If you love the rich, caramelized goodness of French onion soup and the crispy comfort of homemade fries, then these French Onion Fries are a must-try!
This recipe takes golden-baked fries and loads them up with sweet, slow-cooked onions, melty cheese, and aromatic herbs for the ultimate snack or side dish.
If you love everything potato make sure to try this recipe of Air Fryer Sliced Potatoes.
Want to learn how to keep potatoes fresh and pick the right type for your recipe? Don’t miss my Potatoes 101 guide.
Jump to:
The ingredients
Sweet Onion – A Vidalia, Maui, or Walla Walla onion works best for a naturally sweet flavor that caramelizes beautifully.
Butter – Used specifically for caramelizing the onions, giving them a rich, golden-brown color and deep, sweet flavor. You can substitute with oil, but butter adds better flavor.
Russet Potatoes – These are ideal for fries because of their high starch content, which results in crispy outsides and fluffy insides.
Olive Oil – Helps crisp up the fries in the oven or air fryer while adding a hint of richness. You can swap for another high-smoke-point oil like avocado oil.
Smoked Paprika – Adds a subtle smoky depth, complementing the caramelized onions. You can use regular paprika if preferred.
Swiss Cheese – Melts beautifully and has a mild, nutty flavor.
Dried Oregano – Brings a mild earthiness and herbaceous note to balance the richness of the cheese and onions.
How to make the French Onions Fries
Caramelize the Onions:
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the butter.
- Once melted, add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions become deep golden brown.
- If the onions start to dry out, add a splash of vegetable broth or a small drizzle of oil to keep them from burning.
Prepare the Fries:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a large bowl, toss the cut potatoes with olive oil, salt, black pepper, onion powder, and smoked paprika until evenly coated.
Bake the Fries:
- Spread the seasoned fries in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until they are crispy and golden brown.
Assemble & Broil:
- Once the fries are done, gather them together in the center of the baking sheet.
- Top with the caramelized onions, shredded Swiss cheese, and dried oregano.
- Place the baking sheet under the broiler for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and melted.
Serve & Enjoy:
- Remove from the oven and serve immediately. Enjoy your French Onion Fries while warm!
Pro Tips for the Best French Onion Fries:
- Slice the onions thinly for even caramelization. The thinner the slices, the more evenly they cook.
- Be patient with the onions. Low and slow cooking is key to achieving that rich, deep flavor.
- For extra crispy fries, soak the cut potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes before baking to remove excess starch. Pat dry before seasoning.
Variations to Try:
- French Onion Fries with Protein: Add shredded roast chicken or crumbled sausage for a heartier dish.
- Spicy French Onion Fries: Sprinkle red pepper flakes or drizzle with hot honey before serving.
- Truffle French Onion Fries: Drizzle with a touch of truffle oil for an upscale twist.
What to Serve With French Onion Fries:
These fries pair beautifully with:
- A grilled steak or roasted chicken
- A light green salad with vinaigrette
- Garlic aioli
FAQ
Cook the fries in an air fryer at 400°F for 15-18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Assemble with toppings and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
Just bake according to package instructions, then top with caramelized onions and cheese before broiling.
Recipe
French Onion Fries
Equipment
- Large nonstick skillet or cast-iron pan
- Baking sheet (lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup
- Sharp knife
- Mixing bowl
- Spatula or tongs
Ingredients
- 1 large sweet onion thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon butter for caramelizing onions
- 4 medium russets potatoes cut into fries
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon sea salt plus more to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika for extra depth
- ½ cup shredded Swiss cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
Instructions
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add butter. Once heated, add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and cook for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions turn deep golden brown. If they start to dry out, add a splash of vegetable broth or a small drizzle of oil.
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a bowl, toss the cut potatoes with olive oil, salt, black pepper, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
- Spread them evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 30-35 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until crispy and golden.
- Once fries are ready, gather them together in the center of the baking sheet.
- Top with caramelized onions, shredded cheese, and oregano.
- Place the baking sheet under the broiler for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and melted.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in an oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes or in an air fryer for 5 minutes to crisp them up again.
Sophie Viau says
The caramelized onions add so much rich, sweet flavor, and the melted Swiss cheese makes them extra indulgent—just like a French onion soup in fry form!