Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Yes, preheating matters—trust me, the fries will thank you.
Slice potatoes into even sticks. Pat them dry with a towel so the seasoning sticks like a champ.
In a small bowl, mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, pepper, oregano, thyme, cayenne (if using), and Parmesan (if using).
Toss the-cut fries in a little oil, then sprinkle the seasoning mix over them. Shake or toss until every fry has a good coat—no sad, bland spots allowed.
Spread the fries in a single layer on a baking sheet. Don’t crowd them; heat loves space.
Bake 15–20 minutes, flip, then bake another 5–10 minutes until edges are golden and crispy. If you like extra crunch, give them a few extra minutes, but keep an eye on them.
Remove from oven, let rest for a minute, and taste-test. Adjust salt if needed. Serve hot and dive in.
