Description
Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries are simple, flavorful, and a healthier side. Get my personal tips for golden perfection every time, no deep fryer required!
Ingredients
Scale
- Sweet Potato Stars:
- 2–3 medium Sweet Potatoes
- Crunchy Coating:
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 tbsp Cornstarch
- Flavor Boosters:
- 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
- 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1/2 tsp Sea Salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
- Optional Extras:
- 1 tbsp Maple Syrup (optional)
Instructions
- Scrub & Slice Your Sweet Potatoes:: First things first, give those sweet potatoes a good scrub under cool water. No need to peel them unless you really want to; the skin actually helps with crispiness, and honestly, it’s less work! Slice them into even-sized sticks, about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. This is CRITICAL for even baking. I once had a batch where some were tiny and some were chunky – the tiny ones burned while the chunky ones stayed raw. Total facepalm moment, learn from my oops!
- Give ‘Em a Starch Soak:: Now for a step I swear by for truly Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries: toss those cut sweet potatoes into a large bowl of cold water for about 15-20 minutes. This helps draw out some of the excess starch, which means crispier fries later. Honestly, I didn’t expect this simple trick to make such a difference, but it does! After their little bath, drain them really, really well. Like, pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness, my friend!
- Toss with Oil & Seasonings:: In a big bowl, drizzle the dried sweet potato sticks with olive oil. Toss them until they’re all lightly coated. Then, sprinkle in the cornstarch, smoked paprika, garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper. Get in there with your hands and toss, toss, toss! Make sure every single fry is coated evenly. This is where the magic starts to happen; the smell of those spices mixing with the sweet potato is just wonderful. Don’t be shy, really get them covered.
- Spread on Baking Sheets:: Preheat your oven to a good, hot temperature, around 400°F (200°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper – essential for non-stick! Now, this is another crucial step for Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries: arrange the sweet potato sticks in a single layer on the prepared baking sheets. DO NOT overcrowd them. If they’re too close, they’ll steam instead of roast, and you’ll end up with sad, floppy fries. I’ve been there, trust me, it’s not pretty.
- Bake to Golden Perfection:: Pop those baking sheets into your preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, then carefully flip each fry. Yes, each one! It’s a bit of a commitment, but it’s worth it for even crispiness. Continue baking for another 10-15 minutes, or until they’re beautifully golden brown and crispy on the edges. Keep an eye on them, ovens vary so much! You want them tender on the inside, crunchy on the outside. The kitchen will start smelling absolutely divine at this point.
- Optional Maple Drizzle & Serve Warm:: If you’re adding maple syrup, now’s the time! Drizzle it lightly over the fries for the last 5 minutes of baking. Once they’re done to your liking, pull them out of the oven. Let them cool for just a minute or two on the baking sheet – they crisp up a little more as they cool. Serve these Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries immediately! They’re best fresh, honestly, with your favorite dipping sauce. Sometimes I sprinkle a little fresh parsley for color, just for fun.