Let’s face it—everyone loves french fries. They’re crispy, comforting, and the perfect side for almost any meal. The problem? They’re not exactly the healthiest snack around. But don’t worry—there are plenty of ways to make healthy french fries that taste just as good as the classic version including fries made without seed oils. With a few smart ingredient swaps and better cooking methods (yes, the air fryer helps a lot), you can satisfy your fry cravings in a lighter, more nutritious way.

1. Choose Sweet Potatoes for a Nutritious Twist

Sweet potatoes are a great way to make your fries healthier without losing that crispy goodness. They’re rich in vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. While they taste slightly sweeter than regular fries, they make a delicious and nutrient-packed alternative.

To make baked sweet potato fries, coat your slices lightly in cornstarch, ghee, minced garlic, paprika, chili powder, and black pepper. Spread them evenly on a baking sheet—don’t overcrowd, or they won’t crisp up. Bake until golden brown and crunchy. Baking instead of frying reduces oil absorption and brings out the sweet, natural flavor of the potatoes.

2. Add More Flavor with Spices

Salt may bring out flavor, but too much of it isn’t great for your health. Luckily, you can create delicious fries using herbs and spices instead. Try seasoning your fries with garlic powder, paprika, rosemary, thyme, or onion powder for a savory twist.

If you’re making sweet potato fries, cinnamon or nutmeg gives a warm, sweet aroma. Want something different? Try spice blends like za’atar (a mix of sesame, sumac, and herbs) or vadouvan, a French take on Indian curry spices. Even “Everything but the Bagel” seasoning can make fries extra tasty. These swaps boost flavor without extra sodium.

3. Bake Instead of Fry

Despite their name, french fries aren’t really French—they became popular after American soldiers discovered them in Belgium. So if “French” is already a stretch, maybe we can skip the “fry” too!

For crispy baked fries, slice your potatoes into long sticks. Toss them in just enough olive oil to coat evenly, then season them with your favorite spices—garlic and parmesan always work well. Spread them on a foil-lined baking pan and bake at 450°F for 10–15 minutes or until golden and crisp.

This method cuts out most of the grease and avoids the danger of hot oil splashes. You can even try grilling fries for a smoky flavor—just flip them often to keep them from sticking.

4. Try the Air Fryer Magic

If you have an air fryer, use it! Air fryers have changed how we make fries. They use hot circulating air to cook food, creating that crispy texture with little to no oil. Simply toss your fries in a teaspoon of oil (or none at all), add your spices, and air fry until golden.

You can use the same method for tater tots or veggie fries—like zucchini or carrot sticks. Air fryers are quick, easy, and make cleaning up much simpler than traditional frying.

5. Go Oil-Free for an Even Lighter Option

If you want to skip oil completely, try using whisked egg whites or a bit of broth instead. Both can help fries crisp up while keeping them light. Coat the potato slices evenly and season them before baking. The result? Crunchy fries with fewer calories and no greasy aftertaste.

You can also bake the fries without any coating at all. Just keep an eye on them so they don’t dry out.

6. Make Potato-Free Keto Fries

If you’re following a low-carb or keto diet, there are fun alternatives to regular potatoes. Jicama fries have a nice crunch, but if you’re avoiding carbs altogether, zucchini fries are a great option.

Try baked parmesan zucchini fries with marinara sauce for dipping. If you’re strict with keto, swap the bread crumbs for almond flour or crushed pork rinds. Other veggies like turnips, parsnips, or rutabagas also work well—especially in an air fryer.

You can even make veggie chips using beets, carrots, or kale for a crispy snack that’s completely guilt-free.

7. Pick Smarter Dipping Sauces

No fry experience is complete without dipping sauce—but most store-bought condiments are loaded with sugar, salt, or fat. Instead of regular ketchup or ranch, try making your own healthy dips.

A simple Greek yogurt ranch or paleo ketchup gives you great flavor with fewer calories. You can also make a refreshing garlic mint yogurt dip, which pairs perfectly with sweet potato fries. For plant-based eaters, vegan mayo or cashew-based dips are excellent substitutes.

Enjoy Fries Without the Guilt

You don’t have to give up fries to eat better. With a few easy changes—like baking instead of frying, using the air fryer, seasoning with spices instead of salt, or even skipping the potatoes altogether—you can enjoy fries that are crisp, tasty, and much better for your body.

Next time you’re craving a side for your burger or just need a quick snack, try these healthier versions of fries. You’ll still get that satisfying crunch—just without all the guilt.