If you’ve ever craved fries that are outrageously crisp on the outside, silky-tender inside, and much healthier than anything you’d get from a deep fryer, these Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries are about to become your new go-to. With just a handful of pantry staples and a simple bake in the oven, you get fries that are boldly flavorful thanks to garlic, paprika, and the natural sweetness of vibrant orange sweet potatoes. Best of all, they’re addictively crunchy and golden without any greasy aftertaste, making them the perfect snack or side you’ll want to whip up all the time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of these fries is in their simplicity. Every ingredient earns its place by maximizing either flavor, crunch, color, or all three! Use the freshest sweet potatoes you can find and be a little generous with your seasonings – these are the keys to truly irresistible fries.
- Sweet potatoes: Opt for firm, vividly colored sweet potatoes; their natural sugars caramelize beautifully in the oven.
- Olive oil: A little goes a long way to help crisp up the fries while keeping them heart-healthy.
- Garlic powder: This brings a subtle savory depth that pairs beautifully with the sweet potatoes.
- Paprika: Adds warmth and color; try smoked paprika for a twist if you like a bit of smokiness.
- Salt: Essential for drawing out the natural flavors and ensuring that first bite is perfectly seasoned.
- Black pepper: Delivers a gentle kick and complexity, balancing sweetness and spice.
- Cornstarch (optional): Toss your fries with cornstarch for the ultimate crisp exterior—totally worth it!
How to Make Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries
Step 1: Preheat and Prep the Baking Sheet
Before anything else, set your oven to a blazing 425°F (220°C) and slide your baking sheet in as it heats up. A piping-hot tray is the secret weapon to that immediate sizzle as soon as the fries hit the pan—hello, crispy exterior!
Step 2: Cut Your Sweet Potatoes Evenly
Peel your sweet potatoes if you prefer (the skin adds extra fiber and rustic charm), then slice them into uniformly sized fries—about 1/4 inch thick is perfect. Keeping them consistent means every fry cooks completely and evenly, ensuring no burnt ends or undercooked bites.
Step 3: Soak for Maximum Crunch
This is the game changer: dunk your freshly cut fries into a big bowl of cold water and let them soak for 30 minutes. This pulls out excess starch, which is the magic behind achieving those signature crispy edges you crave in Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries.
Step 4: Dry and Season Generously
After soaking, drain your fries and give them a good pat with a towel—every bit of surface moisture you remove translates to even more crunch. Toss them in olive oil, then sprinkle over the garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. If you’re after extra-fantastic crunch, dust everything with cornstarch and toss until each fry is lightly coated.
Step 5: Bake to Crispy Perfection
With your preheated baking sheet hot and ready, arrange the fries in a single layer—no overlapping! Spread them out; crowding leads to steaming instead of roasting. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping halfway through so all sides get that gorgeous golden finish.
Step 6: Cool Slightly and Enjoy
Once your Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries are irresistibly golden and crisp, take them out and give them a few minutes to cool. This short rest helps firm up the fries so every bite stays delightfully crunchy.
How to Serve Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries
Garnishes
These fries love a finishing flourish! Shower them with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for a burst of color, or sprinkle on a pinch of flaky sea salt just as they come out of the oven. For a little heat, scatter crushed red pepper flakes or drizzle with a touch of sriracha.
Side Dishes
Pair your Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries with a simple ranch dip, tangy ketchup, or a garlicky aioli for dunking. They’re perfect alongside grilled burgers, juicy roast chicken, or even as the star of a loaded salad bowl. Their natural sweetness is a fantastic complement to savory entrees.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve them piled high in a parchment-lined basket for classic diner vibes, or stand them upright in mason jars for a whimsical twist at your next gathering. For parties, set up a “fry bar” with an array of dipping sauces and fun toppings—everyone loves to dress up their own batch of Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Tuck any leftover fries into an airtight container and pop them in the fridge. They’ll stay tasty and edible for up to 3 days, though they’ll lose some crispness over time (but don’t worry, there’s a solution for that below!).
Freezing
To freeze your Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries, lay them out in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Transfer to a zip-top bag or container, and keep frozen for up to 2 months. This makes for easy, quick snacks anytime you’re craving fries!
Reheating
For best results, spread the fries out on a baking sheet and heat in a 400°F oven until hot and crispy again—usually 8 to 10 minutes does the trick. Avoid microwaving, as it will make the fries soft and lose their coveted crisp.
FAQs
How do I get my sweet potato fries crispy every time?
Soaking the raw fries in cold water and drying them thoroughly after is the real trick! Also, be sure not to crowd your baking sheet, and bake at a high enough temperature to encourage browning and crisping. A light toss in cornstarch works wonders, too.
Can I use other types of oil instead of olive oil?
Absolutely! While olive oil gives a lovely flavor, you can substitute with avocado oil, grapeseed oil, or any neutral oil with a high smoke point. Each option will produce slightly different results, but all will work well for oven baking.
Can I make these fries without peeling the sweet potatoes?
Yes! Leaving the skin on adds extra fiber and rustic flair, plus it saves a step in prep. Just be sure to scrub the potatoes well before slicing.
What’s the best way to cut sweet potatoes for even fries?
Use a sharp chef’s knife and cut the sweet potatoes into equal-sized sticks, about 1/4 inch thick. Try to keep the fries as uniform as possible so they roast at the same rate and you don’t end up with some burnt or underdone pieces.
Are Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries gluten free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten free, as long as you use pure cornstarch and seasonings. That makes them a wonderful choice for those following gluten-sensitive or celiac-friendly diets.
Final Thoughts
I can’t say enough good things about these Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries—they’re crunchy, golden, and so satisfying with every bite. If you’re looking for a healthy snack or crowd-pleasing side, give this recipe a try. Trust me, your oven will thank you (and so will everyone at your table)!
Print
Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries are a delicious and healthy alternative to deep-fried fries. With minimal ingredients, you can create a crispy, golden batch in just 40 minutes. The sweet potatoes are coated with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, and baked to perfection without the need for frying.
Ingredients
Sweet Potato Fries:
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled (optional) and cut into fries
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika is optional for extra flavor)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Optional:
- 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.
- Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Peel the sweet potatoes (optional) and cut them into 1/4 inch thick fries. Try to make them as uniform as possible to ensure they cook evenly.
- Soak the Fries: Place the cut sweet potato fries in a bowl of cold water for 30 minutes. This step removes excess starch, which is key to getting crispy fries.
- Season the Fries: After soaking, drain and pat the fries dry with a paper towel to remove moisture. In a large bowl, toss the fries with 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. If you’re using cornstarch for extra crispiness, sprinkle it in now and toss everything together.
- Bake the Fries: Carefully remove the hot baking sheet from the oven. Spread the fries in a single layer on the sheet, ensuring they aren’t overcrowded. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping the fries halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Check for Crispiness: Once the fries are crisp and golden, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Using Cornstarch for Extra Crispiness:
- If you want your sweet potato fries to have that extra crunch, try adding a little cornstarch!
- When you toss the fries in cornstarch before baking, it creates a light coating that helps absorb moisture, making the outside super crispy while keeping the inside soft and tender.
- Just sprinkle about 1 tablespoon of cornstarch over your seasoned fries, toss them around so they’re all coated, and bake as usual.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
