Introduction

Crispy oven-baked sweet potato fries are a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional fried fries. They come out perfectly golden and flavorful with a hint of garlic and paprika. This simple recipe brings out their natural sweetness with a satisfyingly crispy texture.

A white plate holds a pile of crispy sweet potato fries, about two layers thick, each fry showing a golden-orange color with dark brown edges and specks of seasoning. The fries have a rough texture with visible grains of salt and small green parsley leaves sprinkled on top. At the back of the plate, there is a small white bowl filled with a creamy, light orange dipping sauce smoothly swirled in the bowl with green herbs scattered on the surface. The plate is set on a white marbled textured surface, creating a clean and bright background. 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)
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
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 and cut them into 1/4 inch thick fries, trying to keep them as uniform as possible for even cooking.
Step 3: Place the cut fries in a bowl of cold water and soak for 30 minutes to remove excess starch, which helps with crispiness.
Step 4: Drain and thoroughly pat the fries dry with a paper towel. In a large bowl, toss them with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cornstarch if using.
Step 5: Carefully remove the hot baking sheet from the oven. Spread the fries in a single layer without overcrowding. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden and crispy.
Step 6: Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving to enhance crispiness.

Tips & Variations

For extra crispiness, make sure the fries are completely dry before tossing with oil and spices.
Use smoked paprika for a deeper, smoky flavor.
Try dipping the fries in a garlic aioli or spicy ketchup for added flavor.
If cornstarch is unavailable, arrowroot powder can be used as a substitute.

Storage

Store leftover fries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 5-10 minutes to help restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the fries soggy.

How to Serve

A pile of crispy, golden-orange sweet potato fries with dark grill marks scattered all over each fry, sprinkled with coarse salt and small green herb leaves, sits on white parchment paper on a white plate. Behind the fries is a small white bowl filled with a creamy, light orange dipping sauce, topped with tiny green herb pieces. The background shows a white marbled surface with soft lighting enhancing the colors and details. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I leave the sweet potato skin on?

Yes, leaving the skin on adds extra fiber and nutrients, plus a bit of texture. Just be sure to wash the sweet potatoes well before cutting.

Why do I need to soak the fries in water?

Soaking removes excess starch from the surface of the fries, which helps them crisp up better during baking.

Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 93 reviews

Enjoy perfectly crispy oven-baked sweet potato fries that are seasoned with garlic powder, paprika, and a touch of cornstarch for extra crunch. These fries offer a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods while delivering satisfying flavor and texture.

Author: Toney
Prep Time: 40 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale

Sweet Potato Fries

2 medium sweet potatoes (peeled optional, cut into 1/4 inch thick fries)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika optional)
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon cornstarch (for extra crispiness)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and place a baking sheet inside to heat up. The hot baking sheet helps in making the fries crispier when you lay them down.
Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Peel the sweet potatoes if desired and cut them into 1/4-inch thick fries. Ensure the pieces are as uniform as possible for even baking.
Soak the Fries: Place the cut fries into a bowl of cold water and soak for 30 minutes. This step leaches out excess starch, which is important for achieving a crispy texture.
Season the Fries: Drain the fries and pat them dry thoroughly using paper towels to remove surface moisture. In a large mixing bowl, toss the fries with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cornstarch to evenly coat each fry.
Bake the Fries: Carefully remove the hot baking sheet from the oven and spread the fries out in a single layer without overcrowding. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
Check for Crispiness: Once cooked, remove the fries from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving to let them firm up and become even crispier.

Notes

Soaking the fries is key to removing starch and achieving crispiness.
Using cornstarch helps add an extra crunchy coating.
Make sure fries are spread out and not overcrowded on the baking sheet to avoid sogginess.
You can customize seasoning by adding smoked paprika or other spices as preferred.
Allow fries to cool slightly before serving for best texture.

Keywords: oven baked sweet potato fries, crispy sweet potato fries, healthy sweet potato fries, gluten free fries, baked fries recipe