These baked sweet potato fries are deliciously crispy and easy to make! Simply cut the sweet potatoes, toss them with a little oil and seasoning, and bake them until golden.
I love how these fries are a healthier twist on the usual ones. Perfect for dipping in ketchup or even enjoying on their own! You can’t eat just one, right? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: These are the star of the dish! If you can’t find sweet potatoes, butternut squash works well too. It’ll give a similar sweetness and texture.
Olive Oil: I always use olive oil for roasting. It’s healthy and brings a nice flavor. If you need an alternative, avocado oil is a great choice since it can handle high temperatures, just like olive oil.
Spices: Smoked paprika adds a lovely smoky flavor. If you don’t have it, regular paprika will work too. For a kick, add chili powder or cayenne, as mentioned in the recipe. I love a little heat!
Salt: Don’t forget to sprinkle a little extra salt right after baking. It enhances the flavor. You can also use sea salt or Himalayan salt for a different touch.
How Do You Get Sweet Potato Fries Crispy?
Crispy fries are all about how you prepare them! The key is to spread them out evenly on the baking sheet so they don’t steam each other. Here’s how to make them crispier:
- Make sure the sweet potato sticks are cut evenly for uniform cooking.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet; give them room to breathe!
- Flip them halfway through baking to get all sides crispy.
- If they’re still not as crispy as you like, you can run them under the broiler for a minute or two at the end, keeping a close eye on them.
Following these tips will help you enjoy wonderfully crispy baked sweet potato fries every time!
How to Make Baked Sweet Potato Fries
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 large sweet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt (plus extra for serving)
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish
- Optional: chili powder or cayenne for a bit of heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 30 minutes to bake, totaling approximately 40 minutes. You’ll have crispy, delicious sweet potato fries ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high heat is key to getting those fries nice and crispy! Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or give it a quick spray with cooking oil to help prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:
Wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly. If you prefer, you can peel them, but leaving the skin on adds extra texture and nutrients! Cut the sweet potatoes into thin, uniform sticks to resemble fries for even cooking.
3. Toss with Olive Oil:
In a large mixing bowl, toss the sweet potato sticks with olive oil until they are well-coated. This will help them become crispy in the oven.
4. Season the Fries:
Now, sprinkle the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt over the fries. Give everything a good toss again to make sure each fry is nicely coated in the spices.
5. Arrange on the Baking Sheet:
Spread the sweet potato fries out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding the fries as this can lead to steaming instead of baking.
6. Bake Until Crispy:
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes. After that, use a spatula to carefully flip the fries to ensure they cook evenly on all sides. Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy on the edges.
7. Final Touches:
Once the fries are done baking, remove them from the oven. Immediately sprinkle a little extra salt over the fries while they are still hot. If you’re feeling fancy, you can also garnish with chopped fresh parsley!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the sweet potato fries warm with your favorite dipping sauce, like ketchup, aioli, or even a spicy mayo. Enjoy this tasty and healthy snack as a delightful side dish too!
Can I Use Different Oils for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While olive oil is great for its flavor and health benefits, you can use avocado oil or grapeseed oil as alternatives. Both can handle high temperatures and will work well for baking the fries.
Can I Make These Fries in Advance?
Yes, you can prep the sweet potato fries ahead of time! Cut and toss them in oil and seasoning, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just remember to bake them fresh for the best texture!
How Do I Store Leftover Sweet Potato Fries?
Place any leftover fries in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, spread them on a baking sheet and warm them in a hot oven (about 400°F) for about 10 minutes to regain their crispiness.
Can I Freeze Sweet Potato Fries?
Yes, you can! After cutting and tossing the fries, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. They can be baked straight from the freezer—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time!
