Hey y'all! Few things beat the satisfaction of digging into a plate of crispy oven baked sweet potato fries—golden brown, perfectly seasoned, and just the right amount of crunch. They're a healthier twist on classic fries, making them ideal for weekday dinners, backyard parties, or guilt-free snacking. Ready to experience the sweet-and-savory goodness for yourself? Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This
- They’re deliciously crispy on the outside and tender inside without any deep-frying!
- Sweet potatoes are packed with nutrients and natural, earthy sweetness.
- This recipe is super easy and comes together in under 40 minutes.
- The fries are versatile—perfect as a fun appetizer, party snack, or wholesome side dish.
- Simple seasonings let the sweet potato flavor shine, with endless room for customization!
Ingredients
- 2 large sweet potatoes (about 1 ½ lbs total)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Directions
1. Prep the Sweet Potatoes
- Wash and peel the sweet potatoes. Slice them into ¼-inch thick fries, trying to keep them as uniform as possible for even cooking.
2. Soak and Dry
- Place cut fries in a large bowl of cold water and soak for 30 minutes (this removes excess starch and helps them crisp up).
- Drain and thoroughly pat the fries completely dry with a clean towel.
3. Toss with Coating
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, sprinkle cornstarch over the fries and toss until evenly coated. Add olive oil, salt, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper; toss again until combined.
4. Arrange and Bake
- Spread fries in a single layer with space between each fry on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 15 minutes, flip fries with a spatula, then bake another 10-15 minutes until crisp and golden, watching closely to prevent burning.
5. Finish and Serve
- Sprinkle with extra sea salt, if desired, and serve hot for maximum crispiness!
Notes
- Uniformly cut fries will bake more evenly and crisp up better.
- Don't skip the soaking step—it's key for that perfect crispy texture.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan; air circulation is crucial to crispiness.
Variations
- Spicy Sweet Potato Fries: Toss fries with ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper before baking for some heat.
- Parmesan Herb Fries: Sprinkle hot baked fries with grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, and a squeeze of lemon.
- Maple Cinnamon Fries: Toss finished fries with 1 teaspoon maple syrup and a pinch of cinnamon for a sweet twist.
Required Equipment
- Sharp chef's knife
- Large bowl
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Tongs or spatula
Storage Instructions
Let any leftover fries cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 400°F (200°C) oven for 8-10 minutes to regain crispness (avoid microwaving as fries will soften).
Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations
- Serve with garlic aioli, classic ketchup, or sriracha mayo for dipping.
- Pair with grilled chicken burgers, turkey sandwiches, or as a delicious side to your favorite veggie burger.
- Top with feta and fresh cilantro for a crave-worthy appetizer.
Pro Tips
- Flip halfway through baking to ensure all sides get nice and crispy.
- For extra crunch, finish with a quick broil for 1-2 minutes at the end (watch closely!).
- Use parchment paper, not foil, to prevent sticking and promote even browning.
FAQ
How do I get my sweet potato fries really crispy?
Soaking the cut fries in cold water and coating them with cornstarch before baking are key for maximum crispiness.
Do I need to peel the sweet potatoes?
You don't have to, but peeling ensures a smoother, more uniform texture. You can leave the skins on for extra fiber and rustic flavor.
Can I make these fries ahead of time?
The fries are best enjoyed fresh, but you can prep the potatoes and soak them up to a day ahead. Bake just before serving for optimal crispness.
Prep Time:
15 minutes (plus 30-minute soak)
Total Time:
40 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into ¼-inch fries
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 ½ tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¾ teaspoon sea salt, plus extra for serving
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
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1Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
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2In a large bowl, toss the cut sweet potato fries with cornstarch until evenly coated.
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3Add olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Toss until the fries are well coated.
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4Arrange the fries in a single layer on the prepared baking sheets, making sure they do not touch for maximum crispiness.
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5Bake for 15 minutes, flip the fries, then bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
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6Remove from the oven, sprinkle with additional salt if desired, and serve immediately.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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