Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries

If you’ve ever craved crispy fries without the guilt of deep frying, you’re in the right place!

Oven-baked sweet potato fries are the perfect balance of crunch and nutrition, making them a fantastic snack or side dish.

These fries are packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, all while being easy to make.

We’ll show you how to get perfectly crispy sweet potato fries straight from your oven – no frying required!

Key Tips for Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries

You might be wondering how to get that perfect crispy texture without a deep fryer. Here are some key tips to ensure your fries turn out crispy every time:

• Cut the Fries Evenly: The most important step is cutting your fries into evenly sized pieces. This ensures they cook at the same rate, giving you a uniform crunch.
• Soak the Sweet Potatoes: Soaking sweet potato fries in cold water for 30 minutes before baking helps to remove excess starch. This step is crucial for achieving that crisp exterior.
• Use a Hot Baking Sheet: Preheat your baking sheet in the oven to ensure the fries immediately start cooking as soon as they hit the pan. This trick helps get them crispy from the start.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Space out the fries on the baking sheet to allow air to circulate around them. Overcrowding will cause them to steam and become soggy rather than crisp.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make crispy oven baked sweet potato fries, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen:

• 2 medium sweet potatoes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika is great for added flavor!)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for extra crispiness)

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Crispy Sweet Potato Fries

Follow these easy steps to create the crispiest oven-baked fries:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a baking sheet inside to heat up as the oven preheats.
2. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Peel the sweet potatoes (optional) and cut them into thin strips, about 1/4 inch thick. Try to make the pieces as uniform as possible to ensure even cooking.
3. Soak the Fries: Soak the sweet potato strips in cold water for at least 30 minutes to remove excess starch. This step is crucial for crispy fries.
4. Season the Fries: Drain and pat the fries dry with a paper towel. Toss them in a bowl with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. If you’re using cornstarch, sprinkle it in now and toss everything together.
5. Bake the Fries: Once the oven has preheated, carefully remove the hot baking sheet and spread the fries in a single layer. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even cooking.
6. 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

One of the best things about sweet potato fries is how they pair with different dipping sauces. Try these homemade options for an added burst of flavor:

• Garlic Aioli: Mix together mayo, garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt for a creamy, garlicky dip.
• Chipotle Mayo: Combine mayo with chipotle sauce, lime juice, and a bit of honey for a spicy-sweet dip.
• Honey Mustard: Mix equal parts honey and mustard for a tangy and sweet sauce that complements the fries perfectly.

Feel free to get creative and try other dips like ranch or barbecue sauce for a new twist on this classic dish!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While making crispy sweet potato fries is pretty straightforward, there are a few common mistakes you’ll want to avoid:

• Overcrowding the Baking Sheet: This is a big no-no! When you overcrowd the pan, the fries can steam instead of bake, leading to soggy fries.
• Not Drying the Fries: After soaking, make sure to thoroughly dry the fries. Wet fries will never crisp up properly in the oven.
• Skipping the Flip: Flip the fries halfway through baking to ensure they cook evenly on all sides. This step is key to achieving that perfect crispiness.
• Skipping the Cornstarch: If you want your fries to be extra crispy, cornstarch is your secret weapon. It helps create a crunchy exterior without the need for frying.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

If you have leftover fries (which is rare!), here’s how to store and reheat them while keeping their crispiness intact:

• Storing: Allow the fries to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. Store them 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 or until crispy again. Avoid using the microwave, as it will make them soggy.

Recipe FAQ’s

How do I make my fries even crispier?

For extra crispiness, try sprinkling the fries with cornstarch before baking. This helps create a crispy coating on the fries.

Can I skip soaking the sweet potatoes?

While soaking is not mandatory, it helps remove excess starch, leading to crispier fries. If you’re in a rush, you can skip this step, but your fries may be less crispy.

Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?

Yes! You can use regular potatoes if you prefer. The same method applies for both sweet potatoes and white potatoes.