Crispy Baked Sweet Potato Fries Recipe
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Are you in the mood for something tasty, crispy, and irresistibly delicious? Sweet Potato Fries have always been a crowd favorite. This oven-baked version is not only healthier than its deep-fried counterpart but also simple to prepare. Whether you’re planning a weekend treat or looking for a perfect side dish during the holidays, this recipe is sure to delight.
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Why You Will Love Making Crispy Sweet Potato Fries
- First and foremost, opting for homemade sweet potato fries means you’re choosing a healthier alternative to the traditional deep-fried ones. Sweet potatoes are a powerhouse of nutrients, rich in vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. By baking them, you’re preserving these nutrients and avoiding the extra calories that come from deep frying.
- You don’t need to be a chef to whip up this perfect sweet potato fries recipe. With a few ingredients like sweet potatoes, cornstarch, oil, and some basic seasonings, you’re all set. No fancy gadgets required – just a baking sheet, parchment paper, and your trusty oven.
- This recipe is just a base. Feel like adding a kick? Toss in some cayenne pepper or smoked paprika. More in the mood for a sweet twist? A sprinkle of cinnamon sugar can do wonders. The beauty of this dish is that it allows you to experiment and make it your own.
- Whether you’re hosting a game night, having a family dinner, or just chilling on a weekend, these crispy baked sweet potato fries are always a hit. They pair well with a variety of dipping sauces, and their naturally gluten-free and vegan nature makes them suitable for everyone.
- Sweet potatoes are generally affordable, making this recipe a win for your taste buds and your wallet. Plus, with the basic ingredients commonly found in your pantry, there’s no need for a special grocery run.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll need all the ingredients in the photograph below.
How to Make Sweet Potato Fries with Step-by-Step Instructions
A complete printable recipe and the measurements in both US customary and metric are available in the recipe card below.
How to Cut Sweet Potatoes for Fries
Start by selecting medium-sized sweet potatoes. Once you have them, peel and cut them into evenly sized matchsticks, approximately ¼” x 3″.
Tip: using a sharp knife makes this task a breeze. Remember, uniformity is key; having them all about the same size helps them cook evenly.
Removing Excess Starch
Next, place your cut sweet potato pieces in a large bowl of ice water for about 30 minutes. This process helps in removing the excess starch from the fries, making them crispier once baked.
After they’ve had their cold bath, drain the fries and use paper towels to pat them completely dry. You want them as dry as possible to achieve that perfect crisp.
Coating for Crispness
Take those dried fries and place them in a ziplock bag. Add two teaspoons of cornstarch – this little ingredient is the secret to getting that extra-crispy texture we all love.
Seal the bag and give it a good shake to ensure the fries are evenly coated.
Seasoning and Baking Sweet Potato Fries
Now, preheat your oven to 415°F/210°C.
While it’s warming up, line a large baking sheet (or two if needed) with parchment paper. Spread out your uncooked fries on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring they don’t overlap.
Drizzle them with oil (olive oil works great), and sprinkle with kosher salt and black pepper. Toss them a bit to get them evenly coated so that each fry is perfectly seasoned.
Pop them into the oven and let them bake for about 25-30 minutes. For that golden brown perfection, be sure to turn them once halfway through. Once done, you can sprinkle a bit more salt if you wish.
Ingredients
- 4 medium sweet potatoes peeled and cut into thin sticks ¼" x 3"
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon Black pepper
Instructions
- Cut potatoes into fries, ¼" x 3", and place in a bowl of ice water for 30 minutes. This will remove excess starch. Drain the fries and pat them completely dry with a paper towel.4 medium sweet potatoes
- Put the dried fries in a zip-top plastic bag and add 2 teaspoons of cornstarch. Seal the bag and shake to coat the fries evenly. The cornstarch will help the fries get extra crispy.2 teaspoons cornstarch
- Preheat oven to 415°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the coated fries on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Drizzle with oil, season with salt and pepper, and toss to coat evenly.2 tablespoons oil, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon Black pepper
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, turning once halfway through, until browned and crisp. Season with salt if desired. Enjoy!
