THE BEST BAKED SWEET POTATO FRIES RECIPE
There’s nothing quite like a batch of crispy baked sweet potato fries to elevate your snacking game or accompany your favorite meals. These oven-baked fries are tossed with olive oil and sea salt, creating the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. Plus, they are a healthier alternative to regular fries, thanks to their rich nutritional profile and the use of minimal oil. This recipe yields a deliciously crunchy treat that’s great as a side dish or a standalone snack.
Unlike traditional deep-fried fries, these baked sweet potato fries are incredibly easy to make at home. With just a few simple ingredients and some clever techniques, you can achieve that crispy texture that everyone craves. The secret lies in the use of cornstarch, which helps absorb moisture and creates a delightfully crisp exterior while keeping the insides tender and flavorful.
Whether you’re serving them with a juicy burger, enjoying them on their own, or using them as a base for loaded nachos, these fries are bound to become a favorite. Let’s dive into how to make these irresistible crispy baked sweet potato fries!
Essential Ingredients for Crispy Baked Sweet Potato Fries
- Sweet potatoes – The star of the show! Sweet potatoes provide natural sweetness and a vibrant color, making them a tasty and visually appealing choice for fries.
- Cornstarch – A crucial ingredient that helps create a crispy outer layer by absorbing moisture from the sweet potatoes.
- Fine sea salt – Enhances the natural flavors of the sweet potatoes and brings out their inherent sweetness.
- Extra-virgin olive oil – Adds a subtle flavor while helping to achieve a crispy texture in the oven.
- Optional spices (black pepper, cayenne pepper, garlic powder) – Add some extra heat or depth of flavor to your fries, depending on your taste preferences.
Simple Steps to Perfect Baked Sweet Potato Fries
- Preheat the oven to 425°F, arranging racks in the lower and upper thirds of the oven. Prepare two large baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Peel the sweet potatoes and slice them into fries, approximately ¼ inch thick, ensuring they are evenly sized for consistent baking.
- Divide the fries evenly between the baking sheets. Sprinkle with cornstarch and sea salt, then toss until the fries are coated. Drizzle with olive oil and toss again to ensure even coverage.
- Arrange the fries in a single layer on the baking sheets, avoiding overcrowding to promote crisping. Bake for 20 minutes.
- Flip the fries with a spatula, reposition them on the baking sheets, and swap the pans’ positions in the oven. Continue baking for another 10 to 18 minutes, or until the fries are crispy and golden.
- Season with your desired spices and serve immediately while hot and fresh!
Tips for Ultimate Crispy Sweet Potato Fries
- Uniform Sizing: Make sure all fries are cut to the same thickness to ensure even cooking.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Give each fry some space on the baking sheet to prevent steaming and encourage crispiness.
- Flip with Care: Use a metal spatula for easy flipping and to keep the fries intact.
- Keep an Eye on Them: Sweet potato fries can go from perfectly crispy to burnt in a matter of minutes, so stay vigilant during the last few minutes of baking.
Recipe Variations and Serving Suggestions
These sweet potato fries are incredibly versatile! For a different flavor profile, try adding smoked paprika, cinnamon, or even a dash of nutmeg. To make a spicy version, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or toss them with chili powder. They pair beautifully with dips like ketchup, aioli, guacamole, or a spicy yogurt sauce.
You can also turn leftovers into a delightful dish by using them as a base for nachos. Simply top with cheese, black beans, avocado, and any other toppings you enjoy, then bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Although these fries are best enjoyed fresh, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To restore their crispiness, reheat them in a preheated oven or toaster oven until warm and crispy. Avoid reheating in the microwave, as this can make them soggy.
With these tips, you can enjoy the crispy, golden perfection of baked sweet potato fries whenever you crave them!
THE BEST BAKED SWEET POTATO FRIES RECIPE
Zutaten
- 2 pounds sweet potatoes approximately 2 medium-large or 3 medium
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
- Optional seasonings: freshly ground black pepper cayenne pepper, garlic powder
Anleitungen
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and position racks in the lower and upper thirds of the oven. Ensure the top rack is no closer than 6 inches from the heat source. Line two large, rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the fries from sticking.
- Peel the sweet potatoes and slice them into fry-shaped pieces, each roughly ¼ inch wide and thick. Ensure the fries are similar in size for even baking. Distribute half of the cut fries onto each prepared baking sheet.
- Evenly sprinkle cornstarch over the sweet potato fries (about 1 ½ teaspoons per baking sheet) and add sea salt (¼ teaspoon per sheet). Toss the fries until they are uniformly coated in the cornstarch. Drizzle with olive oil (1 tablespoon per sheet) and toss again, ensuring no powdery spots remain. Use your fingers to rub in any visible cornstarch, if needed.
- Arrange the fries in a single, even layer, making sure they are not overcrowded to promote crispiness. Bake for 20 minutes, then flip the fries to ensure they cook evenly on all sides. Use a metal spatula to flip them in sections, turning about ten fries at a time with a swift flick of the wrist.
- Reorganize the fries into even layers on the baking sheets, shifting any overly browned fries toward the middle of the pan to prevent overcooking. Return the sheets to the oven, swapping their positions so the former top pan is now on the lower rack, and vice versa.
- Continue baking for an additional 10 to 18 minutes, or until the fries achieve a crispy texture. Look for a change from a shiny orange to a more matte finish with puffed-up surfaces. Monitor closely, as fries can quickly go from crisp to burnt. The batch on the lower rack may finish a few minutes before the one on top. Slight browning at the edges is fine—it will add a caramelized flavor rather than a burnt taste.
- Once baked, season the fries with additional spices to your preference. Consider adding freshly ground black pepper, a scant ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper, or a dash of garlic powder. Serve the fries warm.