Greek Fries

Not every comfort food needs a makeover, but when an oven can deliver crispy, golden fries without the mess of deep-frying, I’m all for it. Traditional Greek fries, known as patates tiganites, are typically fried until golden and topped with lemon, oregano and feta. This oven-baked version, shared by Taste of Home reader Stacy Schneidmiller of Beaumont, Alberta, makes it easy to enjoy those same Mediterranean flavors at home without the hot oil.

The result is crispy-on-the-outside, fluffy-on-the-inside potato wedges that are lighter than the traditional version. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice, plenty of oregano and a generous shower of crumbled feta give these fries their signature Greek flavor. Add a side of cool, creamy tzatziki for dipping, and you’ve turned an everyday pan of oven fries into something worthy of your favorite Greek restaurant.

Ingredients for Greek Fries

• Potatoes: Yukon Gold potatoes are my favorite type of potato because they have a naturally buttery flavor, and they turn crispy when roasted while staying creamy in the middle. Russet potatoes also work if you prefer a fluffier fry. For extra-crispy fries, soak the cut potatoes in cold water for about 30 minutes, then pat them completely dry before roasting. The soak rinses away excess starch, helping the fries brown better.
• Olive oil: A light coating of olive oil helps the potatoes crisp up in the oven while adding a touch of Mediterranean flavor. If you’re out of olive oil, any neutral cooking oil—like avocado, canola or vegetable oil—will do the trick.
• Lemon juice: Don’t skip the fresh lemon juice! Squeeze it over the fries as soon as they come out of the oven so it soaks into the potatoes, giving them their signature bright, zesty flavor.
• Seasoning: Seasoned salt and dried oregano keep these fries simple but flavorful. If you don’t have seasoned salt, regular salt works just fine. Add a pinch of garlic powder, onion powder and paprika for a similar flavor.
• Feta cheese: Buy a block of fresh feta packed in brine if you can. It has a creamier texture and brighter flavor than packaged crumbles, and it only takes a few seconds to crumble it yourself.
• Tzatziki: Cool, creamy and tangy tzatziki is basically ketchup for Greek fries. Its refreshing flavor is the perfect match for hot, crispy potatoes, salty feta and bright lemon. Store-bought tzatziki is an easy shortcut, but you can make your own with Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic and fresh dill.

Directions

Step 1: Roast the potatoes

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Toss the potatoes with the olive oil in a large bowl until they’re evenly coated. Spread the potatoes in a single layer on a parchment-lined 15x10x1-inch baking pan. Lightly spritz them with cooking spray. Bake the potatoes until they’re tender and golden, about 30 minutes.

Editor’s Tip: Prefer to use an air fryer? Preheat it to 400°. Lightly grease the basket, then arrange the potatoes in a single layer, working in batches if needed. Air-fry them until they’re crisp and golden brown, 15 to 17 minutes, shaking the basket or flipping the potatoes every five to seven minutes for even browning.

Step 2: Add the toppings

As soon as the fries come out of the oven, squeeze fresh lemon juice over them and sprinkle them with seasoned salt and oregano. Top them with the crumbled feta, and serve them warm with tzatziki for dipping.

Greek Fries Variations

• Add fresh aromatics: Give these fries even more flavor by adding minced garlic, sliced green onions, fresh chives, or chopped herbs like parsley or dill.
• Turn up the heat: Sprinkle a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes over the hot fries along with the seasoned salt and oregano.
• Try a different dipping sauce: Tzatziki is the traditional dipping sauce for Greek fries, but you can switch things up by serving them with a garlicky aioli, lemon tahini sauce or hummus.
• Make loaded Greek fries: Treat these potatoes like nachos and pile them high with extras like chopped kalamata olives, diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped pepperoncini and fresh herbs for the ultimate Greek-inspired snack plate.

Can you store Greek fries?

Greek fries are best enjoyed fresh, while the potatoes are hot and crispy, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. If possible, store the tzatziki and feta separately so the potatoes don’t turn soggy.

Can you make Greek fries ahead of time?

Yes! While Greek fries are best served right out of the oven, you can get a head start by cutting the potatoes and soaking them in cold water for several hours or overnight. Soaking keeps cut potatoes from turning brown and removes excess starch, which helps them roast up extra-crispy.

When you’re ready to cook, drain the potatoes, pat them completely dry, then toss them with olive oil and roast them.

How do you reheat Greek fries?

To reheat leftover Greek fries, warm them in a 400° oven or air fryer until they’re heated through and crispy again. You can also microwave them, but the potatoes will be softer. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and sprinkle with feta after reheating the fries.

Greek Fries Tips

Should you peel the potatoes?

You can peel the potatoes if you want to, but you don’t have to! Yukon Gold potatoes have thin, tender skins that add a little extra texture, and leaving them on saves you time. If you prefer smoother fries, go ahead and peel them.

Can you use frozen french fries?

Yes! Frozen fries are a great shortcut for making Greek fries with less prep. Thick-cut fries, like steak fries, will give you a fluffier bite similar to this recipe, while thinner, restaurant-style fries are great for extra crispiness. Simply cook the fries according to the package directions, then finish them with lemon juice, oregano, seasoned salt and feta.

How do you get crispy fries?

The key to crispy fries is giving the potatoes plenty of room in the oven. Crowding the pan can cause the potatoes to steam rather than crisp, so spread them in a single layer on the baking pan and flip them halfway through to help them brown evenly.

For extra-crispy fries, soak the cut potatoes in cold water for about 30 minutes before roasting them, then drain and pat them completely dry. The soak removes some excess starch, helping the fries crisp even more in the oven.

What can you serve with Greek fries?

Greek fries make a fun snack or starter for a Mediterranean-inspired feast, especially when they’re served with plenty of creamy tzatziki for dipping. They’re also a delicious side dish for grilled chicken or fish, gyros, lamb burgers, or a fresh Greek salad.