The crispy, golden-brown exterior of sweet potato fries brings me such joy. There’s something so satisfying about a crunchy bite, especially when paired with the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes. These aren’t just any fries—these are Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries that deliver the tantalizing balance of flavor and texture that we all crave for a fulfilling snack or side dish. My friends and family can vouch for how they disappear in minutes whenever I whip them up.

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A simple batch of sweet potato fries can change the mood of a gathering or even just a quiet evening at home. When I first discovered how easy it is to make these fries in the oven, I embraced them as a delightful alternative to deep-fried versions. You know those tired old frozen fries that never crisp up quite right? This recipe is anything but boring and tedious. Let’s dive into how these oven-baked fries can become a staple in your kitchen, whether you’re keeping it casual or serving up something special.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries
Recipe FAQs
Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: From prep to oven, get these fries sizzling in just under 90 minutes.
Irresistible Flavor: Each bite delights with a blend of notable spices that tease your taste buds.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Those vibrant orange fries are not only nutritious but a feast for the eyes too!
Flexible Serving: Perfect as a snack during movie night or as a colorful side dish at your next gathering.
Diet-Friendly Options: Gluten-free and vegan friendly—everyone can enjoy them!

Ingredients You’ll Need

4 large sweet potatoes, sliced into fries: Sweet potatoes provide a lovely sweetness and nutritional value. Look for firm, unblemished tubers. If sweet potatoes aren’t available, you can also use regular potatoes, but note that the flavor will differ.
8 tbsp cornstarch: This is key to achieving that desired crispiness. It helps create a dry exterior without deep frying. If you need an alternative, arrowroot powder works similarly.
8 tbsp olive oil: Olive oil adds a rich, smooth flavor while helping the fries crisp up nicely in the oven. Feel free to swap with avocado oil for a higher smoke point if needed.
2 tsp salt: Essential for enhancing the natural flavors of the sweet potatoes. You can use sea salt or kosher salt depending on your preference.
2 tsp paprika: This brings a nice smokiness and color to our fries. You might also try smoked paprika for an extra depth of flavor.
2 tsp cinnamon: This unexpected yet delightful addition pairs beautifully with sweet potatoes, creating a warm, comforting flavor profile.

How to Make Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries

Soaking the Fries: Start by cutting 4 large sweet potatoes into fries and placing them in a large bowl. Fill it with cold water and let them soak for 30 minutes. This step is crucial as soaking helps to remove excess starch, leading to a crispier texture once baked.
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. While it heats, the sweet potatoes continue to get a little firmer, which is perfect for fries!
Mix the Coating: In a small bowl, grab 8 tablespoons of cornstarch, 8 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 teaspoons of salt, 2 teaspoons of paprika, and 2 teaspoons of cinnamon. Combine them until you have a paste-like consistency.
Coat the Fries: Drain the soaked fries and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Pour the cornstarch mixture over them and toss to coat evenly. This ensures every fry gets a little flavor boost.
Prep the Baking Sheet: Spray a large baking sheet with non-stick spray to prevent any sticking, which can ruin the crispy texture we’re after.
Arrange the Fries: Lay the fries on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding; this helps them crisp up better.
Bake: Place the fries in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes. Be sure to stir the fries halfway through for even cooking. If you prefer them extra crispy, feel free to leave them in for a bit longer—just keep an eye on them, so they don’t burn!

Storing & Reheating

To enjoy your Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries later, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one day. Refrigerate for longer storage—up to 3 days will keep them fresh. If you’d like to freeze the fries, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply pop them in a preheated oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 to 15 minutes. While freezing might affect their initial crispness, a proper reheating will refresh those lovely flavors.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Watch the Time: Every oven is different, so keep an eye on your fries during the last few minutes to avoid any burning.
Don’t Skip the Soak: Soaking those sweet potatoes is essential for the perfect fries; it really impacts the final texture.
Perfect Prep: Ensure your fries are uniformly cut for even cooking. Aim for about ½ inch thick.
Adjust Seasoning: Don’t be afraid to personalize by adding your favorite spices—think garlic powder or chili powder for a kick!
Batch Cooking: If you’re cooking for a crowd, double the recipe and use multiple baking sheets if necessary.

The beauty of these Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries lies not just in their delightful crunch but in how effortless they are to prepare. Now that you have all the details, don’t shy away from experimenting with shapes, spices, and even dips. There’s so much joy in making them your own. Enjoy a plate, share with loved ones, and relish the flavors.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?

Absolutely! While sweet potatoes add a unique sweetness, you can easily substitute russet or Yukon Gold potatoes. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture will vary a bit, so adjust your seasonings accordingly.

How can I make these fries spicier?

If you like some heat, add cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the cornstarch mixture. Start with ¼ teaspoon and adjust to your taste.

Can I make these fries ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep and cut the sweet potatoes in advance, then store them in water in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just make sure to dry them thoroughly before coating to avoid sogginess.

What are some great dipping sauces for sweet potato fries?

Sweet potato fries pair wonderfully with a variety of dips. Try a zesty chipotle mayo, classic ketchup, or a creamy avocado dip for a refreshingly awesome combination!

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Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries

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Author: Krista
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 90 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Snack
Method: Oven-Baked
Cuisine: American

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Description

These crispy oven baked sweet potato fries are so irresistible! Easy to make with just a few key ingredients, they’re perfect for a quick snack or a healthy side dish.

Instructions

Cut sweet potatoes into fries and soak them in a large bowl of cold water for 30 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
In a small bowl, mix together cornstarch, olive oil, salt, paprika, and cinnamon.
Drain the sweet potatoes and transfer them to a bowl. Pour the cornstarch mixture over the fries and toss to coat evenly.
Spray a baking sheet with non-stick spray and arrange the fries in a single layer on the sheet.
Bake for 45 minutes, stirring halfway through. For extra crispiness, bake for additional time.

Notes

Soaking the sweet potatoes in water helps to remove excess starch for a crispier texture.
Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your taste.
Serve with your favorite dipping sauce for an extra delicious treat.