Fish and chips-style battered fish

Toppings and Garnishes

• Fresh chopped parsley or chives
• Shredded parmesan cheese
• Truffle oil drizzle
• Crumbled bacon
• Melted cheddar or mozzarella

Variations to Try

Once you’ve mastered the classic version, experiment with fun variations to mix things up.

1. Cajun Steak Fries

Toss fries in a blend of paprika, cayenne, oregano, garlic powder, and thyme for bold Southern flavor.

2. Garlic Parmesan Fries

Toss hot fries in minced garlic sautéed in butter, then sprinkle with grated parmesan and parsley.

3. Sweet Potato Steak Fries

Use sweet potatoes instead of russets. They’ll need a little less time to cook and benefit from seasonings like cinnamon or chili powder.

4. Lemon Herb Fries

After baking, toss the fries with lemon zest, rosemary, and thyme for a refreshing twist.

5. Air Fryer Version

Have an air fryer? You can use the same prep steps, then cook the fries at 400°F for 15–20 minutes, shaking halfway through.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Got leftovers? No worries—steak fries store and reheat surprisingly well if handled properly.

Storing in the Fridge

Allow the fries to cool completely. Place them in an airtight container lined with a paper towel to absorb moisture. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating Tips

• Oven Method: Reheat on a baking sheet at 375°F for 10–12 minutes. Flip halfway through for even heating.
• Air Fryer: Reheat at 375°F for 5–6 minutes for maximum crispiness.
• Avoid Microwaves: They’ll turn your crispy fries into soggy disappointments.

Conclusion

Oven-baked steak fries are an easy, healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried versions and just as delicious. With the right type of potato, proper soaking, seasoning, and baking techniques, you can achieve crispy edges and fluffy centers every time.

Whether you enjoy them with a hearty steak, dipped in your favorite sauce, or topped with cheese and herbs, steak fries are a side dish that’s always a crowd-pleaser. So preheat that oven, grab a few spuds, and treat yourself to homemade perfection. You’ll never go back to frozen fries again.