Introduction

Crispy oven-baked sweet potato fries are a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional fries. They offer a perfect balance of sweetness, savory spices, and satisfying crunch without the need for deep frying. This recipe will guide you to achieve perfectly crispy fries every time.

The image shows a pile of crispy sweet potato fries stacked in a rough pyramid shape on white parchment paper, placed on a white plate. The fries are bright orange with a charred, seasoned crust, sprinkled with coarse salt and small bits of fresh green herbs scattered on top. Behind the fries, there is a small white bowl filled with a creamy orange dipping sauce garnished with green herbs. The scene is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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
Optional: 1 tablespoon cornstarch for extra crispiness

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a baking sheet inside the oven while it heats to get it nice and hot.
Step 2: Peel the sweet potatoes if desired, then cut them into ¼ 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 to remove excess starch, which helps achieve crispiness.
Step 4: Drain the fries and pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove any moisture.
Step 5: In a large bowl, toss the fries with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cornstarch if using, until evenly coated.
Step 6: Remove the hot baking sheet from the oven and spread the fries in a single layer without overcrowding.
Step 7: Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping the fries halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
Step 8: Let the fries cool for a few minutes after baking, then serve immediately for the best texture.

Tips & Variations

Using cornstarch is key for making the fries extra crispy—don’t skip it if you prefer a crunchier texture.
Try adding smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for a smoky or spicy twist.
Cut fries evenly to ensure they cook at the same rate and avoid some being undercooked.
You can experiment with dipping sauces like garlic aioli or spicy ketchup for added flavor.

Storage

Store any leftover sweet potato fries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat and restore some crispiness, spread the fries on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for about 5-10 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can make them soggy.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a pile of crispy baked fries with a bright orange color, each fry showing a rough, crunchy texture with some charred edges. The fries are sprinkled with coarse salt and small green herb bits scattered unevenly over the top. In the upper right corner, there is a small white bowl filled with a creamy, light beige dipping sauce topped with chopped green herbs. All is set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I leave the sweet potatoes unpeeled?

Yes, leaving the skin on adds extra texture and nutrients. Just make sure to wash them thoroughly before cutting.

How can I make the fries crispier without deep frying?

Soaking the fries in cold water to remove starch, drying them completely, tossing with a little cornstarch, and baking on a hot sheet without overcrowding all contribute to maximum crispiness.

Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 51 reviews

A simple and delicious recipe for crispy oven-baked sweet potato fries seasoned with garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper. These fries are soaked in cold water to remove excess starch, ensuring a perfect crispiness without deep frying.

Author: Bella
Prep Time: 40 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 70 minutes
Yield: 3–4 servings 1x
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

Scale

Main 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 (optional for extra crispiness)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a baking sheet inside the oven while it heats to ensure it’s nice and hot for baking.
Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Peel the sweet potatoes if you prefer (optional) and cut them into uniform 1/4 inch thick fries for even cooking.
Soak the Fries: Place the cut sweet potato fries in a bowl of cold water and soak for 30 minutes to remove excess starch, which helps achieve crispiness.
Season the Fries: Drain the fries and pat them completely dry with paper towels to remove moisture. In a large bowl, toss the fries with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and if using, sprinkle the cornstarch then toss again to coat evenly.
Bake the Fries: Remove the hot baking sheet from the oven carefully. Spread the fries out in a single layer, making sure they do not overlap to promote even crisping. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through baking, until the fries are golden brown and crisp.
Check for Crispiness: Once the fries are crispy and browned, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving to enhance their texture.

Notes

Peeling the sweet potatoes is optional depending on your texture preference.
Soaking the fries in water is essential for removing starch to enhance crispiness.
Using cornstarch is optional but helps achieve crunchier fries.
Ensure the fries are spread out and not overcrowded on the baking sheet to allow for even baking and crispiness.
Flip fries halfway through cooking to promote even browning.

Keywords: sweet potato fries, oven-baked fries, crispy fries, healthy fries, garlic paprika fries