Crispy Oven Sweet Potato Fries (Printable version)
Golden, crispy baked sweet potato fries with a hint of spice make a healthy, irresistible snack or side dish.
# What you need:
→ Vegetables
01 - 2 large sweet potatoes (about 1.5 lbs), peeled and cut into 1/4-inch thick fries
→ Oils & Fats
02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
→ Spices & Seasonings
03 - 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for extra crispiness)
04 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
05 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
06 - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, plus extra for finishing
07 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
08 - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
# How To:
01 - Preheat oven to 425°F. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
02 - Place the cut sweet potato fries in a large mixing bowl. If using cornstarch, sprinkle it over the fries and toss until lightly and evenly coated.
03 - Drizzle olive oil over the fries and toss to coat. Add smoked paprika, garlic powder, sea salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using. Stir thoroughly until every fry is evenly seasoned.
04 - Spread the seasoned fries in a single layer across the prepared baking sheets, ensuring they do not touch each other for maximum crispiness.
05 - Bake for 15 minutes, then carefully flip each fry with a spatula. Rotate the baking sheets between oven racks and continue baking for another 10 to 15 minutes until the fries are golden and crispy on the edges.
06 - Remove from the oven and sprinkle with additional sea salt to taste. Serve immediately while hot and crispy alongside your preferred dipping sauce.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The cornstarch trick gives you a shatteringly crisp exterior that rivals any fried version, and nobody believes they came out of an oven.
- Smoked paprika adds a campfire warmth that makes plain ketchup feel boring in comparison.
02 -
- Overcrowding the pan was my biggest mistake early on, and even five extra minutes in the oven cannot rescue fries that have been steaming instead of roasting.
- Drying the cut sweet potatoes with a kitchen towel before seasoning made a noticeable difference in how quickly and evenly they crisped up.
03 -
- Soaking the cut fries in cold water for twenty minutes before drying and seasoning removes excess starch and produces an even crispier result, though it adds time to your prep.
- Rotating the baking sheets between oven racks halfway through cooking ensures even browning, because most home ovens have noticeable hot spots.