Notes
- Ultimate Crispness: Make sure your fries are well-spaced on the sheet pan. Overcrowding can cause them to steam rather than crisp up. You may find that you need two baking sheets.
- Spice It Up: Here are a few of our favorite seasonings that pair perfectly with sweet potato fries: taco seasoning or fajita seasoning for a Mexican touch, Indian curry spice mix, cajun seasoning, Italian seasoning, pizza seasoning, or pumpkin pie seasoning for a cozy, sweet twist.
- Oil: The type of oil you use can influence the taste and texture of your fries. Olive oil is a great choice due to its health benefits and ability to impart a lovely flavor. If you want a more neutral taste, canola or vegetable oil works well too. Just ensure you drizzle evenly to coat every fry.
- Baking Sheet Tips: A dark-colored baking sheet can absorb more heat than a light one, potentially leading to crispier fries. However, keep an eye on them as they might brown faster. If you’re using parchment paper, it not only makes for easier cleanup but also prevents the fries from sticking.
- Thickness of Fries: This recipe recommends cutting the fries into ¼” x 3″ matchsticks. However, if you prefer a chunkier fry, feel free to adjust. Just remember, the thickness can affect the baking time. Thicker fries might need a few more minutes in the oven.
- I don’t have parchment paper. Can I still make these crispy fries? Of course! While parchment paper aids in easier cleanup and prevents sticking, you can lightly grease your baking sheet with oil or use a silicone baking mat if you have one.
- Do I need to peel the sweet potatoes? Peeling is recommended for this recipe to achieve a consistent texture. However, sweet potato skins are edible and nutritious. If you prefer, you can scrub them clean and leave the skin on for a more rustic fry.
- Storage: Allow the fries to cool to room temperature and then transfer them to an airtight container. If you don’t have an airtight container, a ziplock bag with most of the air pressed out can be a good alternative.
- Freezing: Place the fries in an even layer on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and pop the sheet in the freezer until they have frozen solid. Then, transfer the fries to an air-tight container or ziplock bag. They’ll keep well for 2-3 months. When you’re ready to reheat them, no need to thaw! Just pop them straight in the oven on a large baking sheet or in the air fryer.
- Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy your fries again, the oven is your best bet for reheating. Spread the fries on a baking sheet and pop them into a preheated oven at 400°F for about 5-10 minutes or until they’re heated through and regain their crispness. If they’re frozen, they’ll need a few extra minutes. While microwave ovens are tempting for their convenience, they can make your fries a bit soft. If you have an air fryer, it can also do wonders in reviving the crunch of your sweet potato fries.
Nutrition
Recipe Notes and Expert Tips
- Ultimate Crispness: Though this baked fries recipe aims for maximum crispiness, there are a couple of additional tricks you can employ. Firstly, make sure your fries are well-spaced on the sheet pan. Overcrowding can cause them to steam rather than crisp up. You may find that you need two baking sheets. Secondly, if you have a convection oven or air fryer, use it! The circulating air can help in achieving an even crispier finish.
- Spice It Up: While kosher salt and black pepper give a classic taste, don’t be afraid to experiment with seasonings. A touch of garlic powder, smoked paprika, or cajun seasoning can elevate the flavor profile of your fries. Remember, sweet potatoes have a naturally sweet undertone, so they can handle a good range of seasonings.
- Use a Good Quality Oil: The type of oil you use can influence the taste and texture of your fries. Olive oil is a great choice due to its health benefits and ability to impart a lovely flavor. If you want a more neutral taste, canola or vegetable oil works well too. Just ensure you drizzle evenly to coat every fry.
- Baking Sheet Tips: A dark-colored baking sheet can absorb more heat than a light one, potentially leading to crispier fries. However, keep an eye on them as they might brown faster. If you’re using parchment paper, it not only makes for easier cleanup but also prevents the fries from sticking.
- Thickness of Fries: This recipe recommends cutting the fries into ¼” x 3″ matchsticks. However, if you prefer a chunkier fry, feel free to adjust. Just remember, the thickness can affect the baking time. Thicker fries might need a few more minutes in the oven.
