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.
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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!