Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries Recipe

Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries Recipe: Golden Joy Every Time

Crispy oven baked sweet potato fries spark joy in every kitchen adventure you’ll embark on today.

Russet’s lesser-known cousin brings unexpected magic to your plate with minimal effort.

Golden edges and tender centers make these fries irresistible for casual weekend snacking.

Simple seasonings transform humble root vegetables into restaurant-worthy delights without complicated techniques.

Salt, pepper, and a touch of olive oil create maximum flavor with minimal ingredients.

One pan and straightforward steps stand between you and delectable potato magic.

Grab some potatoes and let the crispy, satisfying culinary journey begin right now.

Why Sweet Potato Fries Always Satisfy

  • Sweet potato fries require minimal kitchen skills, making them perfect for beginners and experienced cooks alike. Simple cutting, soaking, and seasoning steps guarantee delicious results every single time.
  • These fries offer a healthier alternative to traditional potato fries, loaded with vitamins, fiber, and essential minerals. Baking instead of deep-frying reduces unnecessary calories while maintaining incredible crunch and flavor.
  • Easily adapt the seasoning blend to match your taste preferences. Experiment with different spices like cumin, chili powder, or herbs to create unique and exciting variations that keep your taste buds dancing.
  • Perfect for casual gatherings, game nights, or as a side dish that appeals to both kids and adults. The crispy texture and vibrant orange color make these fries an instant hit at any meal or social event.

Ingredients for Sweet Potato Fries

Main Ingredients:
  • Sweet Potatoes: Nutritious root vegetable perfect for making crispy fries.
Seasoning Ingredients:
  • Olive Oil, Garlic Powder, Paprika, Salt, Black Pepper: Classic spices that enhance the sweet potato flavor.
  • Cornstarch: Secret ingredient for extra crispiness.
Optional Preparation Ingredients:
  • Cold Water: Used for soaking to remove excess starch.
  • Paper Towel: Helps dry the fries for better crispiness.

Baking Instructions for Sweet Potato Fries

Step 1: Warm Up The Cooking Space

Heat the oven to a toasty 425°F.

Slide a baking sheet inside while the oven warms up to create a sizzling hot surface for maximum crispiness.

Step 2: Slice And Prepare Sweet Potatoes

Wash and slice sweet potatoes into uniform french fry shapes.

Remove skin if desired, but keeping it adds extra nutrition and texture.

Aim for even thickness around 1/4 inch to guarantee consistent cooking.

Step 3: Rinse Away Excess Starch

Submerge potato strips in cold water for half an hour.

This magical bath helps remove extra starch, which is the secret weapon for achieving super crunchy fries.

Step 4: Season With Flavor Explosion

Drain potato strips and thoroughly dry with paper towels.

Toss potatoes with:
  • Olive oil
  • Garlic powder
  • Paprika
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Optional cornstarch for extra crunch

Massage seasonings into potatoes until every piece is beautifully coated.

Step 5: Create Crispy Magic

Carefully spread seasoned potato strips on the preheated baking sheet.

Ensure strips aren’t crowding each other.

Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping midway to guarantee even golden brownness.

Step 6: Serve And Enjoy

Pull out gorgeous golden fries from the oven.

Let them rest briefly before serving to maintain maximum crispiness.

Dive in while they’re hot and enjoy!

Crispy Tips for Sweet Potato Fries

  • Pat sweet potato strips completely dry before seasoning to eliminate excess moisture that leads to steaming instead of crisping.
  • Cut fries into equal 1/4-inch thick pieces to guarantee consistent cooking and prevent some pieces from burning while others remain undercooked.
  • Sprinkle a thin layer of cornstarch before adding oil to create an extra crunchy exterior that locks in flavor and provides a satisfying texture.
  • Arrange fries in a single layer without overlapping to ensure maximum air circulation and even browning during baking.
  • Experiment with different spice combinations like smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, or dried herbs to transform the classic sweet potato fry into a unique culinary experience.

Reheat and Store Sweet Potato Fries Right

  • Store leftover sweet potato fries in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Keep them in the bottom shelf of the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent cross-contamination.
  • Wrap cooled fries tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. Label the bag with the date to track storage time.
  • Spread frozen or refrigerated fries on a baking sheet. Bake at 425°F for 5-10 minutes, turning once halfway through. This method helps restore crispiness and prevents sogginess.
  • Arrange fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 375°F for 3-5 minutes, shaking the basket midway to ensure even heating and crispy texture.

What to Serve with Sweet Potato Fries

  • Pair Perfectly with Protein Partners: Grilled chicken or turkey burgers complement the sweet potato fries, offering a lean protein boost that balances the fries' rich, caramelized flavor.
  • Dip and Dive into Sauces: Create a zesty garlic aioli or spicy sriracha mayo that enhances the fries' natural sweetness and provides a creamy, tangy counterpoint to the crispy texture.
  • Wine and Beverage Wingman: Choose a light, crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a hoppy craft beer that cuts through the fries' richness and refreshes the palate with bright, clean notes.
  • Mediterranean Mezze Match: Serve alongside a Greek-inspired yogurt dip or hummus to introduce a cool, creamy element that contrasts with the warm, spiced sweet potato fries.

