Name: Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries Recipe
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
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); 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for extra crispiness)

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If you have a craving for something golden, crunchy, and utterly delicious, you’re going to fall head over heels for these Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries. They boast the perfect balance of natural sweetness and savory spices, with a satisfyingly crispy exterior that makes them far better than your average baked fry. Best of all, they come together with simple kitchen staples and a few clever tricks, giving you that irresistible crunch without the oil-drenched guilt of traditional frying. Once you try these Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries, you’ll wonder why you ever settled for less.

Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things straightforward but impactful—the ingredients each play a vital role in getting that perfect crisp and flavor combo. From the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes to the punch of paprika and garlic powder, every component adds an essential layer to these fries.

Sweet potatoes: Use two medium-sized tubers, peeled if you prefer a smoother finish, and cut into uniform fries to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
Olive oil: Just two tablespoons coat the fries lightly, aiding in browning without over-saturating them.
Garlic powder: Adds a warm, savory depth to balance the sweetness.
Paprika: Whether regular or smoked, paprika introduces a subtle smoky warmth that makes the flavor pop.
Salt: Essential for seasoning, it heightens the natural flavors and enhances crispiness when properly used.
Black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and complexity to the seasoning mix.
Cornstarch: A key secret weapon for extra crunch, it helps form that satisfying crispy coating during baking.

How to Make Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Heat the Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to a toasty 425°F (220°C). While it heats, pop a baking sheet inside to get nice and hot. This technique helps jump-start the crisping process by giving the fries direct heat as soon as they hit the pan, which is crucial for that coveted crunch.

Step 2: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

Peel your sweet potatoes if you like a cleaner texture, though they’re delicious with the skin on, too—it’s packed with nutrients and adds a rustic touch. Cut the potatoes into roughly 1/4 inch thick fries. Try to keep them as evenly sized as possible for even cooking, which is important for getting consistent crispiness throughout.

Step 3: Soak the Fries

This soaking step in cold water for 30 minutes might seem simple but it’s a game changer. It helps remove excess starch from the sweet potatoes, preventing them from becoming soggy during baking. After soaking, make sure to pat them very dry—moisture is the enemy when it comes to crispy fries.

Step 4: Season the Fries

In a large bowl, toss the dried fries with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. If you want that extra crunch, sprinkle in the cornstarch and toss again until the fries are evenly coated. This seasoning blend not only spices things up but works with the cornstarch to form a crispy coating as the fries bake.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Carefully remove your preheated baking sheet from the oven and spread the fries out in a single layer, making sure they’re not overcrowded. Crowding the pan traps steam and leads to soggy fries. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping them halfway through to encourage even browning. You’ll know they’re done when they’re golden and crispy on the edges.

Step 6: Cool Before Serving

Once baked to crispy perfection, give your fries a few minutes to cool slightly. This lets the exterior firm up just a bit more and avoids the temptation to eat them too hot and lose that delightful crunch on the first bite.

How to Serve Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries

Garnishes

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or cilantro on top for a burst of color and fresh flavor. A light dusting of grated parmesan or a drizzle of garlic aioli can also elevate these fries to a party-level appetizer delight.

Side Dishes

These Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries pair beautifully with just about anything. Think juicy burgers, grilled chicken, or a hearty veggie bowl. Their slightly sweet and smoky profile also contrasts nicely with tangy coleslaw or creamy dips.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your fries in a rustic basket lined with parchment paper for a casual snack vibe. Or, layer them in a colorful bowl with layers of melted cheese and jalapeños for a loaded fries twist that will steal the spotlight at your next gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover fries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To prevent sogginess, separate layers with parchment paper and try to keep them as dry as possible.

Freezing

You can freeze baked sweet potato fries but they tend to lose some crispiness after thawing. For best results, freeze them in a single layer on a sheet pan before transferring to a container, then reheat directly from frozen.

Reheating

Reheat in a hot oven at 400°F (205°C) or in an air fryer for several minutes to revive their crisp texture. Avoid microwaving as it can make them limp and soggy.

FAQs

Can I leave the skin on the sweet potatoes?

Absolutely! Leaving the skin on adds extra fiber and nutrients, plus a delicious rustic texture. Just be sure to scrub them clean before cutting.

Why do I need to soak the fries in water?

Soaking removes excess starch from the potatoes, which otherwise can cause sogginess. This simple step is key to achieving those crispy edges that make the fries irresistible.

Is cornstarch necessary?

While optional, cornstarch makes a big difference in creating a crispy coating on the fries. If you’re aiming for maximum crunch, it’s worth including.

Can I use a different oil instead of olive oil?

Sure! While olive oil lends a great flavor, you can use avocado oil or even a light vegetable oil for neutral taste and high smoke points.

How do I make the fries crispier?

Aside from soaking and cornstarch, giving space between fries on the hot baking sheet and flipping them halfway through baking ensures they crisp up evenly.

Final Thoughts

These Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries have quickly become one of my go-to comfort foods—easy to make, healthy, and bursting with flavor and crunch. Once you try them, I’m confident they’ll earn a permanent spot in your snack or side dish repertoire. So, grab your sweet potatoes and get baking—you’ll be rewarded with fries that are just as crispy and delicious as any takeout, with none of the guilt!

Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 21 reviews

Author: Simon
Total Time: 70 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

These Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries are the perfect healthier alternative to traditional fried fries. Seasoned with garlic powder, paprika, and a hint of black pepper, these fries are baked until golden and crispy without the need for deep frying. A simple soak in cold water and a coating of cornstarch help achieve the perfect crunch, making them an irresistible side dish or snack.

Ingredients

Scale

Sweet Potatoes

2 medium sweet potatoes (peeled optional and cut into fries)

Seasonings & 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 ensure it is hot and ready for baking the fries.
Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Peel the sweet potatoes if desired, then cut them into 1/4 inch thick fries. Try to keep the fries uniform in size to ensure even cooking.
Soak the Fries: Place the cut fries in a bowl of cold water and let them soak for 30 minutes. This step removes excess starch, which helps the fries become crispier when baked.
Season the Fries: Drain and thoroughly pat the fries dry with paper towels to remove all moisture. In a large bowl, toss the fries with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add cornstarch and toss again so each fry is coated evenly.
Bake the Fries: 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 the fries halfway through to promote even crisping and browning.
Check for Crispiness: When the fries are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the oven. Allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving to let the texture set.

Notes

Soaking the fries in cold water is essential to remove excess starch and achieve crispiness.
Using cornstarch adds an extra crunchy texture to the fries.
Make sure the fries are in a single layer on the baking sheet to avoid steaming.
Flipping the fries halfway through baking ensures even cooking and browning.
Smoked paprika can be used for a smoky flavor variation.
For best results, serve the fries immediately after baking.

Prep Time: 40 minutes (includes 30 minutes soaking)
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American