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Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries

There’s something magical about biting into a warm, crispy sweet potato fry. Imagine indulging in a delightful combination of soft sweetness and savory spice, all wrapped in a perfectly crispy exterior. Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries not only satisfy your cravings but also deliver a healthy alternative to classic fries. With just the right balance of flavor and crunch, this recipe will soon become a staple in your household.

Why Make This Recipe

They are effortlessly delicious and healthier than traditional fries.
Perfect for snacking, as a side dish, or even as a main course with a dipping sauce.
Customizable with spices and dips to match your taste buds.

This recipe embodies the perfect mix of comfort and health, making it a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their eating experience.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries

Crafting the perfect sweet potato fries at home doesn’t have to be complicated. Follow this detailed guide to create a plate of crispy, flavorful fries that will impress everyone at your dinner table.

Ingredients

To make a batch of delicious Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries, you will need the following ingredients:

2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled (optional) and cut into fries
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika is optional for extra flavor)
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon cornstarch (for extra crispiness)

Directions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets
Preheat your oven to a robust 425°F (220°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper, ensuring ample space to avoid overcrowding, which is crucial for crispy fries.
Wash, Peel, and Cut Sweet Potatoes
Thoroughly scrub the sweet potatoes under cold water. Peel them for a consistently tender interior and crispier exterior; leaving the skin on is optional. Trim ends and slice each sweet potato lengthwise into uniform 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick planks. Then, cut these planks into consistent sticks, aiming for ideal fry shapes (about 3-4 inches long). Uniformity in size is key for even cooking.
Optional Soaking and Thorough Drying
For ultimate crispness, place cut fries in a large bowl and cover with cold water, soaking for at least 30 minutes (up to an hour) to draw out excess starch. Drain thoroughly in a colander. Regardless of soaking, this step is non-negotiable: spread fries on clean kitchen towels and pat them as dry as possible. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness!
Combine Fries with Oil and Seasonings
Transfer the thoroughly dried sweet potato fries to a very large bowl. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and toss until every fry is lightly and evenly coated. In a small bowl, combine 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Sprinkle this seasoning blend evenly over the oiled fries and toss again.
The Cornstarch Secret for Ultimate Crispiness
Sprinkle the 1 tablespoon of cornstarch over the seasoned fries. Toss very thoroughly again, ensuring every fry is coated with a thin, almost imperceptible layer of the seasoning-cornstarch mixture. This creates a starchy barrier that helps absorb moisture, leading to an incredibly satisfying crispy exterior.
Arrange and Bake Initially
Carefully spread the seasoned sweet potato fries onto the prepared baking sheets in a single layer. It’s imperative that fries do not touch or overlap to prevent steaming. Slide both baking sheets into the preheated 425°F (220°C) oven. Bake for 15 minutes without disturbing them. For even baking, you may place one sheet on the top rack and one on the bottom, preparing to rotate later.
Flip and Continue Baking
After 15 minutes, carefully pull out each baking sheet. Using a sturdy spatula, meticulously flip each sweet potato fry over to ensure even browning and crisping on all sides. Return the baking sheets to the oven, swapping their positions (bottom to top, top to bottom) and rotating them 180 degrees if needed, for another 10 to 15 minutes.
Check for Doneness and Achieve Desired Crispness
After the second interval, check fries frequently (every 3-5 minutes). Total baking time varies by oven and fry thickness. Look for beautifully golden-brown fries with crispy edges and a tender interior. They should be slightly firm when gently squeezed. Remove thinner fries if they brown faster. Bake a few minutes longer if you desire extra crispiness, watching closely to prevent burning.
Final Touches and Serving
Once your Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries reach peak crispy perfection, remove them from the oven. Immediately transfer to a serving platter or bowl. Optionally, sprinkle with a light extra pinch of sea salt while hot. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce; they are best enjoyed fresh!

Storage Tips for Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries

To keep your delicious fries at their best, consider the following storage guidelines:

Refrigerate leftover fries in an airtight container for 3-4 days at 40°F (4°C).
Freeze the sweet potato fries for up to 2 months in a sealed freezer bag for longer storage. Make sure to label the bag with the date for your reference.
When reheating, if they lose their crispiness, pop them back into the oven at 400°F (204°C) for 5-10 minutes for a delicious redo.

Serving Suggestions for Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries

Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries are versatile and pair beautifully with various dishes. Here are a few flavorful ways to present them:

Snack Time: Enjoy the fries on their own as a quick and healthy snack, seasoned with a sprinkle of sea salt.
Dipping Sauces: Elevate your fry experience by serving with a variety of dips such as garlic aioli, spicy ketchup, or tangy barbecue sauce.
On the Side: Pair them with your favorite burger, grilled chicken, or fish tacos for a satisfying and colorful meal.
Loaded Fries: For a more extravagant treat, load them up with toppings like melted cheese, jalapeños, or avocado slices to create an irresistible dish.

Tips to Make Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries

To ensure consistent fry shapes, consider using a mandoline slicer, which can give you perfectly uniform fries.
For a different flavor profile, experiment with spice mixtures like chipotle powder or cumin for a smoky kick.
If you want extra sweetness, drizzle the fries with a little maple syrup before baking; the sugar caramelizes nicely!

Variations or Substitutions

If you want to explore different flavor profiles or prepare the dish with available ingredients, consider these substitutions:

Swap sweet potatoes with butternut squash or regular potatoes for new textures and flavors.
Enhanced flavor can be achieved using flavored oils like truffle oil or infusing the olive oil with herbs such as rosemary or thyme before tossing with the fries.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Yes, prepare the sweet potato fries a few hours in advance, season, and store them lined on a baking sheet in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.

Q: Can I use a different type of oil?
A: Absolutely! While olive oil is ideal, feel free to use avocado oil or canola oil for frying.

Q: How do I make them spicier?
A: Add cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix for an added kick.

Nutritional Information

For those keeping an eye on nutritional aspects, here’s a general rundown for a serving of Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries:

Calories: Approximately 180
Protein: 2g
Carbohydrates: 37g
Dietary Fiber: 7g
Sugars: 7g
Fat: 4g

Sweet potatoes are also rich in vitamins like A and C, making this recipe a wholesome addition to your diet.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not Drying the Fries: Skipping the drying step can lead to soggy fries instead of crispy delights. Always ensure they are well dried before baking.
Overcrowding the Pan: Make sure fries are arranged in a single layer without touching one another. This allows for proper airflow and helps achieve optimal crispness.
Not Rotating the Trays: Don’t forget to swap positions and rotate the trays halfway to ensure even cooking and browning.

Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries are a culinary delight that invites experimentation and creativity. They are not just a side dish; they are a star in their own right! The blend of nutrition and flavor makes them a family favorite. So gear up, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy crispy, healthy fries that will keep everyone coming back for more.