These crispy oven-baked sweet potato fries are a tasty treat! With their perfect blend of sweetness and crunch, they’re sure to be a hit at any meal.
Who knew healthy could taste this good? I often munch on them while watching a movie—it’s like having a snack without the guilt! 🍟
Making them is super easy: just slice the sweet potatoes, toss with some oil and spices, and bake until golden. A delicious side dish everyone will love!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: These are the star of the dish! Look for firm, smooth ones with no blemishes. If sweet potatoes aren’t available, you can use regular potatoes, but they’ll taste different.
Olive Oil: This adds flavor and helps the fries crisp up. You can substitute with avocado oil or canola oil for a different taste. I often prefer avocado oil for its high smoke point.
Cornstarch: This is key for achieving that crispy texture. If you don’t have it, try using potato starch or even rice flour. I’ve found that it really makes a difference in crunchiness!
Spices: Paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder really amp up the flavor. You could switch paprika for chili powder for a kick, or skip it and keep things simple if you prefer mild flavors.
How Do I Cut the Sweet Potatoes Uniformly?
Cutting sweet potatoes into even fries is vital for uniform cooking. Here’s how to do it:
- Start by cutting each sweet potato lengthwise in half, then place cut-side-down.
- Slice each half into long strips about 1/4 inch thick.
- Then, cut these strips into fries. Try to keep them all similar in size so they bake evenly!
Don’t stress if they’re not perfect; just keep an eye on them while baking. Thicker ones may need a bit more time!
How to Make Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Fries:
- 2 large sweet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For The Spice Mix:
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take around 10 minutes to prep and about 25-30 minutes to bake. All in all, you’re looking at around 40 minutes from start to finish to enjoy these crispy treats!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). While the oven heats, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will help in easier cleanup later!
2. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:
Wash and peel the sweet potatoes. Cutting them into fries about 1/4 inch thick helps them cook evenly and get nice and crispy. Try to keep them all the same size for the best results!
3. Coat with Olive Oil:
In a large bowl, toss the sweet potato fries with the olive oil. Make sure they are well coated so the spices will stick and they can crisp up nicely.
4. Mix the Spices:
In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. This spice mixture gives the fries their wonderful flavor and crunch!
5. Season the Fries:
Sprinkle the spice mixture over the sweet potato fries in the bowl. Toss them again until they are evenly coated with the seasoning. You want every fry to be packed with flavor!
6. Arrange on Baking Sheet:
Lay the fries out in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Be careful not to overcrowd them, as this will keep them from getting crispy.
7. Bake the Fries:
Pop the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Make sure to flip the fries halfway through to ensure they are golden brown and crispy all over.
8. Cool and Garnish:
Once they are done baking, take them out of the oven and let them cool slightly. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your crispy sweet potato fries with your favorite dipping sauce, like spicy aioli or ketchup. Dig in and enjoy these tasty treats!
Enjoy your homemade crispy oven baked sweet potato fries!
Can I Use Other Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While sweet potatoes give a unique flavor, you can substitute with regular Idaho or Yukon Gold potatoes. Just keep in mind that cooking times might vary slightly, so keep an eye on them while baking for that perfect crisp!
Can I Use a Different Oil Besides Olive Oil?
Yes, you can! Other oils like avocado oil or canola oil work well too. Each oil may lend a slightly different flavor and crispiness, so choose one based on your taste preference or what you have on hand.
How Do I Store Leftover Sweet Potato Fries?
Store any leftover fries in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, spread them on a baking sheet and pop them in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-15 minutes to help regain their crispiness!
Can I Make These Fries Spicier?
Definitely! You can add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the spice mix for an extra kick. Start with a little and adjust to your spice preference. Enjoy spicing them up!