- I don’t have parchment paper. Can I still make these crispy fries? Of course! While parchment paper aids in easier cleanup and prevents sticking, you can lightly grease your baking sheet with oil or use a silicone baking mat if you have one.
- Do I need to peel the sweet potatoes? Peeling is recommended for this recipe to achieve a consistent texture. However, sweet potato skins are edible and nutritious. If you prefer, you can scrub them clean and leave the skin on for a more rustic fry.
How to Store Leftover Baked Sweet Potato Fries
Did you make too many baked sweet potato fries? Here are our top storage tips.
Cooling Before Storing
First things first, ensure your leftover sweet potato fries have completely cooled down to room temperature before even thinking of storing them.
This helps to prevent condensation, which can make the fries soggy.
Using Airtight Containers
To keep your sweet potato fries as fresh and crispy as possible, transfer them to an airtight container.
If you don’t have an airtight container, a ziplock bag with most of the air pressed out can be a good alternative.
Freezing for Later
Sweet Potato Fries freeze really well! To prepare them, place them in an even layer on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and pop the sheet in the freezer until they have frozen solid.
Then, transfer the fries to an air tight container or ziplock bag. They’ll keep well for 2-3 months. When you’re ready to reheat them, no need to thaw!
Just pop them straight in the oven on a large baking sheet or in the air fryer.
Reheating for Optimal Taste
When you’re ready to enjoy your fries again, the oven is your best bet for reheating.
Spread the fries on a baking sheet and pop them into a preheated oven at 400°F for about 5-10 minutes or until they’re heated through and regain their crispness. If they’re frozen, they’ll need a few extra minutes.
While microwave ovens are tempting for their convenience, they can make your fries a bit soft. If you have an air fryer, it can also do wonders in reviving the crunch of your sweet potato fries.
What to Serve with Sweet Potato Fries
Yes, you can eat baked sweet potato fries on their own, but the are also delicious paired with different foods.
Classic Dipping Sauces
Sweet potato fries and dipping sauces go hand in hand. While ketchup is a timeless choice, consider branching out to other sauces.
Our favorite Dipping Sauce For Sweet Potato Fries recipe is always the sauce we serve with these fries.
On the other hand, a tangy barbecue sauce, creamy aioli, smoky chipotle aioli, or a rich ranch dressing can elevate the overall experience.
If you’re feeling adventurous, a honey mustard sauce pairs surprisingly well with the natural sweetness of the fries.
Pairing with Main Dishes
These crispy treasures can be a star on their own, but they also play well with others! Serve them alongside grilled halloumi, veggie burgers, black bean burgers, or even a slice of homemade Neapolitan pizza. They make an excellent gluten-free side dish that complements a wide range of dishes. If you’re opting for a lighter meal, they pair beautifully with an avocado salad or a hearty sandwich made with Homemade French Bread.
Turning Fries into a Meal
Who said fries are only a side dish? Top your crispy oven-baked sweet potato fries with some melted cheese, black beans, guacamole, and a dollop of sour cream to make loaded fries.
Or, go Mediterranean by adding some feta, olives, and a drizzle of tzatziki sauce. The possibilities are endless! For more loaded fries ideas, be sure to check out our Air Fryer Dirty Fries and Vegetarian Buffalo Fries recipes. They’re perfect with sweet potato fries too!
More Seasoning Ideas for Your Fries
Elevate your sweet potato fries with global flavors. A sprinkle of taco seasoning or fajita seasoning introduces a zesty Mexican touch. For an aromatic twist, opt for an Indian curry spice mix.
Dive into southern tastes with cajun seasoning, or journey to Italy with classic Italian seasoning or pizza seasoning.
For a unique Fall spin, try a warm and spicy pumpkin pie seasoning. Each choice promises a burst of flavor in every bite.
More Sweet Potato Recipes For You To Try
- Sweet Potato Wedges
- Mashed Sweet Potato
- Perfect Baked Sweet Potatoes
- Sweet Potato Fritters
- Roasted Sweet Potato Cubes
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