Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Sweet potato fries are a delicious, healthier alternative to traditional French fries, offering a naturally sweet flavor and crispy texture without deep frying. This recipe ensures perfectly crispy fries using simple ingredients and a foolproof technique. These fries are easy to make, full of nutrients, and perfect as a side dish or snack. Plus, they are baked, not fried, making them a guilt-free indulgence.
Ingredients
sweet potatoes
olive oil
cornstarch
garlic powder
paprika
salt
black pepper
optional seasonings such as cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, or cinnamon
Directions
- Preheat the Oven – Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Sweet Potatoes – Wash and peel the sweet potatoes, then cut them into evenly sized matchstick pieces, about ¼ inch thick.
- Soak the Fries – Soak the cut sweet potatoes in cold water for at least 30 minutes to remove excess starch, which helps achieve crispiness.
- Dry Thoroughly – Drain and pat the fries completely dry using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
- Coat with Cornstarch – In a large bowl, toss the sweet potato fries with cornstarch to create a thin coating that enhances crispiness.
- Season and Oil – Add olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper, tossing until the fries are evenly coated.
- Arrange on a Baking Sheet – Spread the fries out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they don’t overlap.
- Bake and Flip – Bake for 20 minutes, then flip the fries and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Cool and Serve – Let the fries cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps them crisp up further.
Variations
- Spicy Fries – Add cayenne pepper or chili powder for a spicy kick.
- Sweet & Savory – Sprinkle with cinnamon and a touch of brown sugar for a sweet contrast.
- Herbed Fries – Toss with dried rosemary, thyme, or Italian seasoning for an herby touch.
- Cheesy Fries – Sprinkle with grated Parmesan or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 40 minutes (including soaking time)
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 70-75 minutes
- Servings: 4
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftover sweet potato fries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating in the Oven: Reheat at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes to restore crispiness.
- Reheating in the Air Fryer: Air fry at 375°F for 5 minutes for the best texture.
- Avoid the Microwave: Reheating in the microwave may result in soggy fries.
FAQs
How do I make sweet potato fries crispy?
Soaking the fries in cold water, using cornstarch, and baking at a high temperature with adequate spacing on the baking sheet ensures crispiness.
Can I make these in an air fryer?
Yes! Air fry at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, shaking halfway through.
Why are my fries soggy?
Overcrowding the pan or not drying the fries thoroughly before baking can lead to sogginess.
Can I leave the skin on?
Absolutely! Leaving the skin on adds extra fiber and texture.
Do I need to flip the fries while baking?
Yes, flipping halfway through ensures even cooking and crispiness.
Can I use a different oil?
Yes, avocado oil or coconut oil can be used as alternatives.
What dipping sauces go well with these fries?
Try chipotle mayo, garlic aioli, honey mustard, or classic ketchup.
Can I make them ahead of time?
You can cut and soak the fries ahead of time, but bake them just before serving for the best texture.
Are these fries gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Can I use frozen sweet potatoes?
Fresh sweet potatoes work best, but if using frozen, adjust the baking time accordingly.
Conclusion
Crispy oven-baked sweet potato fries are a healthier, flavorful alternative to traditional fries. With the right technique, you can achieve a perfectly crispy texture without deep frying. Whether you enjoy them as a snack, side dish, or appetizer, these fries are sure to be a hit. Try this easy recipe today and savor the perfect balance of sweetness and crispiness!
Print
Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries
- Total Time: 70-75 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
These crispy oven-baked sweet potato fries are a healthier alternative to traditional fries. With a foolproof technique, they turn out perfectly crispy without deep frying. Enjoy them as a side dish or snack with your favorite seasonings and dips!
Ingredients
- 2 large sweet potatoes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Optional: ¼ tsp cayenne pepper, ½ tsp smoked paprika, or ½ tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven – Set oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Sweet Potatoes – Wash, peel (optional), and cut into matchstick pieces, about ¼ inch thick.
- Soak the Fries – Submerge the cut fries in cold water for at least 30 minutes to remove excess starch.
- Dry Thoroughly – Drain and pat fries completely dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
- Coat with Cornstarch – Toss fries with cornstarch in a large bowl for a thin, crisp-enhancing coating.
- Season and Oil – Add olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper; toss to coat evenly.
- Arrange on a Baking Sheet – Spread fries in a single layer, avoiding overlap for even crisping.
- Bake and Flip – Bake for 20 minutes, flip the fries, then bake for another 10-15 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Cool and Serve – Let fries rest for a few minutes before serving for extra crispiness.
Notes
- Spicy Fries – Add cayenne pepper or chili powder for heat.
- Sweet & Savory – Sprinkle with cinnamon and brown sugar for a sweet twist.
- Herbed Fries – Toss with rosemary, thyme, or Italian seasoning.
- Cheesy Fries – Sprinkle with Parmesan or nutritional yeast.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Side Dish, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Crispy sweet potato fries Oven-baked sweet potato fries Healthy sweet potato fries Gluten-free sweet potato fries Homemade sweet potato fries
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