Fun Takes on Sweet Potato Fries

  • Spicy Chili Lime Fries: Replace paprika with chili powder and add fresh lime zest for a zesty, tangy kick that brings bold southwestern flavors to your sweet potato fries.
  • Herb-Infused Rosemary Fries: Swap garlic powder with dried rosemary and add fresh thyme, creating an aromatic Mediterranean-inspired version that elevates the classic recipe.
  • Gluten-Free Cornstarch Alternative: Use arrowroot powder instead of cornstarch for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals, maintaining the same crispy texture without compromising dietary needs.
  • Vegan Nutritional Boost: Sprinkle nutritional yeast instead of salt for a cheesy, protein-rich coating that adds extra flavor and nutrition for plant-based eaters.

FAQs

  • Why soak the sweet potato fries in water?

Soaking removes excess starch, which helps the fries become crispier and prevents them from sticking together during baking. This technique ensures a better texture and more even cooking.

  • Can I use different seasonings for these fries?

Absolutely! You can experiment with various spice blends like cajun seasoning, Italian herbs, or even a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. Just keep the amount of seasoning similar to maintain the right flavor balance.

  • How do I prevent my sweet potato fries from becoming soggy?

The key is to pat the fries completely dry after soaking and spread them in a single layer on a hot baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding, which creates steam and prevents crispiness. Using cornstarch can also help achieve a crunchier exterior.

  • Are sweet potato fries healthier than regular potato fries?

Yes, sweet potato fries are more nutritious. They’re packed with vitamins A and C, have more fiber, and contain fewer calories compared to traditional white potato fries. They’re a great alternative for a healthier side dish.

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Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries Recipe

Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries Recipe


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4.9 from 26 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 2 1x

Description

Crispy oven baked sweet potato fries elevate simple ingredients into a mouthwatering side dish that delights taste buds. Perfectly seasoned and golden brown, these fries offer a healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried versions you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 medium sweet potatoes (peeled (optional) and cut into fries)

Seasoning:

  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika is optional for extra flavor)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Optional Crispiness Enhancer:

  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) cornstarch (for extra crispiness)

Instructions

  1. Prepare a scorching hot oven at 425°F, positioning a baking sheet inside to create an intense cooking surface for maximum crispiness.
  2. Transform sweet potatoes into uniform, slender strips approximately 1/4 inch thick, maintaining consistent size for even roasting.
  3. Submerge potato strips in cold water for 30 minutes, allowing excess starch to dissolve and creating potential for ultra-crisp exterior.
  4. Thoroughly drain potato strips and meticulously pat completely dry using clean kitchen towels to eliminate moisture that could compromise crunchiness.
  5. Infuse potato strips with olive oil and selected seasonings – garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper – ensuring each piece becomes evenly coated through vigorous tossing.
  6. Strategically arrange seasoned potato strips across preheated baking sheet, maintaining generous spacing to prevent steaming and promote crisp texture.
  7. Roast in hot oven for 25-30 minutes, executing a careful mid-cooking rotation to guarantee uniform golden-brown coloration and consistent crispness.
  8. Extract fries when achieving deep golden appearance, allowing brief resting period to stabilize exterior crunch before serving immediately.

Notes

  • Soaking sweet potato fries in cold water helps remove excess starch, creating a crispier texture and preventing them from becoming soggy during baking.
  • Use a sharp knife to cut fries into uniform sizes, ensuring even cooking and consistent crunchiness throughout the batch.
  • Patting fries completely dry before seasoning is crucial for achieving maximum crispiness, so use a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to remove all moisture.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Side Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2
  • Calories: 200
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
Olivia Bennett

Olivia Bennett

Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • Showcasing ingredients in plant-forward vegetarian dishes.
  • Creating adaptable weeklong menu templates centered on seasonal produce.

Education

Schoolcraft College

  • Program: Culinary Arts Associate Degree
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, menu planning, and food safety.

With an Associate Degree in Culinary Arts from Schoolcraft College and a natural knack for teaching, Olivia Bennett’s all about making home cooking feel possible, even on your busiest day.
Her thing? Recipes that are budget-friendly, season-forward, and full of Southern warmth. Whether it’s a roasted veggie bowl or a five-ingredient skillet bake, Olivia makes sure it’s simple, satisfying, and something you’ll want to make again tomorrow.
When she’s not shooting step-by-step videos or testing spice blends, she’s out foraging, flipping through old cookbooks, or throwing laid-back dinner parties with a BYO-mason-jar theme.

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