Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries

Oven baked sweet potato fries are the perfect blend of crispy edges and tender insides, offering a nutritious and flavorful twist on traditional fries. With just a few ingredients and some high heat, these fries come out caramelized, savory, and totally irresistible. Whether you prefer them seasoned simply with salt or loaded with bold spices like smoked paprika or chipotle powder, these fries are a crowd-pleasing side dish or snack.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy without deep frying: High oven temperatures give you crisp edges without extra oil.

• Naturally sweet and savory: Sweet potatoes caramelize beautifully, creating an irresistible flavor.

• Versatile seasoning options: Use your favorite spices to make them smoky, spicy, or sweet.

• Healthy and wholesome: Full of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants with minimal ingredients.

• Kid-approved: Even picky eaters love these golden, crispy wedges.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Orange-fleshed sweet potatoes

• Extra virgin olive oil

• Kosher salt

• Spices of your choice (e.g., chipotle powder, smoked paprika, Chinese five-spice, pumpkin pie spice, garam masala, Cajun seasoning)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 450°F (or 500°F for extra crispiness). Place a heavy-duty baking sheet or roasting pan inside to preheat as well.

2. Prepare the potatoes: Peel the sweet potatoes, trim the ends, and cut into evenly sized wedges or rounds (about ¼–½ inch thick).

3. Season: Toss the cut sweet potatoes in a large bowl with olive oil, salt, and your choice of spices. Mix well to evenly coat.

4. Bake: Carefully remove the hot baking sheet from the oven and spread the fries in a single layer. Return to the oven and bake for 15–25 minutes.

5. Flip: After 10 minutes, use tongs to turn the fries for even browning. Bake for another 5–15 minutes until crispy and browned.

6. Cool and serve: Let fries cool for 5 minutes before serving to help them firm up.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4 to 6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Sweet and spicy: Sprinkle a little sugar along with chili powder before baking for a sweet heat combo.

• Butter boost: Swap out half of the olive oil with melted butter for richer flavor.

• Herby twist: Add dried rosemary or thyme for an aromatic touch.

• Zesty fries: Toss finished fries with lemon zest and a pinch of sea salt.

• Dipping sauces: Serve with spicy mayo, honey mustard, or garlic aioli for extra flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store cooled fries in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in a 400°F oven for 8–10 minutes to bring back crispiness. Avoid microwaving—they’ll turn soggy.

• Freezing: Not recommended, as the texture changes significantly after thawing.

FAQs

How do I make my sweet potato fries crispier?

Cut them evenly, use a hot preheated pan, and bake at a high temperature (450°F or 500°F). Don’t overcrowd the pan.

Should I soak the sweet potatoes before baking?

It’s not required for this recipe, but soaking in cold water for 30 minutes can help reduce starch and improve crispiness.

Can I make these without peeling the sweet potatoes?

Yes. The skins are edible and add texture and fiber. Just scrub them well before cutting.

Which spices pair best with sweet potatoes?

Smoked paprika, chipotle powder, garam masala, Cajun seasoning, and even pumpkin pie spice all work beautifully.

Can I use an air fryer?

Yes. Cook at 400°F for about 12–15 minutes, shaking halfway through. They’ll get very crispy.

How thick should I cut the fries?

Cut them into ¼ to ½-inch thick pieces for the best balance of soft inside and crisp edges.

What oil works best?

Extra virgin olive oil is ideal, but you can also use avocado oil or a mix of oil and butter.

Can I make them sweet instead of savory?

Absolutely. Use cinnamon and a little brown sugar or maple syrup for a dessert-style twist.

Why did my fries turn out soggy?

They may have been overcrowded on the baking sheet or not baked at a high enough temperature.

Do sweet potato fries get crisp like regular fries?

Not quite as crisp due to their higher moisture and sugar content, but baking them correctly will yield great texture.

Conclusion

Oven baked sweet potato fries are a must-try for anyone who loves bold flavor and crisp, caramelized edges. They’re easy to make, endlessly customizable, and healthier than traditional fries. Whether you’re serving them as a side, snack, or appetizer, these fries are sure to become a regular in your kitchen rotation.

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