This savory and sweet Sweet Potato Fries recipe is made with sweet potatoes, olive oil, cornstarch, smoked paprika, and a touch of garlic powder. The result is a perfect side dish or snack, creating a satisfying and crunchy alternative to traditional french fries. This recipe is a family favorite and makes a generous serving for 4 people.
Sweet Potato Fries Ingredients
- 2 large sweet potatoes, about 2 lbs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
How To Make Sweet Potato Fries
- Prepare the oven and potatoes: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Cut the sweet potatoes into 1/4-inch thick fries. It’s important to keep the fries a consistent size for even cooking.
- Soak the potatoes: Place the cut sweet potatoes in a large bowl and cover them with cold water. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes. This step helps to remove excess starch, which is the key to getting them extra crispy.
- Dry the potatoes: Drain the water and dry the sweet potatoes completely with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. This is a crucial step—if the potatoes are not dry, they will steam instead of roasting.
- Coat the fries: In a large bowl, toss the dry sweet potatoes with olive oil, cornstarch, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. The cornstarch helps to create a crispy outer coating. Make sure every fry is evenly coated.
- Arrange and roast: Arrange the fries in a single, even layer on the prepared baking sheet. Do not overcrowd the pan. If necessary, use a second baking sheet.
- Bake and flip: Bake for 20-25 minutes, then flip each fry to the other side. Continue baking for another 10-15 minutes, or until the fries are golden brown and crispy. Serve immediately.
Recipe Tips
- Consistent Sizing: The most important tip for perfect fries is to cut them into a uniform size. This ensures they all cook at the same rate and you won’t end up with some burnt and some undercooked.
- Soak and Dry: Don’t skip these steps. Soaking helps to release starch, while a thorough drying prevents steaming. This is the secret to achieving a truly crispy texture in the oven.
- Single Layer: For maximum crispiness, it is essential to arrange the fries in a single layer with a little space between each one. If they are piled on top of each other, they will steam and become soft.
- Dip It: For a perfect side, try pairing these fries with a variety of dips. A simple garlic aioli, a spicy sriracha mayo, or a creamy ranch dressing all make delicious accompaniments.
What To Serve Sweet Potato Fries
These Sweet Potato Fries are an incredibly versatile side dish. They are a classic pairing for burgers of all kinds, from juicy beef patties to black bean veggie burgers. You can also serve them with sandwiches, wraps, or as a side to roasted chicken or grilled salmon. Their natural sweetness and savory seasonings also make them an excellent snack on their own, especially when served with your favorite dipping sauce.
How To Store Sweet Potato Fries Leftovers
- Refrigerate: Store any leftover fries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, the best method is to use an air fryer or reheat them on a baking sheet in a hot oven until they are crispy again.
- Freeze: Freezing is not recommended, as the texture will be negatively affected. The fries will become soggy and lose their crispy texture upon thawing.
Sweet Potato Fries Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 260 kcal
- Total Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 345mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 42g
- Dietary Fiber: 7g
- Sugars: 9g
- Protein: 4g
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I air fry these fries instead of roasting them? Yes, you can. The air fryer works great for making crispy sweet potato fries. Follow the same prep steps (soaking and drying the potatoes), then arrange them in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
- Why are my fries soggy? The most common reason for soggy fries is not drying the sweet potatoes completely after soaking. Excess moisture on the surface of the potatoes causes them to steam in the oven instead of roasting. Overcrowding the pan can also lead to steaming.
- Can I use different spices? Absolutely. You can customize the spice blend to your liking. Try using chili powder, cumin, or even a dash of cinnamon for a different flavor profile. The key is to keep the cornstarch, as it is essential for the crispy texture.
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Sweet Potato Fries Recipe
Description
These Sweet Potato Fries are incredibly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavor. The key to their texture is a simple soak in water and a light coating of cornstarch before roasting. Seasoned with smoked paprika and garlic powder, they are a delicious and addictive side dish or a satisfying snack on their own.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet. Cut sweet potatoes into 1/4-inch fries.
- Soak fries in cold water for 30 minutes, then drain and dry completely.
- In a large bowl, toss fries with olive oil, cornstarch, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Arrange fries in a single layer on the baking sheet.
- Roast for 20-25 minutes, flip, and roast for another 10-15 minutes until crispy and golden.