Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries Recipe
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
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
- 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.
Notes
- Soaking the fries is essential to remove starch and prevent sogginess.
- Using a hot baking sheet helps achieve a crispy exterior.
- Do not overcrowd the fries on the baking sheet to ensure even cooking.
- Cornstarch is optional but recommended for extra crispiness.
- For a smoky flavor, opt for smoked paprika instead of regular paprika.
- Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
Keywords: sweet potato fries, oven baked fries, crispy sweet potato, healthy fries, gluten free side dish