If you’ve been craving crispy fries without the guilt of deep frying, this recipe for oven-baked sweet potato fries is just what you need! These fries offer the perfect balance of crunch and nutrition, making them an excellent snack or side dish. Plus, they’re packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, all while being easy to make at home.
How to Make the Crispiest Oven-Baked Sweet Potato Fries
Achieving crispy fries without the fryer is simple with a few key tips. Here’s how to get that satisfying crunch:
- Cut the Fries Evenly: The key to perfectly crispy fries is uniformity. Cut your fries into evenly sized pieces to ensure they cook at the same rate.
- Soak the Sweet Potatoes: Soaking the fries in cold water for at least 30 minutes before baking helps remove excess starch, which is essential for crispy fries.
- Use a Hot Baking Sheet: Preheating your baking sheet in the oven helps the fries start cooking immediately, ensuring a crisp exterior.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Spread your fries out in a single layer with enough space between them. Crowding the fries will lead to steaming rather than crisping.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 medium sweet potatoes (peeled if desired)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika adds extra flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 tablespoon cornstarch for extra crispiness
Step-by-Step Guide to Crispy Sweet Potato Fries
Follow these easy steps to create crispy sweet potato fries right from your oven:
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) and place a baking sheet inside to heat up.
- Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Peel (if preferred) and cut the sweet potatoes into 1/4-inch thick fries. Keep the pieces as uniform as possible for even cooking.
- Soak the Fries: Place the cut fries into cold water for 30 minutes. This step removes excess starch, which helps the fries crisp up better in the oven.
- Season the Fries: Drain and pat the fries dry with paper towels. Toss them in a bowl with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. If you want extra crispiness, add 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and toss everything together.
- Bake the Fries: Carefully remove the hot baking sheet from the oven and spread the fries in a single layer. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even crisping.
- Check for Crispiness: Once the fries are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
Dipping Sauces to Pair with Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet potato fries are delicious on their own, but they’re even better when paired with a tasty dip. Try these homemade sauces:
- Garlic Aioli: Combine mayo, garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt for a creamy, garlicky dip.
- Chipotle Mayo: Mix mayo with chipotle sauce, lime juice, and honey for a spicy-sweet twist.
- Honey Mustard: Combine equal parts honey and mustard for a tangy-sweet dip that’s perfect with fries.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
While baking sweet potato fries is simple, a few missteps can affect the crispiness. Avoid these common mistakes:
- Overcrowding the Pan: Make sure there’s enough space between the fries. Overcrowding traps steam and results in soggy fries.
- Not Drying the Fries: After soaking, dry the fries thoroughly to avoid excess moisture, which prevents them from crisping up.
- Skipping the Flip: Flip your fries halfway through baking to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- Skipping the Cornstarch: For extra crispy fries, use cornstarch—it creates a light coating that helps absorb moisture and gives a golden, crispy exterior.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, here’s how to store and reheat them without losing their crispiness:
- Storing: Let the fries cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To restore their crispiness, reheat the fries in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes. Avoid the microwave, which will make them soggy.
Recipe FAQ’s
- How do I make my fries even crispier?
Add cornstarch to your fries before baking. It creates a crispy coating that helps absorb moisture and results in a crunchier texture. - Can I skip soaking the sweet potatoes?
While soaking is optional, it helps remove excess starch, making your fries crispier. If you’re in a hurry, you can skip this step but they might not be as crisp. - Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?
Yes! Regular potatoes work just as well with this method. The same technique applies to both sweet and white potatoes.
Crispy Oven-Baked Sweet Potato Fries Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled (optional) and cut into fries
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika for extra flavor)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1 tablespoon cornstarch for extra crispiness
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and place a baking sheet inside to heat.
- Peel and cut the sweet potatoes into 1/4-inch thick fries. Try to keep them uniform.
- Soak the fries in cold water for 30 minutes to remove excess starch.
- Drain and pat the fries dry. Toss them in a bowl with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add cornstarch if using.
- Carefully remove the hot baking sheet from the oven. Spread the fries in a single layer and bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Once golden and crispy, remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
For extra crispiness, sprinkle your fries with cornstarch before baking. This creates a light coating that absorbs moisture and makes the fries extra crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside.
Enjoy these crispy oven-baked sweet potato fries as a snack, side dish, or pair them with your favorite dipping sauce for the ultimate treat!