If you’re craving a snack that’s both healthy and irresistibly delicious, this Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries Recipe is about to become your new best friend. These fries boast a perfect balance of crispy edges and tender centers, packed with cozy spices like garlic and paprika. Let me guide you through making this ultimate kitchen treat that you’ll want to reach for again and again!
Why You Should Make This Recipe
Guilt-Free Indulgence: Sweet potatoes are naturally sweet and full of vitamins, so you can enjoy fries without the typical greasy guilt.
Super Crispy Without Frying: Thanks to a little cornstarch trick and the hot oven bake, you get crunchy fries with far less oil.
Flavor Packed Spices: Garlic powder and smoky paprika give these fries a deep and satisfying flavor that beats plain fries any day.
Simple and Fast Prep: With basic ingredients and quick steps, it’s an easy recipe that comes together faster than you think.
Ingredients & Substitutions
This Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries Recipe relies on a handful of simple pantry staples, each playing a crucial role. Olive oil adds richness and helps crisp the fries, while seasonings bring warmth and depth. Even the optional cornstarch works magic in the texture department, helping to create that irresistible crunch you’re craving.
- Sweet potatoes: The star of the show—choose firm potatoes for the best texture. Peeling is optional but helps achieve a smoother bite.
- Olive oil: This helps the fries crisp and flavors them lightly; you can substitute avocado oil for a neutral taste.
- Garlic powder: Adds savory complexity without overpowering the natural sweetness of the potatoes.
- Paprika: Smoked paprika is a great twist for deeper smokiness but regular paprika works perfectly well.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing the flavors beautifully.
- Cornstarch (optional): The secret weapon to lock in crispiness by absorbing extra moisture during baking.
How to Make Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet
Starting with a properly heated oven is key to crispy fries. Preheat yours to 425°F (220°C) and place the baking sheet inside to get it hot – this helps to sear the fries as soon as they hit the pan, locking in flavor and crunch.
Step 2: Cut and Soak the Sweet Potato Fries
Cut your sweet potatoes into evenly sized ¼-inch strips. To get that enviable crisp texture, soak the fries in cold water for 30 minutes – this simple step removes extra starch that otherwise makes fries soggy.
Step 3: Season the Fries
After soaking, dry the fries completely – moisture is the enemy of crunch! Toss them in olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. If you want that next-level crispiness, don’t skip the optional cornstarch. Coat everything evenly to make sure each fry is bursting with flavor.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Take the hot baking sheet out of the oven and spread your fries in a single, uncrowded layer. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through so that both sides get golden and crisp. Keep an eye for that perfect balance of color and crunch!
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Once baked to crispy perfection, let your sweet potato fries rest for a few minutes. This bit of patience helps them firm up even more before diving in – trust me, worth the wait!
How to Serve Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your fries by sprinkling some fresh herbs like chopped parsley or cilantro for a pop of color and freshness. A dash of parmesan cheese or a drizzle of sriracha mayo can add an exciting flavor kick, making every bite interesting and vibrant.
Side Dishes
These crispy fries are fabulous alongside juicy burgers, grilled chicken, or even a fresh salad. They also pair beautifully with dips like garlic aioli, spicy ketchup, or creamy ranch – creating a meal or snack that pleases every craving.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not serve your fries in a rustic paper cone for a casual vibe, or in a colorful bowl for a party-ready presentation? Layer them with melted cheese and green onions for loaded sweet potato fries that turn a simple side into a party centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover fries in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep some crunch, avoid stacking too many fries together; spreading them out a bit can help maintain texture.
Freezing
You can freeze these fries after baking and cooling them completely. Spread them on a sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat directly from frozen for a quick snack, although they’re best enjoyed fresh.
Reheating
To revive your fries’ crispiness, reheat them in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain that satisfying crunch—it tends to make fries soggy.
FAQs
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Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?
Absolutely! While regular potatoes may require a slightly different baking time and yield a different flavor profile, the method of soaking, seasoning, and baking applies the same way to ensure delicious, crispy fries.
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Is peeling the sweet potatoes necessary?
Peeling is optional for this recipe. Leaving the peel on adds extra texture and nutrients, but peeling results in smoother fries. It’s all about personal preference!
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Why do we soak the fries in water before baking?
Soaking removes excess starch from the surface of the potatoes, which helps prevent them from sticking together and produces a crisper texture when baked.
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Can I skip the cornstarch and still get crispy fries?
Yes! While cornstarch is a helpful extra for making fries even crispier, you can skip it if needed. Just make sure the fries are thoroughly dried and spread out evenly on the hot baking sheet.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so comforting about homemade fries that are crispy, flavorful, and guilt-free. This Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries Recipe strikes that perfect note, and I’m confident it’ll become a staple in your kitchen just like it is in mine. So go ahead, turn up the oven heat, and treat yourself to some irresistible sweet potato goodness!
Print
Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries Recipe
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries are a healthier alternative to traditional fries, offering a perfect balance of crispiness and tenderness with a delightful blend of garlic, paprika, and a hint of black pepper. Soaking the fries and optionally using cornstarch helps achieve that coveted crunch, making them an irresistible side or snack.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled (optional) and cut into fries
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika optional for extra flavor)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Optional Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch for extra crispiness
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a baking sheet inside the oven while it heats to get it nice and hot, which helps to crisp the fries from the moment they hit the surface.
- Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Peel the sweet potatoes if you prefer (this is optional) and cut them into uniform 1/4 inch thick fries to ensure even cooking and consistent crispiness.
- Soak the Fries: Place the cut fries in a bowl of cold water and soak for 30 minutes. This step removes excess starch, which is crucial to achieving a crispy texture once baked.
- Season the Fries: Drain and thoroughly pat the fries dry with paper towels to remove moisture. In a large bowl, toss the fries with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. If you want extra crispiness, add 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and toss to coat evenly.
- Bake the Fries: Carefully take the hot baking sheet from the oven and arrange the fries in a single layer without overcrowding. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping them halfway through to promote even browning and crispiness.
- Check for Crispiness: Once the fries are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes to finish crisping before serving.
Notes
- Using cornstarch helps create a light coating that absorbs moisture and enhances crispiness while keeping the fries tender inside.
- Ensuring fries are dry before seasoning is key for achieving a crispy texture.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the baking sheet to allow adequate air circulation around fries for even cooking.
- Flipping the fries halfway through baking promotes even browning and crispness on all sides.
