Baked Sweet Potato Fries Recipe

There’s nothing quite like the golden, irresistible crunch of Crispy Baked Sweet Potato Fries—especially when they’re straight from your own oven! Bursting with sweet, caramelized flavor and that signature crispy edge, these fries are a healthy, homemade treat that the whole family will devour.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things simple, but each element is essential for achieving the perfect batch of fries. Every ingredient brings something special to the party—whether it’s sweet, crispy, or crave-worthy!

• Sweet potatoes: The star of the show; choose firm, bright-skinned sweet potatoes for the best texture and flavor.
• Cornstarch: Just a thin dusting ensures those signature crispy edges without the need for deep frying.
• Olive oil (or coconut oil): Adds richness, encourages even browning, and helps seasonings stick to every fry.
• Spices (cinnamon-sugar, salt, cayenne, curry, pumpkin pie spice, garlic, etc.): This is where you can really have fun—customize your fries to be sweet, spicy, or savory!

Variations

Crispy Baked Sweet Potato Fries are endlessly adaptable, so don’t hesitate to play around with flavors and techniques until you find your favorite combo. It’s amazing how changing up the spices or oils can transform this snack to suit any mood or meal!

• Smoky Paprika & Garlic Fries: Toss the potatoes with smoked paprika and granulated garlic for a savory, smoky twist that pairs well with aioli.
• Sugar & Spice: Go the sweet route with cinnamon and a touch of coconut sugar or brown sugar—delicious dipped in vanilla Greek yogurt!
• Curry Kick: Add curry powder and a dash of cayenne for an aromatic batch that’s fantastic with spicy ketchup or mango chutney.
• Herb Lovers: Sprinkle on dried rosemary and thyme after baking for an earthy, fragrant finish that takes these fries to a whole new level.

How to Make Crispy Baked Sweet Potato Fries

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (204°C), and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This crucial first step keeps the fries from sticking and makes cleanup a total breeze. If you plan to make a big batch, set out a second sheet—crowding is the enemy of crispiness!

Step 2: Slice and Starch

Wash and peel your sweet potatoes, and trim off the ends. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice them into thin sticks about 1/4-inch wide—the thinner your fries, the crispier they’ll be! In a large bowl or zip-top bag, toss the slices with cornstarch until they’re just lightly coated. Pour them out into a strainer to shake off any excess cornstarch (too much can make them powdery!) and discard the extra from the bowl.

Step 3: Season & Oil

Return the sweet potato sticks to your bowl and drizzle in the olive oil (or coconut oil). Next, get creative with your chosen seasonings—think classic sea salt, spicy cayenne, or warming cinnamon-sugar. Toss everything together until each fry is evenly coated and dazzlingly seasoned.

Step 4: Arrange & Bake

Spread the fries out in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Give them some space so that hot oven air can circulate and crisp them up on all sides. Bake for 15 minutes, then pull them out, carefully flip each fry, and return the tray to the oven for another 10 to 15 minutes. Rotate the pan halfway through for the most even browning—and don’t worry if some edges get a little toasty; that means extra flavor!

Step 5: Finish & Crisp Up

Once your fries are gorgeously golden, turn the oven off and let the tray sit inside as it cools down for about 30 minutes. This final, hands-off step is the secret to maximum crunch: it dries the fries out just enough, so you get that legendary crispy texture with every bite.

How to Serve Crispy Baked Sweet Potato Fries

Garnishes

For an extra pop of flavor and color, sprinkle your Crispy Baked Sweet Potato Fries with flaky sea salt, fresh chopped parsley, or even a dusting of smoked paprika as soon as they come out of the oven. A drizzle of honey or a squeeze of lime can add a fun, unexpected twist too!

Side Dishes

These fries are perfect alongside classic burgers, crispy chicken sandwiches, grilled veggies, or even as a hearty side dish at brunch. For a lighter option, serve them next to a vibrant green salad or a tangy slaw—they’re the ultimate upgrade from regular fries!

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your fries piled high in parchment-lined baskets for that true diner feel, or arrange them standing up in mason jars for a whimsical touch at parties. For dipping lovers, include an array of sauces—think chipotle mayo, sriracha aioli, or even a sweet maple-mustard dip—to really let these fries shine.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you somehow have any fries left (honestly, it doesn’t happen often in our house!), let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They’ll lose a little crispness but remain seriously tasty for snacking or topping salads.

Freezing

To freeze, arrange cooled fries in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid—then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months, making homemade Crispy Baked Sweet Potato Fries ready whenever the craving strikes!

Reheating

For best results, reheat fries in a 400°F oven for about 8-10 minutes, spread out on a baking sheet. This helps restore some of that irresistible crispiness! The microwave will work in a pinch, but the texture will be softer.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food that’s big on flavor and crunch without the guilt, these Crispy Baked Sweet Potato Fries are your new go-to. They come together easily, satisfy every craving, and are always a crowd-pleaser—so go ahead, whip up a batch tonight and watch them disappear!

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