Get ready to make the most addictive, perfectly crispy baked sweet potato fries you’ve ever had, right in your own oven! Forget soggy, limp fries—this recipe uses a secret ingredient to guarantee a delightfully crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior every single time. They’re a healthy, flavorful, and irresistible side dish or snack that you’ll make again and again.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 45 mins (includes baking time)
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 2 large Sweet Potatoes, (about 2 lbs)
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 2 tbsp Cornstarch
- 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
- 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1/2 tsp Salt, plus more for serving
- 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Cut the Sweet Potatoes:Â Cut the sweet potatoes into uniform 1/4-inch thick fries. Try to make them all a similar size so they bake evenly. You can leave the skin on for extra nutrients and texture, or peel them if you prefer.
- Soak the Fries: Place the cut fries in a large bowl of cold water and let them soak for at least 30 minutes. This step helps remove excess starch, which contributes to a crispier result. After soaking, drain them and pat them completely dry with paper towels.
- Season the Fries:Â In a large, dry bowl, toss the dry sweet potato fries with the olive oil until they are lightly coated. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle this seasoning mixture over the fries and toss well until every fry is evenly coated.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet:Â Spread the seasoned fries in a single, even layer on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan, as this will cause the fries to steam instead of crisp up. Use two baking sheets if necessary.
- Bake to Crispy Perfection:Â Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the pan from the oven and use a spatula to flip the fries. Return to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the fries are golden brown and crispy on the edges.
- Serve Immediately:Â Transfer the hot fries to a serving platter, sprinkle with a little extra salt if desired, and serve immediately.
Recipe Notes:
- Cornstarch is Key:Â Don’t skip the cornstarch! It absorbs moisture and creates a light, crispy coating that is the key to achieving that perfect crunch in the oven.
- Don’t Crowd the Pan:Â This is one of the most important rules for crispy roasted vegetables and fries. Give your fries plenty of space on the baking sheet so the hot air can circulate around them. If they’re too close together, they’ll steam and become soft.
- Cut Uniformly:Â Taking a moment to cut your fries into a consistent size ensures that they all cook at the same rate. This prevents some fries from burning while others are still undercooked.
- Spice It Up:Â Feel free to customize the seasonings. A pinch of cayenne pepper for heat, some dried rosemary for an herby flavor, or a sprinkle of cumin can all be delicious additions.
- Best Served Hot:Â Baked sweet potato fries are at their crispiest and most delicious right out of the oven. They will soften as they cool, so enjoy them fresh!
There you have it—a simple, healthy, and foolproof method for making incredibly crispy and flavorful sweet potato fries at home. This recipe is the perfect way to satisfy your craving for a delicious side dish or snack without any of the guilt. We hope you love them! Happy baking!
Estimated Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 220; Fat: 7g; Carbohydrates: 37g (Fiber: 6g, Sugars: 8g); Protein: 3g
Disclaimer: Nutritional information is estimated and can vary depending on specific ingredients, brands, and serving sizes used. This information is provided for guidance only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical or nutritional advice.
