If you’re craving a snack that’s both flavorful and satisfying, look no further than these Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries. They strike the perfect balance between irresistibly crisp edges and tender, sweet centers that make every bite a joy. With just a handful of pantry staples and simple steps, you’ll have a healthier alternative to fried fries that pairs wonderfully with any meal or stands on its own as a delicious treat.

Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

All you need are a few simple, everyday ingredients that work together to give these sweet potato fries their signature crispiness, vibrant color, and rich flavor.

Sweet potatoes: Use medium-sized ones; peeling is optional depending on your preference, but be sure to cut evenly for even cooking.
Olive oil: Just enough to coat the fries, helping them brown beautifully and develop a lovely crunch.
Garlic powder: Adds a savory depth that enhances the natural sweetness of the potatoes.
Paprika: You can opt for smoked paprika for a hint of smoky warmth or regular paprika for mild spice and color.
Salt: Essential for bringing out all the natural flavors.
Black pepper: A light touch adds a subtle kick without overpowering the dish.
Cornstarch: The secret weapon for extra crispiness; it helps create that coveted golden crust.

How to Make Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by heating your oven to 425°F (220°C) and place your baking sheet inside while it preheats. This ensures the surface is hot enough to start crispening the fries as soon as they hit the pan, which is a key step for achieving that perfect texture.

Step 2: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

Peeling the sweet potatoes is optional, but if you prefer a smoother finish, go ahead and peel them. Then carefully cut them into 1/4 inch thick fries, aiming for uniformity so they roast evenly and each piece cooks through perfectly.

Step 3: Soak the Fries

Place the cut fries into cold water and let them soak for about 30 minutes. This soaking step is essential because it removes excess starch, preventing sogginess and helping you achieve those irresistibly crispy edges that make these Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries so delightful.

Step 4: Season the Fries

After soaking, drain and thoroughly pat the fries dry using paper towels to remove all surface moisture. Toss the fries in a large bowl with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cornstarch if you’re using it. Mix well to ensure that every fry is evenly coated with seasoning and that magic crisping agent.

Step 5: Bake the Fries

Carefully take the hot baking sheet out of the oven and spread the fries out in a single layer, making sure they aren’t touching or crowded. Crowding leads to steaming rather than roasting. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping the fries halfway through to ensure even browning on every side.

Step 6: Check for Crispiness

Once your fries have turned a gorgeous golden brown and feel crispy to the touch, take them out of the oven. Let them cool for a few minutes; this resting period helps maintain that crisp texture so every bite delivers maximum crunch and flavor.

How to Serve Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries

Garnishes

Sprinkle a little fresh chopped parsley or a pinch of grated Parmesan on top for an extra layer of brightness and a nutty note that contrasts perfectly with the sweet and smoky spices.

Side Dishes

These fries are versatile and pair beautifully with grilled chicken, burgers, or even a fresh green salad. They also make a fantastic vehicle for dipping sauces like garlic aioli, chipotle mayo, or classic ketchup.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve your Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries in a paper cone or small baskets lined with parchment paper for a casual, street-food vibe at your next gathering. You can also pile them onto a platter and top with crumbled feta and a drizzle of tahini for a Mediterranean-inspired treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover fries in an airtight container and refrigerate. They stay fresh up to 3 days, making them perfect for meal prep or snacking later.

Freezing

To freeze, first bake the fries until just cooked but not fully crisped, then cool completely. Spread them on a baking sheet and freeze individually before transferring to a freezer bag. This prevents clumping so you can reheat only what you need.

Reheating

To warm up your Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries without losing crunch, reheat them in a hot oven or toaster oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 5 to 7 minutes. Avoid microwaving to keep the outside crispy.

FAQs

Can I leave the sweet potato skin on?

Absolutely! Leaving the skin on adds extra fiber and a rustic texture. Just make sure to clean the potatoes well before cutting.

Why do I need to soak the fries?

Soaking removes excess starch that can make fries gummy. It helps them crisp up better in the oven, giving you that satisfying crunch.

Is cornstarch necessary for crispiness?

While not mandatory, cornstarch adds an extra crispy coating that enhances the texture significantly. If you’re after the crispiest fries, it’s worth including.

Can I use other spices?

Definitely! Feel free to experiment with cumin, chili powder, or even cinnamon for a sweet touch. The seasoning is very flexible to suit your taste.

How do I prevent the fries from sticking to the baking sheet?

Make sure to toss the fries evenly with olive oil and use a hot baking sheet. You can also line the sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat for easy release.

Final Thoughts

These Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries are sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen because they’re simple, delicious, and oh so satisfying. Whether you’re making a quick snack or a side for dinner, you’ll love how the crispy exterior and sweet, tender interior come together perfectly. Give this recipe a try and watch these fries disappear fast — trust me, everyone will be asking for seconds!

Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries Recipe

★★★★★

5.3 from 11 reviews

Author: Sarah
Total Time: 65-70 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Enjoy these Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries, a healthier alternative to traditional fried fries. Made with simple ingredients like sweet potatoes, olive oil, and seasonings, these fries are perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. They are soaked to remove starch for extra crispiness and baked at a high temperature for the best texture, making them a delicious and guilt-free snack or side dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Sweet Potatoes

2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled (optional) and cut into 1/4 inch thick fries

Seasonings & Coating

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika optional)
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon cornstarch (for extra crispiness)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and place a baking sheet inside so it heats up, ensuring a hot surface to bake the fries on for maximum crispiness.
Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Peel the sweet potatoes if desired and cut them into 1/4 inch thick fries, making them as uniform as possible for even cooking.
Soak the Fries: Soak the cut fries in a bowl of cold water for 30 minutes to remove excess starch which helps in achieving a crispier texture when baked.
Season the Fries: Drain and thoroughly pat dry the fries with paper towels to remove moisture. Toss the fries in a large bowl with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cornstarch to coat evenly and add extra crunch.
Bake the Fries: Carefully remove the hot baking sheet from the oven and spread the fries out in a single layer without overcrowding. Bake for 25-30 minutes at 425°F (220°C), flipping halfway through to ensure all sides become golden and crispy.
Check for Crispiness and Serve: Once the fries are crisp and golden brown, remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving to allow them to set and enhance texture.

Notes

Soaking the fries in cold water removes excess starch which is essential for crispiness.
Drying the fries completely before tossing in oil and cornstarch helps achieve a crispier finish.
If you prefer, leave the sweet potato skins on for added texture and nutrients.
Use smoked paprika for a deeper, smoky flavor.
Make sure not to overcrowd the baking sheet to allow proper air circulation for even cooking.
This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled for larger batches.
Serve immediately for best texture, although leftovers can be reheated in the oven.

Prep Time: 40 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Category: Side Dish, Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American