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
Scale
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.
