Sweet Potato Fries Recipe for Crispy Golden Bites

Crispy golden sweet potato fries can revolutionize your snacking experience in just minutes.

Unexpected flavors burst from these delectable strips of orange-hued goodness.

Home cooks often struggle to achieve that perfect crunch, but our method changes everything.

Seasoned with a blend of spices, these fries promise a mouthwatering adventure for your taste buds.

Each bite delivers a satisfying combination of crispy exterior and tender interior.

Minimal ingredients and simple techniques make this recipe accessible for anyone wanting to elevate their side dish game.

Trust you’ll fall in love with these irresistible fries that beat traditional potato versions hands down.

Your Sweet Potato Fry Questions, Answered

• Why soak sweet potato fries in water?

Soaking removes excess starch, which helps the fries become crispier and prevents them from sticking together during baking. It also helps achieve a better texture and golden-brown exterior.

• Can I use different seasonings?

Absolutely! While paprika and garlic powder work well, you can experiment with other spices like chili powder, cumin, or rosemary to customize the flavor profile of your sweet potato fries.

• How do I prevent soggy fries?

Make sure to pat the sweet potatoes completely dry after soaking, use cornstarch for coating, spread them in a single layer without overcrowding, and ensure your oven is properly preheated to 400F for maximum crispiness.

• Are sweet potato fries healthier than regular fries?

Sweet potato fries are often considered a more nutritious alternative because sweet potatoes are packed with vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants compared to regular white potatoes.

What People Love About Sweet Potato Fries

• Perfect for home cooks wanting to create delicious side dishes without complex techniques.
• Baking instead of deep-frying reduces calories while maintaining incredible crispiness and flavor.
• Minimal prep time and simple ingredients make these sweet potato fries a fast, satisfying meal companion that takes under an hour from start to finish.
• Kids and adults love the crispy texture and slightly sweet taste, transforming a nutritious vegetable into an irresistible snack everyone will enjoy.

What You’ll Need for Sweet Potato Fries

Main Ingredients:

Sweet Potatoes: Hearty root vegetable with natural sweetness and nutritious profile. Choose firm, smooth-skinned potatoes without bruises or soft spots. Orange or deep copper varieties work best for crispy fries.

Cornstarch: Helps create extra crispy exterior on sweet potato fries. Light, powdery starch that aids in achieving golden brown texture.

Seasoning Ingredients:

Olive Oil: Provides smooth coating and helps fries crisp up nicely. Extra virgin olive oil adds rich flavor. Choose high-quality cold-pressed variety.

Paprika: Adds warm, slightly smoky flavor and beautiful reddish color. Sweet or smoked paprika works well.

Garlic Powder: Delivers mild, aromatic seasoning without raw garlic bite. Ensures even flavor distribution.

Salt: Enhances overall taste and brings out natural sweetness of sweet potatoes. Kosher or sea salt recommended.

Optional Finishing Ingredients:

Herbs: Fresh chopped herbs like parsley or chives can add bright, fresh note. Good for garnishing and extra flavor complexity.

Frying Sweet Potato Fries Without a Hitch

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Sheets

Crank up your oven to 400°F (204°C). Grab two baking sheets and line them with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Soak and Dry Sweet Potatoes

• Fill a large bowl with cold water
• Drop in your sweet potato slices
• Let them swim for 30 minutes to wash away extra starch
• Drain completely
• Pat potatoes super dry with clean kitchen towels

Step 3: Season Potato Slices

• Cornstarch (light coating)
• Olive oil
• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Salt

Step 4: Arrange for Maximum Crispiness

Spread potato slices in a single layer across baking sheets. Give each slice breathing room – no crowding allowed! Use both sheets if necessary.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide sheets into the oven. Roast for 15 minutes, then flip each fry. Continue baking 15-20 minutes until edges turn golden and crispy.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Let fries cool briefly. Sprinkle with extra salt or fresh herbs. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce for maximum deliciousness.

