Description
These Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries are a healthier alternative to traditional fried fries, featuring a perfectly crunchy texture achieved by soaking the cut potatoes to remove excess starch and baking them at a high temperature. Seasoned with garlic powder, paprika, and a hint of black pepper, these fries are deliciously flavorful and ideal for a satisfying snack or side dish.
Ingredients
Sweet Potato Fries
- 2 medium sweet potatoes (peeled optional, cut into 1/4 inch thick fries)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional for extra crispiness)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and place a baking sheet inside the oven to heat up while you prepare the fries. This ensures the fries start cooking on contact with a hot surface, aiding crispiness.
- Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Peel the sweet potatoes if desired, then cut them into uniform 1/4 inch thick fries to ensure even cooking throughout.
- Soak the Fries: Submerge the cut fries in a bowl of cold water for 30 minutes. Soaking removes excess starch, which is crucial for achieving a crispy texture when baked.
- Season the Fries: Drain and thoroughly pat dry the fries using a paper towel to eliminate moisture. In a large bowl, toss the fries with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cornstarch if using. Make sure all fries are evenly coated with the seasoning and oil mixture.
- Bake the Fries: Carefully take the hot baking sheet out of the oven and spread the fries in a single layer without overcrowding. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping the fries halfway through the baking time, until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Check for Crispiness: Once baked, remove the fries from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes to firm up and maximize crispiness before serving.
Notes
- Soaking the fries in cold water is key to removing starch and getting crispy fries.
- Patting the fries dry is essential to prevent sogginess during baking.
- You can use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika for a smoky flavor.
- Do not overcrowd the baking sheet to ensure fries bake evenly and crisp up.
- Flipping the fries halfway ensures even browning on all sides.
- Optional: Use cornstarch for extra crispiness but it can be skipped if preferred.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
