Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries Recipe
These Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries are a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional fried fries. With a perfect blend of garlic, smoked paprika, and a hint of salt and pepper, these fries come out golden and crispy thanks to soaking the potatoes and baking at high heat. Optional cornstarch ensures extra crispiness for a crackling texture without deep frying.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 70 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled (optional) and cut into 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
Optional Ingredient
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch for extra crispiness
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a baking sheet inside the oven while it heats to get it nice and hot, which helps in starting the fries crisping process immediately.
- Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Peel the sweet potatoes if desired, then cut them into uniform 1/4 inch thick fries to ensure even cooking throughout.
- Soak the Fries: Place the cut fries in a bowl of cold water for 30 minutes. This step removes excess starch, which is essential to achieving crispier fries when baked.
- Season the Fries: Drain the fries and thoroughly pat them dry with paper towels to remove moisture. Toss the fries in a large bowl with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. If using cornstarch, sprinkle it over the fries now and toss again to coat evenly.
- Bake the Fries: Carefully take out the hot baking sheet from the oven. Spread the fries out in a single layer without overcrowding to allow proper air circulation. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping the fries halfway through baking to promote even crisping and browning.
- Check for Crispiness: Once the fries are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the oven. Let them cool slightly for a few minutes to let them firm up before serving.
Notes
- Soaking sweet potato fries in cold water is key to crispy results as it removes excess starch.
- Using a hot baking sheet helps fries start crisping immediately when placed in the oven.
- Do not overcrowd the fries on the baking sheet to ensure even cooking and crisping.
- Flipping the fries halfway through baking promotes uniform color and crunch.
- The optional cornstarch coating adds an extra crispy crust if desired.
- Skin can be left on for extra texture and nutrition, just wash thoroughly.
Keywords: crispy sweet potato fries, oven baked sweet potato fries, healthy fries, baked fries recipe, gluten free fries, easy side dish
