These Baked Sweet Potato Fries are a tasty treat that you’ll love! Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, they make a great snack or side dish.
I enjoy dipping them in ketchup or even a bit of honey. They are easy to make and healthier than regular fries—perfect for satisfying those craving moments!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: These are the star of the show! If you’re short on sweet potatoes, regular potatoes can work, but they’ll have a different flavor. I like using Japanese sweet potatoes for their creaminess.
Olive Oil: Olive oil adds richness, but you can swap in avocado oil for a higher smoke point. It’s great for that crispy texture!
Smoked Paprika: This spice gives a nice smoky flavor. If you don’t have it, regular paprika or even chili powder would be a tasty swap.
Garlic and Onion Powder: These two spices add depth. You can use fresh minced garlic and finely chopped onion, but make sure to adjust the cooking time. Cook them briefly in oil before adding fries for better flavor.
Cayenne Pepper: This is optional, but I find it gives a nice kick! If you want it milder, just skip it or reduce the amount.
How Do I Make Sure My Sweet Potato Fries Are Crispy?
Achieving crispy fries can be a bit tricky, but it’s doable with a few key steps!
- Make sure to cut your fries evenly, about 1/4 inch thick, so they cook uniformly.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet; give them space to breathe. If they’re too close, they’ll steam instead of crisp.
- Flip them halfway through baking. This helps them get golden and crispy on all sides.
- Use high heat for that perfect crunch, and watch them closely towards the end of baking.
Following these tips will get you delightful, crispy sweet potato fries every time! Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make Baked Sweet Potato Fries
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Fries:
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into thin fries
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Seasoning:
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Optional dipping sauce (such as chipotle mayo or ketchup)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 25-30 minutes to bake. You’ll spend a little time chopping up the sweet potatoes and mixing up the seasonings, and then it’s just a wait for them to get nice and crispy in the oven!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first! Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high heat is key to getting those fries nice and crispy. Don’t forget to line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or give it a light grease to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:
Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into thin fries. Aim for about 1/4 inch thick—this helps them cook evenly. You want them all about the same size for the best results!
3. Coat with Olive Oil:
In a large bowl, toss your sweet potato fries with olive oil until they are all nice and shiny. Make sure they’re well coated for that perfect crisp!
4. Mix Up the Seasoning:
In a small bowl, combine the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper (if you like some heat!). This mix is going to bring tons of flavor to your fries.
5. Season the Fries:
Sprinkle the seasoning mix over your oiled sweet potato fries. Toss them again until they’re all coated evenly. You want every fry to have that delicious flavor!
6. Spread on Baking Sheet:
Now, spread your fries out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Give them enough space—overcrowding will lead to steaming instead of crisping. We want crispy fries, not soggy ones!
7. Bake to Perfection:
Pop the baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. Be sure to flip the fries halfway through so they can cook evenly. Keep an eye on them until they are golden brown and crisp around the edges!
8. Garnish and Serve:
When they’re done, remove the fries from the oven and sprinkle them with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauce, like chipotle mayo or good old ketchup. Enjoy your homemade sweet potato fries!
Can I Use Regular Potatoes Instead of Sweet Potatoes?
Yes, you can! While regular potatoes will work, keep in mind that the flavor and texture will differ. Sweet potatoes offer a sweeter taste and a creamy interior that regular potatoes can’t match, but both can be delicious!
How Can I Make These Fries Extra Crispy?
To achieve extra crispy fries, ensure the sweet potatoes are cut evenly into thin strips, and make sure they’re not overcrowded on the baking sheet. Also, flipping them halfway through baking helps them brown evenly.
Can I Prepare the Fries Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can cut the sweet potatoes and toss them with olive oil and seasonings up to 24 hours in advance. Just store them in an airtight container in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. If making them from scratch, it’s best to bake them fresh for optimal crispiness!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes to help them regain their crispiness.