Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries

These Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries are a delightful and healthier alternative to traditional fries. Perfect for snacking or as a side dish, these fries deliver a satisfying crunch without the guilt of frying. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up this tasty treat in under 40 minutes, making them suitable for any occasion—from casual dinners to game day snacks.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Healthier Option – Enjoy the delicious taste of fries without the added calories from deep-frying.
• Quick and Easy – With minimal prep time, you can have crispy fries ready in no time.
• Versatile Flavor – Customize the seasoning to suit your taste; try adding herbs or spices for a unique twist.
• Perfect for Sharing – Serve these fries at gatherings or parties and watch them disappear!
• Kid-Friendly – Kids will love these crispy treats, making it easier to include veggies in their meals.

Tools and Preparation

To make these Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries, you’ll need a few essential tools that make the process smoother and more efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Bowl
• Paper towels

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking sheet – A good quality baking sheet ensures even heat distribution for perfectly baked fries.
• Knife – A sharp knife makes slicing through sweet potatoes easy and safe.
• Cutting board – A stable cutting surface helps prevent accidents while preparing your ingredients.

Ingredients

For the Sweet Potatoes

• 2 medium sweet potatoes (peeled (optional) and cut into fries)

For Seasoning

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika is optional for extra flavor)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For Extra Crispiness

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

How to Make Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a baking sheet inside the oven while it heats to get it nice and hot.

Step 2: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

Peel the sweet potatoes if desired. Cut them into 1/4 inch thick fries. Aim for uniform sizes so they cook evenly.

Step 3: Soak the Fries

Place the cut sweet potato fries in a bowl of cold water for 30 minutes. This step removes excess starch, which is crucial for achieving crispy fries.

Step 4: Season the Fries

After soaking, drain and pat the fries dry with paper towels. In a large bowl, toss the fries with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. If using cornstarch for extra crispiness, sprinkle it in now and mix well.

Step 5: Bake the Fries

Carefully remove the hot baking sheet from the oven. Spread the seasoned fries in a single layer on the sheet without overcrowding. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden brown and crispy.

Step 6: Check for Crispiness

Once they are crisp and golden, remove them from the oven. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your deliciously crispy sweet potato fries!

How to Serve Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries

Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries are not only a delicious snack but also pair wonderfully with various dishes. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.

As a Side Dish

• With Grilled Chicken: The crispiness of the fries complements the juicy flavor of grilled chicken perfectly.
• With Burgers: Whether beef or turkey, these fries make an excellent side for any burger, adding a touch of sweetness.
• With Tacos: Serve alongside tacos for a delightful crunch that contrasts the soft fillings.

As a Snack

• With Dipping Sauces: Pair your fries with garlic aioli, ketchup, or a spicy mayo for an exciting flavor boost.
• As Part of a Platter: Create a snack platter with assorted veggies and hummus, making it perfect for gatherings.

For Meal Prep

• In Salads: Add cold sweet potato fries to salads for a unique twist on texture and flavor.
• In Wraps: Incorporate them into wraps with greens and proteins for a hearty meal.

How to Perfect Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries

Achieving the perfect crispy texture requires attention to detail and technique. Here are some tips to elevate your fries.

• Soak the Fries: Soaking sweet potatoes in cold water reduces starch, which helps achieve maximum crispiness.
• Use Cornstarch: Coating the fries lightly with cornstarch creates an even crispier exterior when baked.
• Preheat Your Baking Sheet: Heating the baking sheet ensures that the fries start cooking immediately, helping them become crispy faster.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Spread fries in a single layer; overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of baking, resulting in soggy fries.
• Flip Halfway Through Cooking: Turning the fries midway allows even browning and crisping on all sides.

Best Side Dishes for Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries

Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries can enhance any meal. Here are some fantastic side dish ideas to serve alongside them.

1. Grilled Veggies: Charred vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini add color and nutrients to your plate.
2. Quinoa Salad: A fresh quinoa salad mixed with herbs offers a nutritious balance to sweet potato fries.
3. Garlic Roasted Chickpeas: Crunchy roasted chickpeas provide protein and complement the sweetness of the fries nicely.
4. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and acidity, balancing out the flavors on your plate.
5. Cucumber Salad: Crisp cucumbers tossed in vinegar create a refreshing contrast to warm sweet potato fries.
6. Stuffed Bell Peppers: Colorful stuffed peppers filled with rice or grains offer heartiness while keeping things vibrant.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries, certain pitfalls can prevent you from achieving that perfect crunch. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for.

• Skipping the Soaking Step: Failing to soak your sweet potato fries removes excess starch, which is essential for achieving crispiness. Always soak them in cold water for at least 30 minutes.
• Not Drying the Fries Properly: Leaving moisture on the fries can lead to sogginess. Pat them dry thoroughly after soaking to ensure they bake up crispy.
• Overcrowding the Baking Sheet: If the fries are too close together, they will steam instead of bake. Spread them out in a single layer for optimal crispiness.
• Ignoring Oven Temperature: Baking at a lower temperature can result in soft fries. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) for that perfect golden finish.
• Forgetting to Flip the Fries: Not flipping the fries halfway through baking can lead to uneven cooking. Turn them over halfway for consistent browning.
• Neglecting Seasoning: Under-seasoned fries can lack flavor. Be generous with spices like garlic powder and paprika for a delicious taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover fries in an airtight container.
• They will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries

• Freeze fries in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to an airtight container.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries

• Oven: Preheat to 400°F (200°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 1-2 minutes, but expect softer fries.
• Stovetop: Sauté in a skillet over medium heat with a little oil until warmed and crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries.

How do I get my sweet potato fries extra crispy?

To achieve extra crispiness, soak your sweet potato fries in cold water before baking and make sure they are thoroughly dried afterward. You can also sprinkle cornstarch before tossing with oil and seasoning.

Can I use other seasonings on my Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different spices like cumin, chili powder, or even cinnamon for a sweet twist.

What should I serve with Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries?

These fries pair wonderfully with dips like ketchup, garlic aioli, or even a spicy yogurt sauce.

Can I make these sweet potato fries ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the sweet potato fries and store them in the refrigerator or freeze them before baking. Just reheat as needed!

Final Thoughts

Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries are not only delightful but also versatile. They make an excellent side dish or snack option that everyone will love. Feel free to customize your seasoning or serve them with your favorite dips for added enjoyment!