Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries Recipe
Enjoy crispy, flavorful oven-baked sweet potato fries that are easy to make and healthier than traditional fried versions. These fries are perfectly seasoned with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, with an optional cornstarch coating to boost crispiness. Soaking the fries before baking helps remove excess starch for an ultra-crispy finish.
- 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: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Sweet Potato Fries
- 2 medium sweet potatoes (peeled optionally and cut into 1/4 inch fries)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika optional for extra flavor)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for extra crispiness)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and place a baking sheet inside to heat up while you prepare the fries. This ensures the fries begin cooking immediately once placed on the hot surface, contributing to greater crispiness.
- Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Peel the sweet potatoes if desired, and cut them into uniform 1/4 inch thick fries. Uniform sizing helps the fries cook evenly without burning or undercooking.
- Soak the Fries: Place the cut fries in cold water for 30 minutes. This soaking step removes excess starch from the potatoes, which is critical for achieving a crispy texture after baking.
- Season the Fries: Drain and thoroughly pat the fries dry with paper towels to remove as much moisture as possible. Toss them in a large bowl with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and, if using, cornstarch to evenly coat each fry with the seasoning and crispness-enhancing starch.
- Bake the Fries: Quickly 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, until they are golden, crispy, and cooked through.
- Check for Crispiness: Once baked, remove the fries from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes; this rest allows them to firm up further for perfect crispiness before serving.
Notes
- Peeling the sweet potatoes is optional; leaving the skin on adds texture and nutrients.
- Soaking the fries in water is essential for removing starch and preventing sogginess.
- Using cornstarch is optional but highly recommended for an extra crispy crust.
- Flip the fries halfway through baking to ensure even browning on all sides.
- If you want smokier flavor, use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika.
- Ensure the baking sheet is hot before placing fries on it to start the cooking process immediately.
Keywords: sweet potato fries, oven baked fries, crispy sweet potato, healthy fries, side dish, vegetarian
