If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably found yourself craving crispy, salty fries at the most inconvenient times. But let’s be honest—traditional fries aren’t exactly the healthiest option. That’s where these Crispy Baked Sweet Potato Fries come in! They’re golden, crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside, and packed with flavor—all without the guilt of deep frying.
I’ve made these sweet potato fries more times than I can count, and they never disappoint. Whether you’re serving them as a snack, a side dish, or just munching on them straight from the baking sheet (no judgment here!), they’re the perfect way to satisfy those fry cravings. Plus, with just a few simple ingredients and an easy baking method, they’re totally beginner-friendly.
So, let’s dive in and make the crispiest, most delicious sweet potato fries you’ve ever had!
How to Make Crispy Baked Sweet Potato Fries
The key to great baked fries is all in the preparation. With a little bit of seasoning and the right baking technique, you’ll get that perfect crispiness every time.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Before anything else, set your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature is crucial for getting the fries nice and crispy, mimicking that deep-fried texture without all the extra oil.
While the oven is heating up, grab a large baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. Trust me, this little step makes cleanup a breeze and prevents the fries from sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
Now, let’s talk sweet potatoes. You’ll need two large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into fry-sized pieces. Aim for uniform thickness—about ¼-inch thick—so they cook evenly. If they’re too thick, they’ll be soft in the middle without getting that crispy edge we’re after.
Once they’re cut, place them in a large bowl. This is where the magic happens!
Step 3: Season the Fries
To bring out the best flavors, drizzle the sweet potatoes with:
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil – Helps the fries crisp up and prevents them from drying out.
- 1 teaspoon of paprika – Adds a hint of smokiness and enhances the natural sweetness.
- ½ teaspoon of garlic powder – Because garlic makes everything better!
- Salt and pepper to taste – A little goes a long way in boosting flavor.
Toss everything together until the fries are evenly coated. You can use your hands or a spoon, but I always say hands work best—you get an even coating and a little extra love in there!
Step 4: Arrange on the Baking Sheet
Spread the fries out in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. No overcrowding! If they’re too close together, they’ll steam instead of crisping up, and no one wants soggy fries. If needed, use two baking sheets to give them plenty of space.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place your baking sheet in the preheated 425°F (220°C) oven and let the fries bake for about 20-25 minutes. The high heat is essential because it helps to caramelize the natural sugars in the sweet potatoes, giving them that gorgeous golden color and crispy edges.
But here’s the most important part: flip the fries halfway through baking (about the 10-12 minute mark).
Why is flipping so important?
Flipping helps the fries cook evenly and crisp up on both sides. I like to use a spatula or tongs to gently turn them over. Be careful—sweet potatoes can be a little delicate, and you don’t want them breaking apart!
If you’re baking two trays at once, also swap the trays between the top and bottom racks at the halfway point. This ensures that all the fries get even heat exposure and crisp up beautifully.
How to Know When They’re Done
You’ll know your sweet potato fries are ready when:
- The edges look crispy and slightly browned.
- The inside is soft and tender when pierced with a fork.
- They have that perfect golden-orange color that makes them totally irresistible.
If they still look a little soft at the 20-minute mark, give them another 5 minutes. Just keep an eye on them to prevent burning—sweet potatoes have natural sugars that can caramelize quickly!
Step 6: The Final Touch
Once the fries are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for just a couple of minutes. This helps them firm up a bit more so they hold their crispiness.
If you love a little extra salt, now’s the time to sprinkle on a pinch while they’re still warm!
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Now comes the best part—digging in! Serve your crispy baked sweet potato fries warm with your favorite dipping sauce. Here are a few delicious options:
- Classic Ketchup – You can never go wrong with a classic.
- Garlic Aioli – A creamy, garlicky dip that pairs perfectly with sweet potatoes.
- Spicy Sriracha Mayo – For those who love a little heat!
- Homemade Ranch – Because ranch makes everything better.
Whether you’re enjoying them as a snack, a side dish, or a game-day treat, these sweet potato fries are sure to be a hit.
