There’s something truly irresistible about sweet potato fries. Their crispy exterior, fluffy interior, and naturally sweet flavor make them a favorite snack, appetizer, or side dish. Whether you’re craving something savory or want a healthier alternative to regular fries, this recipe will leave you hooked. Best of all, sweet potato fries are easy to make at home and can be customized to suit your taste!
Ingredients
To make a batch of delicious sweet potato fries, you’ll need the following:
- 2–3 large sweet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or any neutral vegetable oil)
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional, for a smoky kick)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional toppings: grated Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, chili flakes, or a drizzle of honey
Instructions
1. Prep the Sweet Potatoes
Start by washing and peeling your sweet potatoes. If you prefer, you can leave the skin on for extra texture (just scrub them well). Slice the sweet potatoes into thin strips about ¼-inch thick. Try to keep them uniform in size, so they cook evenly.
2. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high heat is key to achieving fries that are crisp on the outside and tender on the inside. While the oven heats, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with oil to prevent sticking.
3. Season the Fries
Place the sweet potato strips in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle them with olive oil, and then add the paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together until the fries are evenly coated with the oil and spices.
4. Arrange on the Baking Sheet
Spread the fries in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan, as this can cause the fries to steam instead of crisping up. If you have too many fries, use a second baking sheet.
5. Bake to Perfection
Bake the sweet potato fries for 20–25 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even cooking. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes, as they can go from perfectly golden to overcooked quickly.
6. Cool and Serve
Once the fries are golden-brown and crispy, remove them from the oven. For an extra touch, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese or parsley on top while they’re still warm.
Tips for Perfect Sweet Potato Fries
- Cut Evenly: Uniform slices are crucial for consistent cooking. If some fries are thicker than others, they’ll either burn or stay undercooked.
- Use High Heat: Sweet potatoes have a high moisture content, so baking them at 425°F gives you that coveted crunch.
- Don’t Skip the Toss: Coating the fries evenly with oil and spices ensures they crisp up while staying flavorful.
- Add a Starch Coating: For ultra-crispy fries, toss the sweet potato strips with a tablespoon of cornstarch before adding the oil and spices.
Serving Suggestions
Sweet potato fries are incredibly versatile and pair perfectly with a variety of dips. Try serving them with ketchup, honey mustard, garlic aioli, or spicy sriracha mayo. They also make a great side dish for burgers, grilled chicken, or veggie wraps.
Variations to Try
- Spicy Chili Fries: Add cayenne pepper or chili powder for a kick of heat.
- Sweet Cinnamon Fries: Tweak it for dessert! Toss the fries in cinnamon and sugar before baking, and drizzle with caramel or honey for a sweet treat.
- Herby Fries: Mix in dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano for an earthy flavor.
Sweet potato fries are the perfect balance of health and indulgence. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you’ll have a crowd-pleasing snack that you’ll want to make again and again. Get creative with seasonings and toppings, and don’t forget the dipping sauces to elevate your fry game. Enjoy!
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