Crispy Baked Sweet Potato Fries

$To make crispy baked sweet potato fries, gather these simple ingredients: - 2 large sweet potatoes - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat) - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for extra crispiness) You can switch some ingredients if needed. Use coconut oil instead of olive oil for a different flavor. For spices, try onion powder or chili powder if you don’t have garlic powder. If you want less heat, skip the cayenne pepper altogether. You can also use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes for a classic fry. Sweet potatoes are very healthy. They are high in vitamins A and C, which help your skin and immune system. They also contain fiber, which is good for digestion. Sweet potatoes have antioxidants that fight free radicals, keeping your body healthy. Plus, they provide energy thanks to their natural sugars. Adding these fries to your meal gives you a tasty and nutritious side dish. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. First, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This heat will help the fries crisp up nicely. 2. Next, peel the sweet potatoes. I like to use large sweet potatoes for bigger fries. 3. Cut each sweet potato into even fries. Aim for about 1/4 inch thick. This size cooks well and stays crispy. 4. In a large bowl, toss the sweet potato fries with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Make sure each fry gets a good coat of oil. 5. Now, sprinkle on 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and optional ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper for some heat. Add salt and pepper to taste. 6. For extra crispiness, add 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Toss everything well so the fries are evenly coated. 1. Spread the fries out in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Don’t let them touch; this helps them get crispy. 2. Bake in your preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Flip the fries halfway through cooking. 3. Keep an eye on them! Ovens can vary, so check for a golden brown color. 1. Make sure to use cornstarch in your mix. It absorbs moisture and helps create a crunch. 2. Also, spreading the fries out is key. If they touch, they won’t crisp up. 3. Let the fries rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps them firm up and adds to the crispiness. Enjoy your crispy baked sweet potato fries! To add flavor to your sweet potato fries, use simple spices. Here are some great combos: - Classic Mix: Smoked paprika, garlic powder, and salt. - Spicy Kick: Add cayenne pepper for heat. - Herb Blend: Try oregano and thyme with your spices. - Sweet Twist: Use cinnamon and nutmeg for a sweet touch. Experiment with these blends to find your favorite! Using the right tools helps make your fries perfect. Here’s what you need: - Sharp Knife: For cutting the sweet potatoes evenly. - Cutting Board: A stable surface is key for safe cutting. - Large Bowl: For tossing the fries with oil and spices. - Baking Sheet: Line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup. - Oven: Preheat to 425°F (220°C) for best results. Avoid these errors to get the crispiest fries: - Cutting Sizes: Make sure all fries are the same size for even cooking. - Overcrowding: Spread fries in a single layer on the sheet. Crowding leads to sogginess. - Skipping Cornstarch: Cornstarch helps achieve extra crispiness; don’t skip it! - Not Flipping: Flip the fries halfway through cooking. This helps them brown evenly. With these tips in mind, you can make sweet potato fries that are crispy and delicious every time! Pro Tips Cut Evenly: Ensure that the sweet potatoes are cut into uniform sizes to promote even cooking and crispiness. Use Cornstarch: Coating the fries with cornstarch before baking helps to absorb moisture and creates a crispier texture. Avoid Overcrowding: Spread the fries out in a single layer on the baking sheet to allow air to circulate and prevent steaming. Flip for Even Crispiness: Flip the fries halfway through baking to ensure they brown evenly on all sides. {{image_2}} You can change the taste of sweet potato fries by adding different spices. Try using cumin, chili powder, or even cinnamon for a sweeter twist. Mix and match spices to find your favorite flavor. For a zesty kick, add lemon zest or lime juice. Each spice brings a unique taste, making your fries fun and exciting. Loaded sweet potato fries are a great way to enjoy a hearty snack. Top your fries with melted cheese, sour cream, and chopped green onions for a classic take. You can also add black beans, avocado, and salsa for a Tex-Mex style. For a healthier option, try topping with Greek yogurt and fresh herbs. The key is to balance flavors and textures, creating a delicious meal or snack. You can cook sweet potato fries in different ways. An air fryer cooks them quickly and keeps them crispy. Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook for about 15 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through for even cooking. If you prefer a traditional fryer, heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry the sweet potatoes in small batches for about 3-4 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and let them drain on paper towels. Each method gives you tasty fries with a unique texture. You can store leftover baked sweet potato fries in the fridge. Place them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. Make sure the fries are cool before sealing the container. This helps prevent moisture buildup. To freeze sweet potato fries, follow these steps. First, let the fries cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When reheating, aim to keep the fries crispy. The oven is the best method. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the fries on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for about 10-15 minutes. Flip them halfway through for even heating. Alternatively, you can use an air fryer. Heat them at 375°F (190°C) for about 5-7 minutes. Both methods help restore their crunch. To make sweet potato fries extra crispy, start with cornstarch. After cutting the fries, toss them in cornstarch before adding oil. The cornstarch helps absorb moisture. Also, spread the fries out in a single layer on the pan. If they touch, they will steam and won’t get crispy. Flip them halfway through baking to ensure even cooking. Bake them at 425°F (220°C) for the best results. Yes, you can use other types of potatoes. Regular potatoes, like russets, work well. They have a higher starch content, which helps with crispiness. You can also try Yukon gold or purple potatoes for unique flavors. Just cut them to a similar size as sweet potatoes for even cooking. Adjust the cooking time if needed, as different potatoes may bake differently. Sweet potato fries pair well with many sauces. Here are some of my favorites: - Honey mustard: The sweetness complements the fries. - Ranch dressing: A classic choice that adds creaminess. - Chipotle mayo: For a spicy kick, this sauce is great. - Ketchup: A simple, traditional option that never fails. Experiment with these sauces to find your favorite. In this post, we explored the world of sweet potato fries. We covered essential ingredients, cooking tips, and delicious variations. You now know how to prepare these tasty fries and ensure they stay crispy. Remember, try different spices to boost flavor, and avoid common mistakes for the best results. For storage, use the fridge or freezer wisely. Enjoy making sweet potato fries at home, and have fun experimenting with new ideas! Your kitchen adventures await, so get cooking!$

Crispy Baked Sweet Potato Fries

Deliciously crispy sweet potato fries baked to perfection.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Total Time 40

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

2 large sweet potatoes
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
to taste salt and pepper
1 tablespoon cornstarch (for extra crispiness)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into evenly-sized fries, about 1/4 inch thick.
In a large bowl, toss the sweet potato fries with olive oil, ensuring each fry is well coated.
Sprinkle the smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper (if using), cornstarch, salt, and pepper over the fries. Toss again to ensure an even coating.
Spread the seasoned fries in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they aren’t touching each other to get crispy.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the fries are golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them, as cooking times can vary.
Once done, remove the fries from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes to firm up.

Notes

Serve the fries in a rustic basket lined with parchment paper, alongside a small bowl of your favorite dipping sauce for a charming presentation.

Keyword baked, crispy, fries, sweet potato