If you’ve ever longed crispy fries without the guilt of deep frying, you’re in the right place!
Oven-baked sweet potato fries are the right blend of texture and nutrients, making them a terrific snack or side dish.
These fries are rich with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, all while being easy to make.
We’ll teach you how to produce deliciously crispy sweet potato fries straight from your oven – no frying required!
Key Tips for Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries
You might be wondering how to acquire that perfect crispy texture without a deep fryer. Here are some essential pointers to guarantee that your fries are consistently crispy:
- Cut the Fries Evenly: The most critical step is cutting the fries into evenly sized pieces. This ensures they cook at the same rate, giving you a uniform crunch.
- Soak the Sweet Potatoes: To get rid of extra starch, soak sweet potato fries in cold water for half an hour before baking. This step is vital for getting that clean exterior.
- Use a Hot Baking Sheet: Preheat your baking sheet in the oven to ensure the fries instantly start cooking as soon as they reach the pan. This method helps get them crispy from the start.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Space out the fries on the baking sheet to enable air to circulate around them. Overcrowding will cause them to overheat and become soggy rather than crisp.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make crispy oven baked sweet potato fries, you’ll need only a few simple items that you likely already have in your kitchen:
- 2 medium sweet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- One teaspoon of powdered garlic
- 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika is fantastic for additional taste!)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for added crispiness)
How to Make Crispy Sweet Potato Fries Step-by-Step
Follow these easy steps to get the crispiest oven-baked fries:
- Oven Preparation: Place a baking sheet inside to heat up as the oven preheats.
- Get the sweet potatoes ready: Peel the sweet potatoes (optional) and chop them into thin strips, about 1/4 inch thick. Try to make the pieces as uniform as possible to achieve even cooking.
- Soak the Fries: To get rid of extra starch, soak the sweet potato strips in cold water for at least half an hour. This step is critical for crispy fries.
- Season the Fries: Drain and pat the fries dry with a paper towel. Toss them in a basin with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the cornstarch now, if you’re using it, and mix everything together.
- Bake the Fries: Once the oven has preheated, carefully remove the hot baking sheet and spread the fries in a single layer. To achieve consistent cooking, flip halfway through the 25 to 30 minutes of baking.
- Check for Crispiness: Once the fries are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the oven and allow them cool for a few minutes before serving.
Sweet Potato Fries and Dipping Sauces
One of the best things about sweet potato fries is how they combine with different dipping sauces. Try these homemade options for an extra burst of flavor:
Garlic Aioli: Mix together mayo, garlic, lemon juice, and a touch of salt for a creamy, garlicky dip.
Chipotle Mayo: For a spicy-sweet dip, mix mayo with chipotle sauce, lime juice, and a little honey.
Honey Mustard: Mix equal parts honey and mustard for a zesty and sweet sauce that suits the fries perfectly.
Feel free to be creative and try additional dips like ranch or barbecue sauce for a unique twist on this classic dish!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Although creating crispy sweet potato fries is quite simple, there are a few typical errors you should steer clear of:
- Make Sure Not to Overcrowd Your Baking Sheet: When you overcrowd the skillet, the fries can steam instead of bake, leading to soggy fries.
- Not Drying the Fries: After soaking, make sure to properly dry the fries. In the oven, wet fries will never thoroughly crisp up.
- Skipping the Flip: Flip the fries halfway through baking to ensure they cook evenly on all sides. This step is important to getting that optimum crispiness.
- Ignoring the Cornstarch: Cornstarch is your secret weapon if you want your fries to be extremely crispy. It contributes to a crispy exterior without requiring cooking.
Recipe FAQ’s
How can I improve the crispness of my fries?
Try dusting the fries with cornstarch before baking for added crispness. This helps develop a crispy layer on the fries.
Can I omit soaking the sweet potatoes?
While soaking is not essential, it helps eliminate extra starch, leading to crispier fries. You can omit this step if you’re pressed for time, but your fries might not be as crispy.
Can I use normal potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?
Indeed! You can use ordinary potatoes if you like. The same approach applies for both sweet potatoes and white potatoes.
Conclusion
Making crispy oven-baked sweet potato fries at home is easier than you think. With the right cutting technique, proper soaking, and a hot baking sheet, you can enjoy perfectly golden and crunchy fries without deep frying.
These healthy fries are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making them a great snack or side dish for any meal. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauce, and you’ll have a restaurant-style treat right in your kitchen.
So next time you’re craving fries, skip the fryer and try this oven-baked version instead. Once you taste the crispiness, this recipe will surely become your go-to favorite!