Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries are a healthier, easier, and incredibly satisfying alternative to traditional fried fries, offering a delightful crunch and sweet, earthy flavor perfect for any meal. This recipe is incredibly useful for anyone looking to enjoy a classic comfort food with added nutritional benefits.
Key Ingredients for Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries
- 2 large sweet potatoes (about 1.5 lbs), scrubbed clean
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or avocado oil)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- Optional seasonings for variation:
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder for a spicy kick
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary or thyme for an herby flavor
- A pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat
How to Make Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries
This baked sweet potato fry recipe is a revelation in delicious simplicity, transforming humble sweet potatoes into golden, crispy perfection with minimal effort. The satisfying crunch and sweet-savory flavor profile make them an irresistible side dish or snack, ready to enjoy in under an hour.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to a hot 425°F (220°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. This is crucial for preventing sticking and ensuring even crisping. If you don’t have parchment paper, you can lightly grease the baking sheets with a little extra oil.
Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Wash your sweet potatoes thoroughly and pat them dry. You can peel them if you prefer, but the skins add great flavor and texture. Cut off each end of the sweet potatoes. Then, cut each potato in half lengthwise. Lay the halves flat on a cutting board and slice them into fries, aiming for about 1/2 inch thick. Try to make your fries as uniform in size as possible for even cooking.
Season the Sweet Potato Fries: In a large bowl, toss the sweet potato fries with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. If you’re using any optional seasonings like chili powder, rosemary, or cayenne, add them now and toss to coat all the fries evenly. Make sure each fry is lightly coated with oil and seasonings.
Arrange Fries on Baking Sheets: Spread the seasoned sweet potato fries in a single layer on the prepared baking sheets. It’s essential not to overcrowd the pans. If the fries are too close together, they will steam instead of crisping up. Use both baking sheets if necessary, ensuring there’s ample space between each fry.
Bake for Crispy Perfection: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, then carefully flip the fries using a spatula. Continue baking for another 10-15 minutes, or until the fries are golden brown and crispy on the edges. The exact baking time will depend on your oven and the thickness of your fries, so keep an eye on them during the last few minutes.
Serve and Enjoy: Once perfectly crispy, remove the baking sheets from the oven. Let them cool slightly for a minute or two before serving. These Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries are best enjoyed hot, but they’re also delicious at room temperature!
Why You’ll Love This Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries
You’ll absolutely adore these Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries because they deliver that irresistible, satisfying crunch you crave, much like their fried counterparts, but without the guilt. The natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes shines through, enhanced by the savory blend of paprika and garlic, creating a flavor explosion that’s surprisingly complex yet incredibly simple. Furthermore, ditching the deep fryer and opting for this oven-baked method is a significant cost-saver, making it an economical choice for families and individuals alike, all while offering a healthier, nutrient-packed alternative that you can feel good about serving.
Unlike heavy, greasy fries that can leave you feeling sluggish, these baked wonders are light, airy, and bursting with vibrant flavor, making them the perfect partner to burgers, sandwiches, or even as a standalone snack. The quick preparation time means you can whip up a batch of these delightful fries even on a busy weeknight. Go ahead and transform your next meal with these delectable Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries – your taste buds will thank you!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Leftover Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For best results, allow them to cool completely before storing to prevent steaming and sogginess.
To reheat and regain some of their crispiness:
- Oven Reheating: This is the best method for restoring crispness. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread the fries in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for 8-12 minutes, or until heated through and slightly crispy again.
- Air Fryer Reheating: If you have an air fryer, this is an excellent option. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until crispy.
- Avoid Microwave: Microwaving is not recommended as it will make the fries limp and soggy.
You can also freeze these sweet potato fries for future meals. Spread cooled fries in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Reheat directly from frozen using the oven or air fryer method, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Final Thoughts
These Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries are a testament to how simple ingredients can create something truly special and satisfying. Give them a try for a healthier, delicious twist on a beloved classic!
try also :
- Lentil and Sweet Potato Salad
- Cranberry Brie Bites
- Crispy Sweet Potato Bites
- Matcha Cake Recipe
- find more in Pinterest
Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to a hot 425°F (220°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. This is crucial for preventing sticking and ensuring even crisping. If you don’t have parchment paper, you can lightly grease the baking sheets with a little extra oil.
- Wash your sweet potatoes thoroughly and pat them dry. You can peel them if you prefer, but the skins add great flavor and texture. Cut off each end of the sweet potatoes. Then, cut each potato in half lengthwise. Lay the halves flat on a cutting board and slice them into fries, aiming for about 1/2 inch thick. Try to make your fries as uniform in size as possible for even cooking.2 large sweet potatoes
- In a large bowl, toss the sweet potato fries with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. If you’re using any optional seasonings like chili powder, rosemary, or cayenne, add them now and toss to coat all the fries evenly. Make sure each fry is lightly coated with oil and seasonings.2 large sweet potatoes, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/8 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon dried rosemary or thyme, a pinch cayenne pepper
- Spread the seasoned sweet potato fries in a single layer on the prepared baking sheets. It’s essential not to overcrowd the pans. If the fries are too close together, they will steam instead of crisping up. Use both baking sheets if necessary, ensuring there’s ample space between each fry.
- Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, then carefully flip the fries using a spatula. Continue baking for another 10-15 minutes, or until the fries are golden brown and crispy on the edges. The exact baking time will depend on your oven and the thickness of your fries, so keep an eye on them during the last few minutes.
- Once perfectly crispy, remove the baking sheets from the oven. Let them cool slightly for a minute or two before serving. These Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries are best enjoyed hot, but they’re also delicious at room temperature!