Baked Sweet Potato Fries Recipe

If you have a love for fries but want a healthier and more vibrant twist, this Baked Sweet Potato Fries Recipe is going to be your new go-to favorite. Soft on the inside yet delightfully crisp on the outside, these fries bring together the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with a perfect blend of savory seasoning and olive oil. Baking instead of frying not only makes them lighter but also intensifies their flavor while keeping them wonderfully crispy. Whether you’re craving a comforting snack or a side dish bursting with color and taste, these fries deliver every single time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making the perfect batch of baked sweet potato fries is simpler than you might think, and it all starts with just a handful of straightforward ingredients. Each one plays a starring role in creating that ideal balance of texture, flavor, and color you’re after. From the natural sweetness of the potatoes to the gentle kick of paprika, these essentials come together beautifully in this recipe.

• Sweet potatoes: Fresh, peeled, and cut into 1/2-inch sticks for that perfect balance between crispy edges and tender centers.
• Cornstarch: A subtle secret to achieving an irresistible crispness on the fries.
• Salt: Enhances and balances the natural sweetness, making every bite flavorful.
• Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a gentle warmth and slight spice to the mix.
• Paprika: Choose sweet or smoked for a hint of depth and beautiful color.
• Garlic powder: Brings in a subtle savory note that complements the sweet potato perfectly.
• Olive oil: Helps the fries crisp up in the oven while adding a lovely fruitiness.

How to Make Baked Sweet Potato Fries Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheets

Start by setting your oven racks in the upper and lower thirds and preheating your oven to a solid 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease two large baking sheets with non-stick spray so your fries won’t stick and they’ll get that ideal crisp without burning. Getting this step right is crucial for even cooking and perfect texture.

Step 2: Mix Your Seasoning Blend

In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch, salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. This combination creates a flavorful coating that crisps up beautifully while adding a complex layer of taste to the fries. Trust me, this little mix is where the magic starts!

Step 3: Toss the Sweet Potatoes with Olive Oil

Place your cut sweet potatoes in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle the olive oil over them and toss well to make sure every fry is glistening but not drenched. The olive oil helps all the seasoning stick and plays a vital role in developing that golden outer crust during baking.

Step 4: Coat Sweet Potatoes with Your Seasoning Mix

Pour the cornstarch and spice blend over your oiled sweet potato sticks, then toss everything together so each fry gets evenly coated. This step ensures your fries will bake up crispy and bursting with flavor, rather than soggy or bland.

Step 5: Arrange Fries on Baking Sheets and Bake

Divide the fries evenly between your two baking sheets, spreading them out so they aren’t crowded. Overcrowding leads to steaming rather than roasting, so keep plenty of room for airflow. Pop them into the oven and bake for 15 minutes.

Step 6: Flip and Rotate for Even Crisping

After the first 15 minutes, remove the sheets, turn each fry over gently, and switch the positions of your baking sheets (move the top rack to the bottom and vice versa). This prevents hot spots and promotes even browning. Then bake for an additional 10 minutes or until fries are golden brown in spots.

Step 7: Serve Warm and Enjoy

Once baked to perfection, get your fries out of the oven and serve them immediately while they’re still warm and crispy. If you want, add a sprinkle of minced parsley for some fresh color. These fries are wonderfully versatile and can stand on their own or be paired with your favorite dipping sauces.

How to Serve Baked Sweet Potato Fries Recipe

Garnishes

A little goes a long way when it comes to garnishes. Try sprinkling chopped parsley or cilantro over your baked sweet potato fries for a fresh, herbaceous lift. A light dusting of smoked paprika or even a sprinkle of grated Parmesan adds an extra dimension that your guests will love.

Side Dishes

Sweet potato fries are fantastic alongside almost any meal. Pair them with burgers, grilled chicken, or even fish tacos to add a sweet and savory crispy element. For vegetarian options, they complement hearty grain bowls or fresh, crisp salads beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Take your presentation up a notch by serving the fries in fun ways. Line a basket or cone with parchment paper for a casual vibe, or offer a trio of dipping sauces like chipotle mayo, garlic aioli, and honey mustard for an interactive eating experience. Adding colorful veggies or pickles on the side can also brighten the plate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover baked sweet potato fries can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To maintain maximum crispiness, spread them out as much as possible rather than piling them in. Refrigerating too densely can cause them to lose their crunch quickly.

