Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries
These Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries are a healthier, utterly delicious alternative to their deep-fried counterparts. By following a few simple steps, including a crucial soaking stage, you'll achieve perfectly golden, delightfully crisp exteriors with tender, sweet interiors every single time. They're seasoned to perfection, making them an irresistible side dish or snack for any occasion.
Prep Time
45 minutes (includes soaking time)
Cook Time
25-30 minutes
Total Time
1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings
4 generous servings
Keywords
Why This Recipe Delivers
- Achieves remarkable crispiness without deep frying, making it a healthier option.
- Simple, accessible ingredients transform into a flavorful side or snack.
- Customizable seasoning allows for endless flavor variations.
- A fantastic way to enjoy the nutritional benefits of sweet potatoes.
- Perfectly balances sweet and savory notes for a delightful taste.
Ingredients
- 2 medium sweet potatoes (approximately 500-600 grams), peeled (optional) and cut into fries
- 30 milliliters (2 tablespoons) olive oil
- 5 grams (1 teaspoon) garlic powder
- 5 grams (1 teaspoon) paprika (smoked paprika is optional for extra flavor)
- 5 grams (1 teaspoon) fine sea salt
- 2 grams (½ teaspoon) freshly ground black pepper
- Optional: 15 grams (1 tablespoon) cornstarch for enhanced crispiness
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F). For optimal crispiness, place a large baking sheet or a heavy-duty sheet pan inside the oven while it heats. This preheating ensures the fries hit a hot surface immediately, promoting browning and a crispy texture.
- Prepare the sweet potatoes by peeling them if desired. Using a sharp knife or a mandoline, carefully cut the sweet potatoes into uniform 0.6 centimeter (1/4 inch) thick fries. Uniformity is paramount for even cooking and consistent crispiness across all fries.
- Immerse the cut sweet potato fries in a large bowl filled with cold water. Allow them to soak for at least 30 minutes, or even up to an hour. This critical step draws out excess starch, which is a major contributor to soggy fries. Changing the water once or twice during soaking can further enhance this effect.
- After soaking, thoroughly drain the sweet potato fries. Spread them out on a clean kitchen towel or several layers of paper towels and pat them absolutely dry. Any residual moisture will steam the fries instead of making them crisp. In a large mixing bowl, toss the completely dry fries with the 30 milliliters (2 tablespoons) of olive oil, ensuring each piece is lightly coated. Then, sprinkle in the 5 grams (1 teaspoon) garlic powder, 5 grams (1 teaspoon) paprika, 5 grams (1 teaspoon) salt, and 2 grams (½ teaspoon) black pepper. If using, now is the time to add the 15 grams (1 tablespoon) of cornstarch; toss everything together until the fries are evenly seasoned and coated.
- Carefully remove the preheated hot baking sheet from the oven. Spread the seasoned sweet potato fries in a single layer across the hot sheet, making sure there is ample space between each fry. Overcrowding the pan will cause the fries to steam rather than roast, preventing them from crisping up. You may need to use two baking sheets if preparing a larger batch. Bake for 25-30 minutes, carefully flipping the fries halfway through the cooking time to ensure all sides get golden brown and crispy. The fries should be tender on the inside and perfectly crunchy on the outside.
- Once the fries have achieved a beautiful golden-brown color and desired crispness, remove them from the oven. Resist the urge to eat them immediately; allowing them to cool on the baking sheet for 3-5 minutes helps them firm up and become even crispier before serving. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Tools You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl
- Sharp knife or mandoline
- Cutting board
- Large baking sheet or heavy-duty sheet pan
- Parchment paper (optional, for easier cleanup)
- Kitchen towels or paper towels
- Spatula or tongs for flipping
Essential Success Tips
- Cut your sweet potatoes as uniformly as possible to ensure even cooking and consistent crispiness across every fry.
- Do not skip the soaking step; it's the secret to removing excess starch that can lead to soggy fries.
- Pat the fries absolutely dry before tossing with oil and seasonings. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness when baking.
- Ensure the baking sheet is preheated in the oven and avoid overcrowding the pan. Give each fry space to breathe and crisp up.
- Flip the fries halfway through baking for even browning and crispiness on all sides.
Professional Cooking Secrets
- For an unparalleled crunch, add a tablespoon of cornstarch to your fries along with the olive oil and seasonings. The cornstarch creates an extra layer of crispness that mimics deep-fried textures.
- Consider using an air fryer if you have one; while this recipe focuses on oven baking, an air fryer can achieve similar results with slightly less oil and faster cooking times for smaller batches.
- Experiment with different spice blends beyond garlic and paprika. Cumin, chili powder, rosemary, or a touch of cayenne can elevate the flavor profile significantly.
Notes
- Leftover sweet potato fries can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a hot oven or air fryer for best results, as microwave reheating will make them soggy.
- Serve these fries with a variety of dipping sauces such as sriracha mayo, honey mustard, a creamy garlic aioli, or even a simple squeeze of lime juice for a zesty twist.
- For a slightly different texture, leave the peels on the sweet potatoes. Just ensure they are thoroughly scrubbed clean before cutting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need to soak the sweet potatoes in cold water?
Soaking sweet potatoes in cold water helps to draw out excess starch. This starch is what can make fries soggy during baking, so removing it is a crucial step for achieving a truly crispy exterior.
Can I make these fries ahead of time?
While the fries are best enjoyed immediately after baking for maximum crispiness, you can prep the sweet potatoes by cutting and soaking them a few hours in advance. Store the soaked and dried fries in the refrigerator until ready to season and bake. Reheating leftovers is best done in a hot oven or air fryer.
What if my fries aren't getting crispy enough?
There are a few common culprits: ensure the fries are uniformly cut, thoroughly dried after soaking, not overcrowded on the baking sheet, and that your oven is fully preheated and hot. Adding a tablespoon of cornstarch can also significantly boost crispiness. You might also try increasing the oven temperature slightly for the last 5-10 minutes if needed.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Estimated per serving (1/4 of recipe): Calories: 180, Fat: 9g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 0mg, Sodium: 350mg, Carbohydrates: 23g, Fiber: 4g, Sugars: 7g, Protein: 2g.
Allergy Information
This dish is naturally gluten-free and vegan. It does not contain common allergens such as dairy, nuts, or soy. Always check your individual spice brands for allergen warnings if you have severe sensitivities.
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