If ever there was a kitchen staple that could transform a casual weeknight dinner or cozy get-together, it’s oven baked sweet potato fries. Crispy on the edges, tender in the middle, and packed with vibrant color, these fries are far from ordinary. They’re healthier than traditional fried options, full of flavor from savory seasonings, and ridiculously simple to make. By using a few pro tips and the right ingredients, you’ll have a plate of irresistible fries ready to be devoured, no deep fryer needed!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of oven baked sweet potato fries lies not just in the sweet, earthy potatoes but also in the small roster of honest, easy-to-find ingredients. Each one is chosen to maximize flavor, texture, and color for fries that come out perfectly golden and tasty every time.
- Sweet potatoes: Choose firm, bright orange potatoes for the best color and natural sweetness—these are the star of the show!
- Olive oil: Adds crispness and helps the spices stick—use extra-virgin for the richest flavor.
- Cornstarch: The not-so-secret ingredient for ultra-crispy fries; it lightly coats the potatoes for superior crunch.
- Garlic powder: Brings a savory note that balances the potatoes’ sweetness beautifully.
- Paprika: Gives a smoky, gentle spice and a pop of pretty red color.
- Salt: Essential for bringing all the flavors to life—don’t skimp!
- Black pepper: Adds a subtle kick and a layer of depth to every bite.
- Optional dipping sauces: Ketchup or garlic aioli are classics, but feel free to get creative with your favorite condiments!
How to Make Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries
Step 1: Prep the Sweet Potatoes
Peel your sweet potatoes and cut them into long, thin sticks about 1/4-inch thick. Aim for uniform cuts so every fry cooks at the same pace and crisps up perfectly—no one wants a mix of burnt bits and undercooked sticks!
Step 2: Soak (Optional, But Worth It!)
If you have a little extra time, soak your cut sweet potatoes in cold water for around 30 minutes. This simple step pulls out excess starch, leading to crispier fries after baking. Don’t forget to dry them thoroughly with a clean kitchen towel after soaking so the oil and seasonings stick.
Step 3: Coat with Cornstarch
Add your dried sweet potato sticks to a large bowl and sprinkle the cornstarch over top. Toss gently until each stick gets a fine dusting—this creates the all-important outer crunch once the fries hit the hot oven.
Step 4: Season and Toss
Drizzle the olive oil over the fries, then add the garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands or a big spoon to toss everything together, making sure every fry is glistening and evenly coated in those delicious seasonings.
Step 5: Arrange on the Baking Sheet
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, then spread the fries in a single, even layer. Make sure there’s a tiny bit of space between each fry—if they touch or overlap, they’ll steam instead of crisping up.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Slide the tray into a preheated 425°F oven. Bake the fries for 15 minutes, then use a spatula to flip them so they cook evenly. Pop them back in for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the fries are golden and crisp at the edges.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Give the fries a few minutes to cool after they come out of the oven—this helps them firm up even more. Serve your oven baked sweet potato fries warm, alongside your favorite dipping sauce.
How to Serve Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries
Garnishes
For that perfect finishing touch, sprinkle your fries with a little flaky sea salt right out of the oven. Chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro add color and freshness, while a dusting of smoked paprika or chili powder takes things up a notch if you love a bit more heat.
Side Dishes
Oven baked sweet potato fries are wonderfully versatile. Pair them with classic burgers, juicy grilled chicken, or a hearty veggie wrap. They also shine next to a vibrant green salad or a simple soup, making them as at home in a lunch spread as they are at dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your fries in parchment paper cones or mini baskets lined with wax paper, just like at your favorite bistro. They’re also fantastic loaded with toppings—think crumbled feta, scallions, and a drizzle of sriracha mayo, or even piled high as nacho-style fries for a party appetizer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftover oven baked sweet potato fries (which is honestly a rare occurrence!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay tasty for up to three days, though they’ll lose some of their initial crispness.
Freezing
Want to make a big batch in advance? Let the fries cool completely, then arrange them in a single layer on a baking tray and freeze until firm. Transfer the frozen fries to a freezer bag to stash for up to a month. This way, you’ll always have oven baked sweet potato fries ready for a quick snack or side.
Reheating
To bring back the crispy factor, reheat your fries in a preheated oven at 400°F for about 8 to 10 minutes. Spread them out on a baking sheet rather than microwaving—this helps recapture that just-baked crunch!
FAQs
Why aren’t my oven baked sweet potato fries crispy?
Crispiness often comes down to overcrowding the pan or skipping the cornstarch step. Make sure your fries aren’t touching on the baking sheet and coat them evenly in cornstarch before adding the oil and seasonings.
Can I leave the skin on the sweet potatoes?
Absolutely! Leaving the skin on adds extra fiber and nutrients, plus a slightly earthier flavor. Just be sure to scrub the skins well and cut the fries evenly for best results.
What dipping sauces go best with oven baked sweet potato fries?
The classic pairing is ketchup, but for something special, try garlic aioli, chipotle mayo, or even a cool herbed yogurt dip. Sweet chili sauce is also delicious if you enjoy a touch of heat and tang.
Can I use other seasonings?
Yes! The beauty of oven baked sweet potato fries is how customizable they are. Try tossing them in chili powder for spice, cinnamon for warmth, or a little ground cumin for a smoky twist.
Do I need to flip the fries halfway through baking?
Flipping is essential for even crisping and browning on both sides. Use a thin spatula to gently turn each fry so every side gets exposed to the oven’s heat.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something joyful about pulling a tray of oven baked sweet potato fries from the oven, their aroma filling the kitchen and their bright color promising bold flavor. If you’ve never made them at home, now’s the perfect time to try. You’ll love just how easy, satisfying, and crowd-pleasing these fries are—don’t be surprised if they disappear in a flash!
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Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy these crispy and flavorful oven-baked sweet potato fries as a healthier alternative to traditional fries. Perfectly seasoned and easy to make, these fries are a delicious side dish or snack.
Ingredients
Sweet Potato Fries:
- 2 large sweet potatoes (peeled and cut into 1/4-inch sticks)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Optional:
- Dipping sauces like ketchup or garlic aioli
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare Sweet Potatoes: Toss sweet potato sticks with cornstarch in a bowl. Add olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper; toss to coat.
- Bake: Arrange fries on the baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 15 minutes, flip, then bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until crispy.
- Serve: Let cool slightly before serving with desired dipping sauce.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, soak sweet potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes before baking.
- Dry sweet potatoes thoroughly before seasoning and baking.
- Adjust spices to taste or experiment with different seasonings like chili powder or cinnamon.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
