Introduction

Sweet potato fries are a delicious and healthier alternative to regular fries, offering a naturally sweet flavor with a crispy finish. This oven-baked version ensures they come out perfectly crunchy without the need for deep frying.

A pile of golden-orange sweet potato fries with dark crispy edges and a light sprinkle of green herbs and coarse salt are stacked on white parchment paper. Behind the fries is a white bowl filled with creamy, light orange dipping sauce that has small green herb pieces on top. The scene is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

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
1 tablespoon cornstarch (for extra crispiness)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a baking sheet inside the oven while it heats to get it nice and hot.
Step 2: Peel the sweet potatoes if desired and cut them into 1/4 inch thick fries, aiming for uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
Step 3: Place the cut fries in a bowl of cold water and soak for 30 minutes to remove excess starch, which helps achieve crispiness.
Step 4: Drain and pat the fries completely dry with a paper towel. In a large bowl, toss them with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cornstarch if using, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
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, turning halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
Step 6: Remove from the oven and let the fries cool for a few minutes to firm up before serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder when seasoning.
Using cornstarch is key to crispiness but can be omitted for a lighter coating if preferred.
Serve with your favorite dipping sauce like garlic aioli or spicy ketchup for added enjoyment.
Cut fries thinner if you want them crispier or thicker for a softer interior.

Storage

Store leftover sweet potato fries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat and maintain some crispiness, spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 5-10 minutes. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

A close-up of a white bowl filled with crispy sweet potato fries that have a bright orange color with slightly charred edges, showing their crunchiness. The fries are sprinkled with coarse salt, small green herb pieces, and tiny bits of seasoning, giving texture and color contrast. Behind the fries, there is a small white dipping bowl filled with a creamy light brown sauce topped with green herbs. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I leave the sweet potatoes unpeeled?

Yes, leaving the skin on is optional. It adds extra texture and nutrients, but peeling results in a smoother fry.

How do I make sure my fries turn out crispy?

Soaking the cut fries in cold water to remove excess starch, drying them thoroughly, using cornstarch, and baking on a hot preheated sheet in a single layer all help achieve crispiness.