Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries
These Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries are not only a tasty snack but also a healthy alternative to traditional fries. Perfect for game days, family dinners, or just when you’re craving something crunchy, these fries stand out with their golden color and crispy texture. Made with simple ingredients and baked to perfection, they offer a guilt-free indulgence that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthy Alternative: Enjoy the delicious flavor of fries without the extra calories from frying.
- Quick Preparation: With a total time of just 65 minutes, you can whip these up in no time.
- Versatile Flavoring: Customize your seasoning with smoked paprika or other spices for a unique twist.
- Family-Friendly: These fries make a great side dish for kids and adults alike, appealing to all taste buds.
- Minimal Ingredients: Just a few pantry staples create an irresistible dish that anyone can make.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start making your Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries, gather your tools to ensure a smooth cooking process.
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Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Bowl
- Paper towels
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking sheet: A hot baking sheet promotes even cooking and helps achieve that desired crispiness.
- Knife: A sharp knife makes cutting sweet potatoes into uniform fries easier and safer.
- Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for chopping and ensures safety while preparing your ingredients.
Ingredients
These Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries are made using the following ingredients:
- 2 medium sweet potatoes (peeled (optional) and cut into fries)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika is optional for extra flavor)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for extra crispiness)
How to Make Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a baking sheet inside the oven while it heats to get it nice and hot.
Step 2: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
Peel the sweet potatoes if desired. Cut them into 1/4 inch thick fries. Aim for uniform sizes to ensure even cooking.
Step 3: Soak the Fries
Place the cut sweet potato fries in a bowl of cold water for about 30 minutes. This step removes excess starch, which is crucial for achieving crispy fries.
Step 4: Season the Fries
After soaking, drain and pat the fries dry with paper towels to eliminate moisture. In a large bowl, toss the fries with:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
If using cornstarch for extra crispiness, sprinkle it in now and toss everything together until well coated.
Step 5: Bake the Fries
Carefully remove the hot baking sheet from the oven. Spread the fries in a single layer on the sheet, ensuring they aren’t overcrowded. Bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through until they are golden brown and crispy.
Step 6: Check for Crispiness
Once they are crisp and golden, remove them from the oven. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving to enhance their crunchiness.
How to Serve Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries
Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries are versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you’re serving them as a side dish or a snack, these fries can elevate any meal.
As a Snack
- Serve with hummus for a healthy dip that complements the sweetness of the fries.
- Pair with guacamole for a creamy and flavorful option that adds rich taste.
With Dipping Sauces
- Try ketchup for a classic pairing that never goes out of style.
- Use ranch dressing for a cool and tangy contrast to the crispy fries.
In a Salad
- Toss them into your favorite green salad for added texture and sweetness.
- Add to a grain bowl with quinoa, black beans, and avocado for a hearty meal.
On Burgers
- Serve alongside your favorite veggie burger or turkey burger for an unbeatable combination.
- Use them as a topping on a pulled pork sandwich for extra crunch.
How to Perfect Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries
To ensure your Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries come out perfect every time, follow these tips.
- Cut uniform sizes: Evenly cut fries cook at the same rate, resulting in consistent crispiness.
- Soak before baking: Soaking sweet potato fries in cold water removes excess starch, leading to better crispiness.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Space fries out on the baking sheet to allow hot air to circulate for even cooking.
- Use cornstarch: A light dusting of cornstarch adds extra crunch without altering flavor.
- Flip halfway through cooking: Turn the fries halfway during baking to achieve even browning on both sides.
- Let them cool slightly before serving: This allows the fries to firm up and enhances their crisp texture.
Best Side Dishes for Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries
Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries pair wonderfully with various dishes. Here are some great options to consider.
- Grilled Chicken Breast: Juicy chicken seasoned simply makes for a great protein addition.
- Black Bean Tacos: Flavorful tacos packed with veggies complement the sweetness perfectly.
- Caesar Salad: The creamy dressing and crunchy croutons contrast nicely with the fries’ texture.
- Veggie Stir-Fry: Colorful vegetables stir-fried in soy sauce provide a nutritious balance to your meal.
- Sloppy Joes: The savory nature of sloppy joes pairs well with sweet potato’s natural sweetness.
- Fish Tacos: Lightly battered fish served in tortillas works perfectly with crispy fries on the side.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding common mistakes can enhance your experience while making Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- Under-soaking the fries: Not soaking the sweet potatoes long enough can lead to soggy fries. Aim for at least 30 minutes in cold water to remove excess starch.
- Skipping uniform cuts: Cutting the sweet potatoes unevenly results in inconsistent cooking. Try to make all fries about 1/4 inch thick for even baking.
- Overcrowding the baking sheet: Placing too many fries on the sheet can cause steaming instead of crisping. Spread them out in a single layer for optimal results.
- Neglecting to dry the fries: Failing to pat the soaked fries dry introduces moisture, which prevents crispiness. Use paper towels to thoroughly remove any excess water before seasoning.
- Not preheating the oven: Baking in a cold oven can lead to limp fries. Always preheat your oven and the baking sheet for that perfect crunch.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Allow the fries to cool completely before sealing them.
Freezing Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries
- Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag.
- They can be kept frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for about 10 minutes until crispy again.
- Microwave: Heat on high for about 1-2 minutes, but this may not retain crispiness.
- Stovetop: Sauté in a pan over medium heat with a little olive oil for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about making Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries.
How do I make my sweet potato fries extra crispy?
To achieve extra crispiness, soak the cut fries in cold water and use cornstarch before baking. This helps remove moisture and adds crunch.
Can I use other seasonings?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with spices like cayenne pepper or garlic salt for different flavors.
What is the best type of sweet potato for fries?
Japanese or orange-fleshed sweet potatoes work best due to their natural sweetness and texture when baked.
How do I know when my fries are done?
Look for a golden brown color and a crispy texture. Flipping them halfway through baking ensures even cooking.
Final Thoughts
These Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them with various seasonings or dips. Perfect as a side dish or snack, they provide a healthier alternative without sacrificing flavor. We encourage you to try this recipe and enjoy the delightful crunch!
Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 4 servings 1x
Description
Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries are a delightful and healthy alternative to traditional fries, offering the perfect balance of crunch and flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 medium sweet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and place a baking sheet inside.
- Peel (optional) and cut sweet potatoes into uniform 1/4-inch thick fries.
- Soak fries in cold water for at least 30 minutes, then drain and pat dry.
- In a large bowl, combine the fries with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cornstarch until well-coated.
- Spread fries in a single layer on the hot baking sheet and bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
