There’s nothing quite like a piping-hot batch of Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries. Golden on the outside, tender inside, and seasoned just right, these fries make you forget all about their deep-fried cousins. Whether you serve them as a snack or alongside your favorite burger, this wholesome dish blends a hint of sweetness with smoky spices, resulting in a healthier option you’ll crave again and again. Give these a spot in your regular meal lineup — they’re as easy as they are irresistible!
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of powerhouse ingredients, you’ll be on your way to snack heaven. Each component brings something unique to the table, transforming simple sweet potatoes into a vibrantly flavored, perfectly crisp treat.
- Sweet potatoes: The star of the show, offering natural sweetness, color, and loads of nutrients; choose medium-sized ones for the best fry shape and texture.
- Olive oil: Helps the fries crisp up while lending a subtle richness; don’t skip this step for golden results.
- Garlic powder: Brings a gentle garlicky kick that rounds out the sweet flavor profile beautifully.
- Paprika (smoked or regular): Adds a touch of warm color and a hint of earthy, smoky spice — smoked paprika takes it up a notch!
- Salt: Essential for unlocking the natural flavors and balancing out the sweetness; adjust to your taste.
- Black pepper: Delivers a background heat and aroma to make the fries pop.
- Cornstarch (optional): Just a bit can make a world of difference for next-level crispiness; especially great if you crave an extra crunch.
How to Make Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries
Step 1: Fire Up Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and pop your baking sheet inside as it heats. This may seem like a small detail, but starting with a hot tray sets the stage for fries with crunchy exteriors and fluffy insides. It’s a simple trick that really helps the magic happen!
Step 2: Cut the Sweet Potatoes
Peel your sweet potatoes if you’d like a smoother finish, or leave the skins on for extra texture and nutrition. Slice them into fries about 1/4 inch thick, doing your best to keep them uniform. Even cutting means even cooking, so every fry ends up with that perfect crispy bite.
Step 3: Soak and Dry the Fries
Grab a big bowl of cold water and let your fries soak for 30 minutes. This step might feel skippable when you’re short on time, but it draws out excess starch, setting you up for genuinely crispy oven baked sweet potato fries. Once done, drain them well and use a paper towel to dry each fry thoroughly.
Step 4: Season to Perfection
Toss your dried fries in a large mixing bowl with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. If you’re after ultra-crisp fries, sprinkle in that optional tablespoon of cornstarch and give everything a thorough stir. Make sure every fry is coated for consistent flavor and crunch.
Step 5: Bake for Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries
Carefully pull the hot baking sheet from the oven (use oven mitts for safety!) and spread your fries in a single layer. Give them a bit of space so the heat can circulate and do its crisping thing. Bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure all sides get golden and crispy. Watch the last few minutes closely — you want that perfect golden color!
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once your crispy oven baked sweet potato fries have reached peak crunchiness, take them out and let them cool for just a few minutes. This helps set their texture and keeps you from burning your fingers. They’re ready to enjoy the moment they’re cool enough to handle!
How to Serve Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries
Garnishes
Add a flourish of fresh chopped parsley, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, or an extra dusting of smoked paprika just before serving. A squeeze of lime or a drizzle of sriracha can also elevate your fries, making them as pretty as they are tasty.
Side Dishes
These fries play well with so many dishes! Try them beside a juicy burger, a smoky pulled pork sandwich, or a crisp green salad. For a lighter meal, serve them with grilled chicken or a veggie-packed grain bowl for color and crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your fries in mini baskets or mason jars lined with parchment paper, just like at your favorite diner. Or arrange them on a large platter with an assortment of dips — think creamy garlic aioli, spicy ketchup, or tangy yogurt sauce — for an easy, crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you end up with leftover crispy oven baked sweet potato fries (though that’s rare!), let them cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days; just be sure not to pack them while warm to prevent sogginess.
Freezing
For longer storage, spread cooled fries on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid before transferring to a zip-top bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months in the freezer. This method keeps them from sticking together and makes reheating a breeze.
Reheating
To restore your fries to crispy glory, spread them out on a baking sheet and bake in a hot oven (about 400°F) for 10 minutes, or until heated through and crisp. Skip the microwave; it tends to make them limp instead of crunchy.
FAQs
Can I skip soaking the fries if I’m short on time?
It’s best not to! Soaking the fries removes excess starch, resulting in crispier outsides. If you absolutely need to speed things up, you can skip, but the texture won’t be quite as crispy.
Why should I use cornstarch for crispy oven baked sweet potato fries?
Cornstarch gives your fries a fine coating that absorbs moisture and crisps up beautifully in the oven. If you want next-level crunch, that tablespoon of cornstarch is a game changer.
Do I need to peel the sweet potatoes?
Peeled sweet potatoes provide a smoother taste and even crispness, but leaving the skins on adds extra fiber and a lovely rustic texture. It’s totally up to your preference!
How do I keep my fries from getting soggy?
Make sure to thoroughly dry the fries after soaking, spread them in a single layer (don’t overcrowd the pan), and use a preheated hot baking tray. These tips keep your fries crispy and delicious every time.
What are the best dipping sauces for crispy oven baked sweet potato fries?
Classic ketchup, spicy sriracha mayo, creamy garlic aioli, or a tangy yogurt dip all pair wonderfully. Mix and match for a playful dipping platter that’ll please every palate.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a snack or side that’s addictively good and guilt-free, you’ll fall head over heels for these Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries. Try them for your next family dinner or game night, and watch them become a new favorite in your home!
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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
- 1/2 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 1/2 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: 3g
- Sodium: 490mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