Pro Tips for Extra Crispiness
- Soak the sweet potatoes in water before baking – If you have time, soak the cut sweet potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes to an hour before baking. This helps remove excess starch, allowing them to crisp up even better. Just be sure to dry them completely before seasoning.
- Use cornstarch for a crunchier texture – Tossing the fries in a light coating of cornstarch (about 1 tablespoon per 2 potatoes) before adding oil can create an extra crispy outer layer.
- Avoid using too much oil – It might be tempting to drench the fries in oil for extra crispiness, but too much oil can actually make them soggy. Just 2 tablespoons is enough to coat them evenly.
- Bake on a wire rack – If you have a wire baking rack, place it on the baking sheet and arrange the fries on top. This allows hot air to circulate around the fries, making them crispier on all sides.
- Don’t forget to space them out – Overcrowding the baking sheet is a common mistake. If the fries are too close together, they’ll steam instead of crisping up. If needed, use two baking sheets.
FAQ: Common Questions About Sweet Potato Fries
Even the simplest recipes can come with a few questions, so let’s go over some of the most common ones to make sure your fries turn out perfect every time!
1. Why aren’t my sweet potato fries crispy?
There are a few reasons your fries might not be crispy:
- They were too close together on the baking sheet. Make sure they’re in a single layer with space between each fry.
- Too much oil was used, making them soggy instead of crisp.
- They weren’t flipped halfway through baking. Flipping helps crisp up both sides evenly.
- You skipped soaking or cornstarch—these little tricks help create that perfect crunch!
2. Can I make these fries ahead of time?
Yes! You can cut and season the fries ahead of time, then store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. If you’ve already baked them, just reheat them in a hot oven (400°F/200°C) for about 5-10 minutes to bring back the crispiness.
3. Can I use an air fryer instead of an oven?
Absolutely! To make these fries in an air fryer, set it to 380°F (195°C) and cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. They’ll come out even crispier with less oil!
4. Do I have to peel the sweet potatoes?
Nope! The peel is totally edible and adds a little extra fiber and texture. If you like a more rustic fry, just give the sweet potatoes a good scrub and leave the skin on.
5. What’s the best dipping sauce for sweet potato fries?
While ketchup is a classic, sweet potato fries pair amazingly with:
- Garlic aioli
- Chipotle mayo
- Honey mustard
- Spicy Sriracha mayo
- Maple Dijon dip (a sweet-savory combo that’s SO good!)
Final Thoughts: Time to Dig In!
There you have it—crispy baked sweet potato fries that are easy to make, packed with flavor, and way healthier than the deep-fried version! Whether you’re making them as a side dish, a snack, or just a reason to eat more sweet potatoes (because they’re amazing), this recipe is one you’ll want to make again and again.
If you give these fries a try, I’d love to hear how they turned out! Leave a comment below with your favorite dipping sauce or any tweaks you made to the recipe. And don’t forget to share this with a fellow sweet potato lover—because everyone deserves to enjoy crispy fries without the guilt! Happy snacking!
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SWEET POTATO FRIES
- Total Time: 35 mins
Description
These homemade sweet potato fries are crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and packed with flavor! Perfect as a snack, side dish, or appetizer, they pair wonderfully with a variety of dipping sauces.
Ingredients
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into fries
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Dipping sauce of choice (ketchup, aioli, or ranch)
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2️⃣ Season the fries: In a large bowl, toss the sweet potato fries with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
3️⃣ Arrange on the baking sheet: Spread the fries out in a single layer, ensuring they aren’t overcrowded. This helps them bake evenly and get crispy.
4️⃣ Bake to perfection: Place the fries in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are crispy and golden brown.
5️⃣ Serve and enjoy: Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra crispiness, soak the cut fries in cold water for 30 minutes before baking. Pat them completely dry before seasoning.
- Spread the fries out evenly to prevent steaming. Overcrowding can make them soggy.
- Adjust seasoning to taste—try adding cayenne pepper for a spicy kick or Parmesan cheese for extra flavor!
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
