Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries Recipe
Introduction
Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries are a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional fried fries. These fries come out golden, flavorful, and perfectly crispy without the hassle of deep frying. They make a great snack or side dish for any meal.
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
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for extra crispiness)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a baking sheet inside the oven to heat up while you prepare the fries.
- Step 2: Peel the sweet potatoes if desired, then cut them into 1/4 inch thick fries. Try to keep them uniform for even cooking.
- Step 3: Soak the cut fries in a bowl of cold water for 30 minutes. This removes excess starch and helps achieve crispiness.
- Step 4: Drain and thoroughly pat the fries dry with paper towels to remove moisture.
- Step 5: In a large bowl, toss the fries with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cornstarch until evenly coated.
- Step 6: Carefully remove the hot baking sheet from the oven. Spread the fries out in a single layer without overcrowding.
- Step 7: Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the fries are golden brown and crispy.
- Step 8: Remove from the oven and let fries cool for a few minutes before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Try smoked paprika or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
- Using cornstarch helps create extra crispy fries, but you can omit it for a softer texture.
- Make sure the fries are spread out and not touching on the baking sheet to ensure even crisping.
- You can peel the sweet potatoes or leave the skins on for added texture and nutrients.
Storage
Store leftover fries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat and maintain crispiness, bake them in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 5-10 minutes rather than microwaving, which can make them soggy.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?
Yes, you can substitute regular potatoes to make crispy oven-baked fries using this method. Adjust the cooking time if needed, as different potato varieties may cook at slightly different rates.
Why do I need to soak the fries in water?
Soaking the fries removes excess starch, which helps prevent them from sticking together and promotes a crispier texture when baked.
PrintCrispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries Recipe
These Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries are a healthier alternative to traditional fried fries. They are seasoned with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, then oven-baked to golden perfection with a crispy exterior and tender inside. The addition of cornstarch and soaking the fries in cold water helps achieve that perfect crispiness without frying.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 65-70 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Sweet Potato Fries
- 2 medium sweet potatoes (peeled optionally and cut into 1/4 inch thick fries)
Seasoning and Coating
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for extra crispiness)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and place a baking sheet inside while it heats to ensure it’s hot when the fries go in.
- Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Peel the sweet potatoes if desired and cut into uniform 1/4 inch thick fries to guarantee even cooking.
- Soak the Fries: Soak the cut fries in a bowl of cold water for 30 minutes to remove excess starch, which helps them become crispy when baked.
- Season the Fries: Drain the fries and thoroughly pat them dry using paper towels to remove moisture. In a large bowl, toss the fries with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cornstarch for extra crispiness, ensuring all fries are evenly coated.
- Bake the Fries: Remove the hot baking sheet from the oven carefully and spread the fries in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding. Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes, flipping the fries halfway through, until golden brown and crisp.
- Check for Crispiness: Once baked, remove from oven and allow the fries to cool slightly before serving to enhance their crisp texture.
Notes
- Soaking the fries in cold water is essential to remove starch and improve crispiness.
- Using cornstarch helps to achieve an extra crispy coating on the fries.
- Ensure to spread fries in a single layer and avoid overcrowding for even baking and crispiness.
- Flip fries halfway through baking to ensure even browning on all sides.
- Optional: Use smoked paprika for a deeper, smoky flavor.
- Peeling the sweet potatoes is optional depending on personal preference.
Keywords: sweet potato fries, oven baked fries, crispy sweet potatoes, healthy fries, baked side dish
