Description

These golden, perfectly baked fries are a crowd-pleasing favorite, combining the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with a satisfyingly crispy texture. Whether you’re serving them as a snack, side dish, or even a guilt-free treat, they’re sure to become a go-to in your recipe rotation.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Sweet Potato Fries:

4 large sweet potatoes (approximately 2–2.5 pounds)
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika (or smoked paprika for a deeper flavor)
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for a spicy kick)
½ teaspoon dried thyme (for an herby note)

Additional Ingredients (for Serving):

Fresh herbs (such as parsley or cilantro, for garnish)
Your favorite dipping sauces (like ketchup, aioli, or spicy mayo)
Lime wedges (for a zesty finish)

Suggested Variations:

Sweet and Spicy: Add 2 tablespoons of brown sugar alongside the cayenne pepper for a sweet heat twist.
Cheesy Fries: Sprinkle ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese over the fries during the last 5 minutes of baking for a cheesy experience.
Herbal Infusion: Mix in 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning for an aromatic herbal touch that elevates the flavor profile.

Alternative Ingredients:

Oil Options: Swap olive oil with avocado oil or coconut oil for different flavor notes and higher heating points.
Sweet Potato Substitutes: Use regular potatoes or Yukon Golds if sweet potatoes are not available.
Gluten-Free Bread Crumbs: For extra crunch, coat the fries with gluten-free bread crumbs before baking.

For a Trendy Twist:

Asian-Inspired: Toss the fries with sesame oil and serve with a spicy miso dip for an Asian flair.
Curried Fries: Add curry powder to your seasoning blend for a delightful Indian-inspired touch.

Instructions

Gather the Ingredients

Start by collecting the necessary ingredients. You will need:

2 large sweet potatoes
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This temperature ensures that the fries will bake evenly and become crispy.

Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

Wash and peel the sweet potatoes. Use a vegetable peeler for smooth skin removal.

Cut into Fries

Slice each sweet potato into thin strips. Aim for a thickness of about 1/4 inch, as thinner pieces will crisp up more effectively.

Soak in Water

Soak the cut fries in cold water for at least 30 minutes. This step helps remove excess starch, promoting a crispier texture.

Drain and Dry

After soaking, drain the fries and pat them dry thoroughly using a clean kitchen towel. Removing moisture is key to achieving that crispy finish.

Toss with Oil and Spices

Transfer the fries into a large mixing bowl. Add olive oil, salt, paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper. Toss well until all pieces are evenly coated.

Arrange on Baking Sheet

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the fries in a single layer, ensuring they do not touch or overlap. This helps them bake evenly.

Bake in the Oven

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes, then remove and flip the fries over.

Final Bake for Crispiness

Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.

Cool and Serve

Once golden and crispy, remove the fries from the oven. Allow them to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your delicious oven-baked fries!

Notes

Correct Temperature for Baking
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). A hot oven promotes crispiness. Place your sweet potato fries on a baking sheet in a single layer, leaving space between them. Overcrowding leads to steaming instead of roasting, so use two sheets if needed.

Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 35 mins
Category: Side dish, snack
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American