Crispy Baked Sweet Potato Fries Recipe
Learn how to make crispy baked sweet potato fries at home with simple techniques that actually work. This reliable recipe is a staple in any kitchen because it’s versatile, easy to scale up or down, and these tasty fries pair well with just about any meal!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 large sweet potatoes (about 2.5–3 lbs. or 1.3 kg)
- 1–2 Tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 Tablespoons oil (avocado, sunflower, coconut, grapeseed, or olive oil)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Optional Seasonings
- Cayenne pepper
- Chili powder
- Garlic powder
- Paprika (smoked or regular)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats and set them aside for later use.
- Cut and Dry Sweet Potatoes: Wash and peel the sweet potatoes. Using a very sharp knife, carefully cut the potatoes into thin sticks about 1/4-inch wide. Pat the fries dry thoroughly with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel to help them crisp up when baked.
- Toss with Cornstarch and Oil: Place the sweet potato sticks in a large bowl or zip-top bag and toss with 1 to 2 tablespoons of cornstarch until all fries have a light coating. Pour the coated potatoes into a strainer to remove any excess cornstarch and discard the leftovers. Return the sweet potatoes to the bowl and toss with 2 tablespoons of your preferred oil and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Add any optional seasonings like cayenne, chili powder, garlic powder, or paprika to taste.
- Arrange on Baking Sheets: Lay the sweet potato fries out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheets, making sure not to crowd them. Leaving space between fries is crucial for proper crisping.
- Bake and Flip: Bake the fries in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Remove from the oven, flip the fries to the other side, then return the pans to the oven. Rotate the pans and swap rack positions to ensure even baking. Continue baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until fries are golden and crispy on the edges.
- Serve: Serve the fries immediately with ketchup, spicy mayo, or your favorite dipping sauce. For extra crispiness, turn the oven off and leave the fries inside to cool slowly for 20–30 minutes.
Notes
- Special Tools: Baking sheets, parchment paper or silicone non-stick baking mats, potato peeler, and a large glass mixing bowl can be very helpful.
- Seasoning Tips: After coating with oil, season with garlic powder, paprika, chili powder, or cayenne pepper according to your taste. Start with small amounts and add more after baking if needed.
- Cinnamon-Sugar Variation: For a sweet twist, skip the savory seasonings and toss fries with 1/4 cup granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon after adding oil. Bake as directed and add more cinnamon sugar after baking if desired. Optionally omit salt or add a pinch for contrast.
- Air Fryer Option: To air fry, prepare fries as directed but cook at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes shaking the basket halfway. Air fryer works best for small batches and yields slightly crispier edges compared to the oven.
