Hi, I am Dulcia. I love turning simple vegetables into snacks that feel like a treat. These Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries are one of my favorite sides – they are crunchy on the outside, tender inside, and easy to make at home.
Origins
Sweet potato fries are a modern twist on classic fries, popularized in casual dining and home kitchens. Sweet potatoes themselves have a long history, cultivated worldwide, and you can read more about them on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sweet_potato. The USDA provides nutrition information for sweet potatoes and other produce at https://www.usda.gov/.
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
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for extra crispiness)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a baking sheet inside the oven while it heats to get it nice and hot.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 are using cornstarch for extra crispiness, sprinkle it in now and toss everything together.
- Carefully remove the hot baking sheet from the oven. Spread the fries in a single layer on the sheet, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping the fries halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Once the fries are crisp and golden, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
Crispy Oven Fries (Sweet Potatoes)
- Total Time: 65-70 mins
- Yield: 2–3 servings 1x
Description
Crispy baked sweet potato fries seasoned with garlic, paprika, and optionally cornstarch for extra crunch.
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
- ? teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for extra crispiness)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425?F (220?C) and place a baking sheet inside the oven while it heats.
- Peel the sweet potatoes if desired and cut them into 1/4 inch thick fries, keeping them as uniform as possible.
- Place the cut fries in a bowl of cold water and soak for 30 minutes to remove excess starch.
- After soaking, drain and thoroughly pat the fries dry with paper towels to remove moisture.
- In a large bowl, toss the fries with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper; if using, sprinkle in the cornstarch and toss to coat evenly.
- Carefully remove the hot baking sheet from the oven and spread the fries in a single layer without overcrowding.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping the fries halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 40 mins
- Cook Time: 25-30 mins
Tips
- Soaking is essential. The 30 minute soak removes excess starch and helps achieve crispiness.
- Dry thoroughly. Any surface moisture will steam the fries and make them soft instead of crisp.
- Use a hot baking sheet. Putting fries onto a preheated sheet helps the exterior set faster.
- Avoid overcrowding. Give each fry a bit of space so air can circulate and crisp all sides.
- For an extra crunch, toss in 1 tablespoon cornstarch before baking.
Variations
- Smoked paprika and a pinch of cayenne add a smoky, spicy kick.
- Try coconut oil for a slightly sweet, tropical flavor.
- Cut thicker for oven-fried wedges, or thinner for crispier shoestring fries.
FAQ
Q: Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?
A: Yes, you can. Regular russet potatoes will crisp very well, but soaking and cornstarch tips still help.
Q: Do I have to peel the sweet potatoes?
A: No, peeling is optional. The skin crisps up nicely and adds fiber, but peel if you prefer a smoother texture.
Q: How do I reheat leftovers?
A: Reheat in a 400°F oven for 5-8 minutes on a baking sheet to restore crispiness. Avoid the microwave if you want them crunchy.
Q: Is cornstarch necessary?
A: It is optional, but cornstarch helps create a dry coating that crisps beautifully in the oven.
Conclusion
I hope you enjoy these Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries as much as I do. They make a great snack or side with burgers, salads, or even a cozy dip. For more recipes and baking tips, visit my site: https://www.dulciarecipes.com/ and check this fun bread inspired recipe: https://www.dulciarecipes.com/cheesecake-factory-bread/. Happy cooking!