Introduction

Crispy oven baked sweet potato fries are a healthier alternative to traditional fries, delivering a perfect balance of tenderness and crunch. With simple seasonings and an easy baking method, these fries make a delicious and satisfying snack or side dish.

The image shows crispy carrot fries that look crunchy and golden brown, arranged around a small white bowl filled with a creamy light orange sauce. A woman's hand is dipping one carrot fry into the sauce. The bowl has a smooth texture, and the carrot fries have a rough, fried exterior with some darker spots. The background has a white marbled texture photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled (optional) and cut into fries
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika optional for extra flavor)
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
Optional: 1 tablespoon cornstarch for extra crispiness

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and place a baking sheet inside while the oven heats so it becomes nice and hot.
Step 2: Peel the sweet potatoes if desired, then cut them into ¼ inch thick fries, aiming for uniform size to ensure even cooking.
Step 3: Soak the cut fries in a bowl of cold water for 30 minutes to remove excess starch, which helps achieve crispiness.
Step 4: Drain and pat the fries dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove moisture. In a large bowl, toss them with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cornstarch if using.
Step 5: Carefully remove the hot baking sheet from the oven and spread the fries out in a single layer without overcrowding.
Step 6: Bake the fries for 25–30 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
Step 7: Remove from the oven and let the fries cool for a few minutes before serving for the best texture.

Tips & Variations

Using cornstarch helps create an extra crispy coating on the fries.
Try smoked paprika for a deeper, smoky flavor.
Cut fries as evenly as possible to ensure they bake uniformly.
Serve with your favorite dipping sauce like garlic aioli or spicy ketchup.

Storage

Store leftover fries in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 5–10 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make them soggy.

How to Serve

The image shows a white tray filled with crispy, golden brown sweet potato fries evenly spread out, glistening with a slight shine that hints at seasoning or oil. On the bottom right side of the tray, there is a small round container filled with a light pink creamy dipping sauce. The texture of the fries appears crunchy, while the sauce looks smooth and thick. The background is a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I leave the skin on the sweet potatoes?

Yes, leaving the skin on adds extra texture and nutrients. Just be sure to wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly before cutting.

Why should I soak the fries in water?

Soaking removes excess starch from the sweet potatoes, which is essential for achieving crispier fries when baked.

Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 77 reviews

These Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries are a healthy and flavorful alternative to traditional fries. Perfectly seasoned with garlic powder, paprika, and a hint of black pepper, these fries achieve a satisfying crispiness by soaking in cold water to remove excess starch and baking on a preheated hot baking sheet. Enjoy a deliciously crispy side dish that’s easy to prepare and baked to perfection.

Author: Marco
Prep Time: 40 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled (optional) and cut into fries
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika optional for extra flavor)
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper

Optional Ingredients

1 tablespoon cornstarch for extra crispiness

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and place a baking sheet inside the oven while it heats to get it nice and hot. This helps the fries crisp up quickly when placed on the hot surface.
Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Peel the sweet potatoes if desired, then cut them into ¼ inch thick fries. Try to keep the fries uniform in size to ensure even cooking and optimal crispiness.
Soak the Fries: Place the cut sweet potato fries in a bowl of cold water and soak for 30 minutes. This step removes excess starch, which is crucial for achieving crispy fries in the oven.
Season the Fries: After soaking, drain the fries and pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove moisture. In a large bowl, toss the fries with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. If using cornstarch, sprinkle it over the fries now and toss again to coat evenly.
Bake the Fries: Carefully remove the hot baking sheet from the oven. Spread the fries out in a single layer on the baking sheet, making sure they aren’t overcrowded to allow air circulation for even browning. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping the fries halfway through to ensure all sides get crispy and golden brown.
Check for Crispiness: Once the fries have reached a golden brown color and are crispy to your liking, remove them from the oven. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving to enhance their crisp texture.