These spicy garlic sweet potato fries are a tasty twist on your regular fries! Crispy, golden, and packed with flavor, they are a great snack or side dish. Yum!
I love how the sweetness of the potatoes pairs perfectly with the garlic spice. You might even find yourself munching on them straight from the baking tray! 😋
Making these fries is super easy—just slice, season, and bake. They make a perfect addition to any meal or a fun party snack that everyone will enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: These are the star of the show! If you can’t find sweet potatoes, you could use regular potatoes, but the flavor will be different. I really enjoy using Japanese sweet potatoes for a milder taste.
Olive Oil: Olive oil adds richness and helps the fries crisp up. You can swap this for avocado oil or even melted coconut oil if you prefer a different taste.
Garlic Powder: The garlic flavor is key here. If you’d like, you can use fresh minced garlic instead—just be careful not to burn it in the oven!
Spices: Smoked paprika and chili powder give a wonderful kick. Feel free to adjust the spice levels to suit your taste, or add even more spices like cayenne or paprika for extra heat.
Fresh Herbs: Parsley or cilantro adds a nice touch. If you’re not a fan, you can skip this or even use green onions for a fresh pop.
How Can I Make Sure My Sweet Potato Fries Are Crispy?
Achieving crispy sweet potato fries can be tricky, but it’s totally doable! Here are some key tips:
- **Cut Evenly:** Make sure your fries are cut uniformly. This ensures they cook at the same rate.
- **Don’t Crowd the Pan:** Spread them out on the baking sheet. If they’re too close, they’ll steam instead of crisp.
- **Preheat the Oven:** Bake in a hot oven (425°F) for that perfect crispiness.
- **Flip Them:** Turn the fries halfway through baking. This helps them brown evenly on all sides.
- **Let Rest:** Allow them to cool for a few minutes after baking. They’ll continue to crisp up slightly.
Keeping these in mind will lead to delicious, crunchy fries every time. Enjoy your cooking!
Spicy Garlic Sweet Potato Fries
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into fries
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder or cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)
- Dipping sauce of choice (e.g., garlic aioli, ranch, or ketchup)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 25-30 minutes to bake, so you can have delicious sweet potato fries ready in about 40 minutes. Perfect for a quick snack or side dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature is key to getting those fries crispy! Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:
Peel the sweet potatoes and then cut them into evenly sized fries. Aim for about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick so they cook evenly. You want them all to be roughly the same size for the best results!
3. Coat the Fries:
In a large bowl, toss the sweet potato fries with olive oil. Make sure they are all well-coated; this will help them become crispy as they bake.
4. Mix the Seasonings:
In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, smoked paprika, chili powder (or cayenne), black pepper, salt, and onion powder if you’re using it. This mixture is what gives your fries that delicious spicy garlic flavor!
5. Season the Fries:
Sprinkle the seasoning mix over the fries in the bowl. Toss well so that each fry is coated evenly with the spices. Yummy smells are about to fill your kitchen!
6. Bake the Fries:
Spread the fries out in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Make sure they aren’t crowded, or they won’t crisp up. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Flip them halfway through to ensure even cooking.
7. Cool and Garnish:
Once they are golden brown and crispy, carefully take the fries out of the oven. Let them cool for a few minutes. If you’d like, sprinkle on some fresh parsley or cilantro for a nice touch!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your spicy garlic sweet potato fries hot, alongside your favorite dipping sauce. Get ready for a tasty treat!
These fries are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with spicy garlic flavor. Enjoy every bite! 🎉
Can I Use Other Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While sweet potatoes give a unique flavor, you can use regular potatoes if you prefer. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may vary slightly depending on the type of potato used.
Can I Prepare These Fries in Advance?
Yes, you can prep the fries ahead of time! After cutting and seasoning them, store the unbaked fries in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time for best results.
What If I Want Extra Crispy Fries?
For extra crispy fries, soak the cut sweet potatoes in cold water for about 30 minutes before drying and seasoning them. This helps remove excess starch, which can lead to crispier fries when baked. Also, consider using a convection oven if you have one, as the circulating hot air can help with crispiness!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover fries in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven for about 10 minutes at 400°F (200°C) to help them regain some crunch.