Low Calorie Fries

These Low Calorie Fries are so crispy and tasty that you’ll never guess they are also healthy and diet-friendly. Clocking at calories 125 kcal per serving, these baked fries are the ultimate comfort food for your diet. 

Who doesn’t love a plate of golden, crispy fries? Well, we all do. But we also do know that traditional deep-fried French fries can loaded with calories and fats. That’s why I decided to bake potatoes and make low calorie French fries. Crispy, flavorful, and guilt-free, this is the recipe you’ve always wanted. Try it, your taste buds and waistline will thank you!

Why baked fries are great for weight loss?

Did you know that you can eat fries and still lose weight? No, this time I’m not joking. When consumed in moderation and prepared in the right way, potatoes can be part of a healthy diet. Here’s why:

• Potatoes are rich in nutrients. They are a good source of nutrients such as vitamin C, potassium, and dietary fiber, which are essential for good health.
• Baked fries are low in calories. Potatoes themselves are a relatively low calorie food (about 80 kcal per 100 grams). What mostly influences their nutritional values instead, is the preparation method. If boiling or baking with little oil is good, deep-frying will ramp up the calorie count.
• Potatoes are high in fiber. Especially when consumed with the skin, potatoes are a great source of dietary fiber. Amongst others, fibers increase satiety therefore and reduce the risk of overeating.
• They are a cheap and versatile food. Boiled, baked or air fried, potatoes are a versatile food that lends itself for many occasions. What is more, they are insanely cheap.
• Low calorie fries are satisfying. Crispy, tasty and comforting, these low calorie French fries will satisfy your wildest cravings without guilt. When you’re on diet, it’s a good idea to eat foods you truly enjoy and that make you satisfied. Only this way it can be sustained in the long run.

The secrets for weight loss fries

Here are a couple of tricks on how to make fries that are even more diet-friendly:

• Instead of deep-frying, bake or air fry the chips.
• Be conscious about the amount of oil you use, just one additional tablespoon will add more than 100 calories.
• Limit or control high-calorie toppings or dipping sauces cheese, butter, sour cream, mayo or aioli.
• Eat as part of a balanced meal, with plenty of lean protein and vegetables.

The ingredients

Here are all the ingredients you should have on hand to make low calories French fries at home. Make sure you read though for all details, tips and substitutes.

• Russet potatoes: These are the best potatoes for making tasty and crispy fries at home, but also Yukon potatoes work well. Or use sweet potatoes for healthier fries with a sweet twist.
• Olive oil: I like using extra virgin olive oil, but you can replace with any other oil. Great options are avocado oil, seed oil or coconut oil if you like its aroma. 
• Seasonings: Sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder and smoked paprika were my seasonings of choice. Feel free to flavor your fries with additional herbs, if you desire.

What potatoes are best for fries?

The choice of the right potato variety is key in making low calorie fries that are crispy and tasty. That is because the water content varies, therefore the difference in texture. Having said that, here are the best types of potatoes for making oven-baked fries:

• Russet Potatoes: These are the best potatoes for fries because they contain more starch and therefore come out tasty and nicely crispy when baked.
• Sweet Potatoes: A healthier and more flavorful alternative, sweet potatoes are also great.
• Yukon gold potatoes: This variety has a creamier buttery inside while still remaining crispy on the outside.
• Red Potatoes: Although not as good as the previous varieties, red potatoes can also be utilized. However, your fries will be slightly softer and less crispy.

How to make low calorie fries

 Step 1: Prepare the potatoes.

Start by scrubbing the potatoes thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt; then cut into even-sized slices, about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Once you are done cutting, place the potato slices into a large bowl filled with cold water and let them soak for about 30 minutes. After soaking, remove the fries from the water and, with the help of a clean towel, pat dry completely.

Step 2: Season the potato slices 

In a separate bowl that is large enough to contain the potatoes, combine olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk together to combine the oil with all the seasonings. Finally, add the dried potato slices to the bowl and toss gently to coat evenly with the seasoning mixture.

Step 3: Bake and enjoy

Arrange the seasoned fries on a prepared baking sheet in a single layer, making sure they do not overlap. Bake in hot oven for 25-35 minutes, flipping halfway through. Make sure you keep an eye on the time to prevent burning, they are ready when golden brown and crispy. Serve with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and your favorite dipping sauce.

How to store leftovers 

Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for a maximum of 3 days. For the best (and safest) storage, make sure you leave the potatoes cool and then place in an airtight food container. Baked fries can also be frozen in zipper bags for up to 3 months. Before serving, reheat in the oven until warm.

Tips for the best low calorie fries 

Here are some tips on how to make low calorie fries that taste like the ones from fast food.

• Choose your potato wisely. Not all potatoes are good for fries, some have a higher content of water and therefore turn out soggy. For extra crispy baked fries, opt for Russet potatoes, Yukon golden potatoes or sweet potatoes.
• Cut them into thin even slices. This results in a faster baking time and better texture.
• Soak the potatoes in cold water. Soaking the potato slices in cold water for at least 30 minutes helps remove excess starch and gives extra crispiness.
• Be creative with seasonings. Make irresistible skinny French fries by experimenting with your favorite seasonings.
• Spray with olive oil before baking. For extra crispness, save some of the olive oil and brush or spray all over the slices before baking. 
• Line the fries on a single layer, spacing them apart. If you overcrowd the baking sheet, the potatoes won’t cook evenly and won’t get crispy. 

More low calorie comfort food

• Air fryer zucchini fries
• Zucchini pizza crust
• Low calorie chicken fingers
• Chicken nuggets
• Simple zucchini fritters
• Greek yogurt buffalo dip