Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries Recipe
Introduction
Crispy oven-baked sweet potato fries are a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional fries. With just a few simple ingredients and a quick soak step, you can achieve perfectly crispy fries every time. These fries make a great snack or side dish for any meal.
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
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for extra crispiness)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and place a baking sheet inside to heat up while the oven warms.
- Step 2: Peel the sweet potatoes if desired, then cut them into 1/4 inch thick fries, trying to keep them uniform for even cooking.
- Step 3: Soak the cut fries in a bowl of cold water for 30 minutes to remove excess starch, which helps them crisp up better.
- Step 4: Drain and pat the fries dry thoroughly with paper towels. Toss them in a large bowl with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cornstarch if using.
- Step 5: Carefully remove the hot baking sheet from the oven and spread the fries out in a single layer without overcrowding. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
- Step 6: Remove the fries from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving for the best texture.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, try using smoked paprika or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for some heat.
- Soaking the fries is key to crispiness—don’t skip this step!
- Use parchment paper on your baking sheet for easier cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- You can also experiment with different seasonings like rosemary or chili powder.
Storage
Store any leftover fries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a hot oven or air fryer to help restore their crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soggy.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I leave the sweet potato skin on?
Yes, leaving the skin on adds extra fiber and nutrients. Just make sure to wash the sweet potatoes well before cutting.
Why do I need to soak the fries in water?
Soaking removes excess starch from the sweet potatoes, which prevents the fries from becoming soggy and helps them crisp up better in the oven.
PrintCrispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries Recipe
Enjoy perfectly crispy oven-baked sweet potato fries made with simple ingredients and a few tricks to ensure maximum crispiness without frying. These flavorful fries are seasoned with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, then baked to golden perfection for a healthier alternative to traditional fried fries.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes
- 2 medium sweet potatoes (peeled optional and cut into fries)
Seasonings and Coating
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 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 if you prefer (optional) and cut them into 1/4 inch thick fries. Try to make them uniform for even cooking.
- Soak the Fries: Place the cut sweet potato fries in a bowl of cold water for 30 minutes. This step removes excess starch, which helps achieve crispy fries.
- Season the Fries: After soaking, drain and pat the fries completely dry with a paper towel. In a large bowl, toss the fries with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add the cornstarch now and toss again to coat evenly.
- Bake the Fries: Carefully remove the hot baking sheet from the oven. Spread the fries in a single layer without overcrowding to ensure crispiness. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping the fries halfway through, until golden and crispy.
- Check for Crispiness: Once golden brown and crispy, remove the fries from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving to enhance texture.
Notes
- Soaking the fries in cold water is important to remove starch for crispiness.
- Using cornstarch helps create a crunchy exterior.
- Make sure fries are spaced out on the baking sheet to avoid sogginess.
- Flipping the fries halfway through baking ensures even browning.
- You can peel the sweet potatoes or leave the skin on based on preference.
Keywords: crispy sweet potato fries, oven baked sweet potato fries, healthy sweet potato fries, baked fries, sweet potato side dish
