Who doesn’t love a serving of crispy, golden fries? But when you’re looking for a healthier alternative to traditional French fries, these baked sweet potato fries are the perfect answer. With just the right balance of sweet and savory, these fries are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making them a guilt-free snack or side dish that you can feel good about eating.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These sweet potato fries are a fantastic option for anyone seeking a healthier side dish without compromising on flavor or texture. Baking the fries instead of frying them drastically reduces the amount of oil needed, and the use of cornstarch ensures that they turn out perfectly crispy every time.
The addition of garlic powder and smoked paprika gives these fries a delicious savory flavor with a hint of smokiness, while the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes shines through. Whether you’re serving them alongside a juicy burger, a hearty salad, or simply enjoying them on their own, these fries are sure to be a hit with the whole family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these perfectly crispy baked sweet potato fries, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound sweet potatoes: Look for medium-sized sweet potatoes that are firm and free from blemishes.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps the fries crisp up in the oven and adds a nice flavor.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch: The secret ingredient for crispy fries.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle, savory flavor.
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika: For a hint of smokiness and extra depth of flavor.
- ½ teaspoon pepper: Adds a bit of heat and balances the sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Sprinkled on after baking for the perfect finish.
How to Make the Best Baked Sweet Potato Fries
Follow these simple steps to create the crispiest, most delicious baked sweet potato fries at home:
Step 1: Prep the Potatoes
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a large baking sheet with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into ¼-inch wide sticks. Try to keep the fries as uniform as possible to ensure even cooking.
Step 2: Soak the Potatoes
Place the cut sweet potatoes into a large bowl of cold water and let them soak for 30-60 minutes. Soaking the potatoes helps remove excess starch, which contributes to a crispier texture. After soaking, drain the water and spread the fries on a clean towel to dry thoroughly. This step is crucial because excess moisture can prevent the fries from getting crispy.
Step 3: Coat the Fries
In a small bowl, mix together the cornstarch, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and pepper. Set aside.
In a large bowl, toss the sweet potato sticks with olive oil until they are evenly coated. Then, sprinkle the cornstarch mixture over the fries and toss again until the fries are well coated in the seasoning.
Step 4: Bake the Fries
Spread the sweet potato fries in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan; use two baking sheets if necessary. Overcrowding can cause the fries to steam rather than bake, resulting in soggy fries.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Then, carefully flip each fry and return them to the oven for an additional 15 minutes, or until they are crispy and golden brown.
Step 5: Season and Serve
Once the fries are crispy and cooked to your liking, remove them from the oven and immediately sprinkle with salt. You can also add your favorite herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley for an extra burst of flavor. Serve the fries warm with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ketchup, aioli, or a spicy chipotle mayo.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Sharp knife: For peeling and slicing the sweet potatoes.
- Large bowl: For soaking the potatoes.
- Clean towel or paper towels: For drying the sweet potatoes.
- Small bowl: To mix the cornstarch and spices.
- Large baking sheet: For baking the fries in a single layer.
- Parchment paper or cooking spray: To prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Spatula: For flipping the fries halfway through baking.
