Description
Crispy Baked Sweet Potato Fries are a healthier alternative to traditional fried fries, featuring perfectly seasoned and oven-baked sweet potato slices that achieve a satisfyingly crisp texture. Lightly coated with cornstarch and olive oil, these fries are easy to make and brilliantly flavorful, with optional spices to boost their taste.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds sweet potatoes (about 2 medium-large or 3 medium)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Optional Seasonings
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Cayenne pepper, about ¼ teaspoon
- Garlic powder, about ¼ teaspoon
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) and position racks in the lower and upper thirds of the oven. Ensure the top rack is approximately 6 inches from the heat source to prevent burning. Line two large rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper to keep fries from sticking.
- Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Peel the sweet potatoes and slice them into fries approximately ¼ inch wide and ¼ inch thick. Aim to keep the pieces uniform for even baking. Distribute half of the raw fries onto each prepared baking sheet.
- Coat with Cornstarch and Salt: Sprinkle about 1½ teaspoons of cornstarch and ¼ teaspoon sea salt evenly over each pan’s fries. Toss thoroughly to ensure a light, even coating, rubbing any visible cornstarch into the fries with your fingers to avoid clumps.
- Add Olive Oil: Drizzle 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil over the fries on each pan. Toss well to coat all fries lightly and evenly, with no dry powdery spots remaining.
- Arrange and Bake: Spread the fries in a single layer on each pan, avoiding overcrowding to promote crispness. Bake for 20 minutes, then flip the fries using a metal spatula by scooping about ten fries at a time and turning them over swiftly.
- Rearrange and Rotate Pans: After flipping, rearrange the fries evenly and move any more browned fries toward the center of the pan to prevent overcooking. Swap the baking sheets’ positions in the oven, placing the top pan on the lower rack and vice versa.
- Bake Until Crispy: Continue baking for an additional 10 to 18 minutes, watching closely as the fries shift from a shiny orange surface to a matte, puffed appearance—your cue that they are crisping up. Remove when edges are slightly brown for the best caramelized flavor without burning.
- Season and Serve: If desired, toss the hot fries with freshly ground black pepper and sprinkle cayenne pepper and garlic powder to taste. Serve warm and enjoy the crispy delight!
Notes
- Cut fries evenly to ensure consistent cooking.
- Do not overcrowd baking sheets to maintain crispiness.
- Use parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Watch fries closely in the last baking phase to avoid burning.
- Optional spices are recommended for enhanced flavor but can be omitted for a simpler taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