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze the fries, flash freeze them beforehand by placing them spread out on a baking sheet and freezing until solid. Then transfer the fries to a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen fries can last up to two months. When ready to enjoy, bake them directly from frozen for best results.

Reheating

The best way to reheat baked sweet potato fries is in the oven or an air fryer to revive their crispiness. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep them from turning soggy. A preheated oven at 375 degrees for 10 minutes typically does the trick beautifully.

FAQs

What makes this Baked Sweet Potato Fries Recipe crispy?

The secret crispiness comes from the cornstarch coating combined with tossing the fries in olive oil and baking them on a well-greased, spacious baking sheet. Flipping the fries halfway through baking also ensures even crispness.

Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?

Absolutely! While this recipe is tailored for sweet potatoes, regular Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes will also work well. Just keep in mind they may require a slightly different baking time.

Is it necessary to peel the sweet potatoes?

Peeling is recommended for this recipe to achieve uniform texture and crispiness, but if you prefer to keep the skins on for extra nutrients and flavor, just be sure to wash and scrub thoroughly first.

Can I make this recipe vegan and gluten-free?

Yes, this Baked Sweet Potato Fries Recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free as long as you use a gluten-free cornstarch or substitute like arrowroot powder.

What dipping sauces go best with these fries?

These fries pair wonderfully with a wide range of dips. Some favorites include garlic aioli, spicy ketchup, honey mustard, or even a cool yogurt-based ranch for contrast.

Final Thoughts

It’s hard to overstate how delicious and adaptable this Baked Sweet Potato Fries Recipe is, making it a must-try in your kitchen lineup. Crunchy, flavorful, and easy to prepare, these fries are an absolute crowd-pleaser whether served as a snack or alongside your favorite meal. Give them a whirl—you’ll be amazed at how something so simple can turn into a new favorite.

Baked Sweet Potato Fries Recipe

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Crispy and flavorful baked sweet potato fries seasoned with a blend of paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. These fries are lightly coated with cornstarch and olive oil, then baked to golden perfection, making a healthier alternative to traditional fried fries. Perfect as a delicious snack or side dish served warm with your favorite dipping sauce.

• Author: Paula
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 5 servings
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Sweet Potato Fries

• 2 lbs sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch thick sticks (long sticks can be cut in half)
• 1 Tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tsp paprika (sweet or smoked)
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 2 1/2 Tbsp olive oil

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheets: Set oven racks in the upper and lower third positions and preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Grease two 18 by 13-inch baking sheets with non-stick cooking spray and set them aside.
2. Mix Seasoning: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder until well combined.
3. Prepare Sweet Potatoes: Place the peeled and sliced sweet potato sticks into a large mixing bowl.
4. Coat Sweet Potatoes: Toss the sweet potato sticks with olive oil until evenly coated. Then pour the seasoning and cornstarch mixture over the fries and toss again to coat thoroughly and evenly.
5. Arrange on Baking Sheets: Divide the coated sweet potatoes evenly between the two prepared baking sheets. Spread them out in a single layer to ensure even baking.
6. Bake First Side: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes until the fries start to soften and slightly brown.
7. Flip Fries and Swap Racks: Remove the baking sheets from the oven, turn the fries over to promote even crisping, and swap the positions of the baking sheets (move the one from upper rack to lower rack and vice versa).
8. Bake Again Until Golden: Return the baking sheets to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the fries are golden brown in spots and crispy.
9. Serve: Remove from oven and serve the sweet potato fries warm. Optionally, garnish with minced fresh parsley for color and serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

• Cutting the sweet potatoes into uniform thickness ensures even cooking.
• Adding cornstarch helps create a crispy crust on the fries.
• You can substitute smoked paprika for a deeper flavor.
• For extra crispiness, avoid overcrowding the baking sheets.
• Reheating the fries in a hot oven or air fryer helps regain crispiness.