These spicy garlic sweet potato fries are a tasty treat! Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, they have a kick of heat that makes them exciting.
Plus, they are super easy to make! I love tossing them in olive oil, garlic, and spices, then baking until perfect. They disappear fast in my house—who can resist? 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: These are the star of the dish! I recommend using large, firm sweet potatoes for the best fries. If you can’t find sweet potatoes, try using regular potatoes or even butternut squash for a different flavor profile.
Olive Oil: Olive oil helps to crisp the fries in the oven. You can swap it for avocado oil or canola oil if you want a higher smoke point or a lighter taste. Both work well!
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds bold flavor. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder is a good alternative—just use about 1 teaspoon, but it won’t have the same punch as fresh garlic.
Spices: Smoked paprika gives a deep flavor and nice color. If you don’t have it, regular paprika or even Italian seasoning can work. Adjust the cayenne for personal spice levels, or leave it out if you prefer a milder taste!
How Do I Make the Fries Extra Crispy?
Getting crispy fries is all about the preparation and baking technique. Here’s what to focus on:
- Cut the sweet potatoes into uniform sizes to ensure they cook evenly. Thin fries generally get crispier.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet! Space them out so hot air can circulate around each fry.
- Be patient when baking; the total cooking time might vary slightly based on your oven.
- Flipping the fries halfway through helps achieve an even crispness on all sides. Don’t skip this step!
Spicy Garlic Sweet Potato Fries
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 large sweet potatoes, washed and cut into fries
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference)
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: lemon wedges (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish requires about 10 minutes of prep time and 35-40 minutes for baking. So, in total, you’re looking at roughly 50 minutes to enjoy these spicy, crispy fries!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first! Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). While it’s heating up, get everything ready. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or grease it lightly to help with cleanup later.
2. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:
In a large bowl, toss your freshly cut sweet potato fries with the olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Make sure every fry is nicely coated in that flavorful mixture!
3. Arrange the Fries:
Now, spread your seasoned sweet potato fries out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. It’s important that none of the fries are overlapping, so they’ll get super crispy while baking.
4. Bake the Fries:
Put the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, take them out and give them a good flip for even cooking. Pop them back in the oven for another 15-20 minutes until they’re crispy and nicely browned at the edges.
5. Serve Up:
Once they’re done baking, remove the fries from the oven and transfer them to a serving bowl lined with parchment paper. This way, they stay nice and crisp!
6. Final Touches:
Garnish your fries with some freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor. Serve them hot with optional lemon wedges on the side, or any dipping sauce you love. Enjoy your deliciously spicy garlic sweet potato fries as a snack or side dish!
These fries are sure to be a hit with their crispy texture and smoky, spicy garlic flavor. Dig in! 😊
Can I Use Other Potatoes Instead of Sweet Potatoes?
Absolutely! While sweet potatoes have a unique flavor, you can substitute them with regular russet or Yukon Gold potatoes. Just keep in mind that they may need slightly different cooking times to achieve the same crispiness.
How Can I Make These Fries Less Spicy?
If you prefer a milder flavor, simply reduce or omit the cayenne pepper and chili powder. You can also add a little extra smoked paprika for flavor without the heat!
Can I Prepare the Fries Ahead of Time?
You can slice the sweet potatoes and toss them with the seasonings about an hour in advance. Just store them covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. For best results, it’s great to bake them fresh for that crispy texture!
How Do I Store Leftover Fries?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, try placing them in an oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 10 minutes to regain their crispiness, rather than using a microwave, which can make them soggy.
