Get your oven heating up to 375°F (190°C). This initial temperature will prepare your fries for the perfect bake.

Give your baking potatoes a good wash, scrubbing gently under running water to remove any dirt. You can leave the skin on for extra texture, but if you prefer a creamier bite, feel free to peel them. Once clean, slice the potatoes into even sticks—about a quarter-inch thick works well.

Place the cut potatoes in a bowl or soak them in the sink with cold water. This step helps to draw out some of the starch, resulting in crispier fries. Soak them for at least 30 minutes. You can check your phone, tidy up, or even sip a nice cup of tea while you wait.

After soaking, drain the fries and use a clean kitchen towel to dry them thoroughly. This is crucial; wet potatoes lead to steamed fries, which are not what we want!

In a large mixing bowl, toss the dry potato sticks with olive oil, seasoned salt, garlic powder, and paprika. The oil acts as a carrier for the seasonings and helps achieve that golden brown you’re after. Ensure every piece is well-coated; this will make a difference.

Lay the seasoned potato sticks uniformly on a parchment-lined baking sheet. It’s important to spread them in a single layer—congested fries will steam rather than crisp up, and nobody likes a soggy fry!

Initially, bake the fries in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes. After that, crank up the heat to 425°F (220°C) and cook them for an additional 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they should be beautifully golden and very crisp when done. If you like your fries extra crispy, feel free to leave them in a little longer.