Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries Recipe
Introduction
Crispy oven-baked sweet potato fries are a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional fried fries. They offer a perfect balance of tenderness inside and a crunchy outside, flavored with smoky paprika and garlic. These fries make a great side dish or snack that everyone will love.
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. Try to keep the pieces uniform for 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 the fries and pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels. In a large bowl, toss them with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cornstarch if using. Make sure all fries are evenly coated.
- Step 5: Carefully remove the hot baking sheet from the oven. Spread the fries in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden and crispy.
- Step 6: Remove the fries from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving to allow them to crisp up further.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the seasoning mix.
- Soaking the fries longer or even overnight can enhance crispiness by removing more starch.
- Use cornstarch sparingly to avoid a powdery coating; it’s key for crispness but a little goes a long way.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce such as garlic aioli, ketchup, or spicy mayo.
Storage
Store leftover fries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat and restore crispiness, spread them on a baking sheet and warm in a 400°F (200°C) oven for 5-10 minutes rather than microwaving.
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 potatoes well before cutting.
Why do I need to soak the fries in water?
Soaking removes excess starch from the sweet potatoes, which helps prevent them from becoming soggy and results in crispier fries.
PrintCrispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries Recipe
These Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries are a healthy and flavorful snack or side dish made by soaking sweet potato fries to remove excess starch and then seasoning them with garlic powder, paprika, and a touch of cornstarch for extra crispiness before baking to golden perfection.
- 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 Potato Fries
- 2 medium sweet potatoes (peeled optional, cut into 1/4 inch thick fries)
Seasoning & 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) and place a baking sheet inside to heat up, ensuring it’s hot when you bake the fries.
- Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Peel the sweet potatoes if desired, then cut them into uniform 1/4 inch thick fries to promote even cooking.
- Soak the Fries: Place the cut fries in a bowl of cold water for 30 minutes to remove excess starch, which helps achieve crispiness.
- Season the Fries: Drain and pat the fries dry thoroughly to remove moisture. Toss them in a large bowl with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cornstarch for extra crispiness.
- Bake the Fries: Remove the hot baking sheet from the oven carefully and spread the fries in a single layer without overcrowding. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
- Check for Crispiness: Remove the fries from the oven once crisp and golden, let cool for a few minutes, then serve.
Notes
- Soaking sweet potato fries is essential to remove starch and get crispier results.
- Use cornstarch if you want extra crispy fries; it creates a nice crust during baking.
- Do not overcrowd fries on the baking sheet to ensure even crisping and browning.
- Flipping halfway through baking promotes even cooking and crispiness on all sides.
- Optional peeling depending on texture and preference; the skin adds nutrients and texture.
Keywords: sweet potato fries, baked sweet potato fries, crispy sweet potato fries, healthy fries, oven baked fries, gluten free fries, side dish