Tips That Make Sweet Potato Fries Even Better

• Soak for Crispiness: Soaking sweet potato fries in cold water removes excess starch, helping them become crispier and preventing them from sticking together during baking.
• Cornstarch Coating Trick: Lightly dusting fries with cornstarch creates a thin, crispy exterior that helps achieve that perfect golden-brown crunch.
• Avoid Overcrowding: Spread fries in a single layer on baking sheets to ensure even cooking and maximum crispiness, preventing steaming and soggy results.
• Customize Your Seasonings: Experiment with different spice blends like smoked paprika, cumin, or cayenne pepper to add exciting flavor variations to your sweet potato fries.
• Gluten-Free and Healthier Option: This recipe is naturally gluten-free and baked instead of fried, making it a nutritious alternative to traditional french fries.

How to Store Sweet Potato Fries Without Losing Crispness

• Store leftover sweet potato fries in an airtight container and place in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days.
• Spread fries on a baking sheet, bake at 425F for 5-10 minutes to restore crispiness, turning halfway through to ensure even heating.
• Skip microwave reheating as it makes fries soggy and loses their crisp texture.
• Freeze cooled fries in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bags for up to 3 months, reheating directly from frozen in the oven.

Best Dips and Sides for Sweet Potato Fries

• Blend Greek yogurt with fresh chives, garlic powder, and a splash of lemon juice for a tangy, protein-rich sauce that complements the sweet and spicy fries.
• Pour a crisp amber ale or hoppy IPA that cuts through the fries' richness while highlighting their subtle sweetness and spice undertones.
• Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or cilantro over the fries to add a bright, clean flavor that balances the potato's earthiness and provides a refreshing finish.
• Serve alongside a light arugula salad with balsamic vinaigrette to introduce a peppery, acidic element that enhances the fries' deep, caramelized flavors.

Different Ways to Serve Sweet Potato Fries

• Keto-Friendly Veggie Version: Replace sweet potatoes with low-carb jicama or turnip strips, using the same seasoning method for a keto-friendly alternative.
• Gluten-Free Herb Sensation: Swap cornstarch with arrowroot powder or rice flour to ensure a gluten-free coating while maintaining crispy texture.
• Air Fryer Quick Hack: Transfer seasoned fries to an air fryer basket, cooking at 380F for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway through for even crispiness.
• Spicy Southwestern Remix: Add chili powder, cumin, and cayenne to the original spice mix for a bold, zesty flavor profile that kicks up the heat.

Sweet Potato Fries Recipe

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4.6 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy golden sweet potato fries bring Southern comfort straight to your plate, elevating simple ingredients into a mouthwatering side dish. Perfectly seasoned and baked to crunchy perfection, these fries will make you crave more with every delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into ¼-inch thick matchsticks

Seasoning:

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)

Cooking Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Garnish (Optional):

• Fresh parsley
• Sea salt

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Instructions

1. Prepare a scorching hot oven at 400 degrees fahrenheit and line two baking sheets with parchment paper for optimal crispy results.
2. Submerge sweet potato strips in frigid water for a minimum of half an hour to eliminate excess starch. Thoroughly drain and meticulously blot dry with clean kitchen towels.
3. Gently dust sweet potato strips with cornstarch, creating a whisper-thin coating. Drizzle extra virgin olive oil and distribute evenly, then generously sprinkle paprika, garlic powder, and kosher salt across the surface.
4. Strategically arrange potato strips on prepared baking sheets, ensuring maximum spacing between each piece to guarantee even roasting. Utilize multiple sheets if necessary to prevent overcrowding.
5. Position baking sheets in preheated oven and roast for 15 minutes. Carefully flip each fry to promote uniform browning, then continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes until edges turn golden and crisp.
6. Remove from oven and allow fries to rest momentarily. Optionally garnish with extra sea salt or freshly chopped herbs. Serve immediately alongside preferred dipping sauce for maximum flavor and crunch.

Notes

• Soak sweet potatoes in cold water to eliminate excess starch, ensuring crispier fries with a perfect golden-brown exterior.
• Pat fries completely dry before coating with cornstarch to achieve maximum crunchiness and prevent soggy results.
• Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier, allowing fries to crisp up without burning.
• Spread fries in a single layer with space between each piece to promote even cooking and prevent steaming, which can make fries soft instead of crisp.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg