I’ve been perfecting crispy oven-baked sweet potato fries in my kitchen for years, and they never fail to disappear within minutes of hitting the table. This recipe transforms humble sweet potatoes into irresistibly crunchy fries without any deep fryer hassle or guilt.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries
I always recommend using medium-sized sweet potatoes for this recipe because they’re easier to cut into uniform fries and tend to have better texture. My go-to approach is keeping the peel on for extra nutrients and fiber, though peeling works just as well if you prefer. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 medium sweet potatoes (peeled or unpeeled, cut into ¼-inch fries)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (I recommend using extra virgin for better flavor)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika adds incredible depth)
- 1 teaspoon salt (My preference is fine sea salt for even distribution)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground if possible)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional but highly recommended for achieving that satisfying crunch)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheating your baking sheet along with the oven ensures immediate contact heat when the fries hit the pan, which creates that coveted crispy exterior.
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F and place an empty baking sheet inside while it heats. Cut your sweet potatoes into uniform ¼-inch thick fries, keeping sizes as consistent as possible to ensure even cooking.
Step 2: Submerge the cut fries in a bowl of cold water for 30 minutes. This crucial step removes excess surface starch that would otherwise prevent proper crisping. You can use this time to prep your seasonings or clean up your workspace.
Step 3: Drain and thoroughly pat the fries completely dry using paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. Any remaining moisture will steam the fries instead of crisping them. In a large bowl, toss the dried fries with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and cornstarch until every piece is evenly coated.
Step 4: Carefully remove the hot baking sheet from the oven (use oven mitts!) and spread the fries in a single layer with space between each piece. Overcrowding causes steaming rather than roasting, so use two pans if needed.
Step 5: Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping the fries halfway through cooking time. Look for golden-brown edges and listen for a slight sizzle. Let them cool for 2-3 minutes before serving, as they’ll crisp up even more during this resting period.
Perfect Pairings for Sweet Potato Fries
These versatile fries complement both casual weeknight meals and special occasion dinners, offering nutritional balance and satisfying texture contrast.
Grilled Chicken Breasts: The lean protein pairs beautifully with the sweet, crispy fries while the contrasting textures create a satisfying complete meal that feels indulgent yet healthy.
Black Bean Burgers: This vegetarian combination offers complementary flavors and ensures you’re getting complete protein along with the fiber and vitamins from the sweet potatoes.
Garlic Butter Steak Bites: Rich, savory steak bites create an amazing contrast with the natural sweetness of these fries for an elevated dinner that’s still simple to prepare.
Garlic Aioli Dipping Sauce: Mix mayonnaise with minced garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt for a creamy, tangy complement that balances the natural sweetness perfectly.
Fresh Green Salad: A crisp mixed greens salad with vinaigrette adds freshness and helps round out the meal nutritionally, creating lighter balance alongside the hearty fries.
Maple Glazed Chicken with Sweet Potatoes: Double down on sweet potato goodness by serving these fries alongside this complementary dish for a complete sweet and savory dinner experience.
Keeping Your Fries Fresh
Store leftover fries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I always layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain texture as much as possible during storage.
For reheating, spread the fries on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated 375°F oven for about 10 minutes until they regain their crispiness. Avoid the microwave entirely, as it turns them disappointingly soggy and ruins that perfect texture you worked to achieve.
These fries also work wonderfully as meal prep components. I sometimes make a double batch on Sundays and reheat portions throughout the week as quick side dishes or snacks that feel special without requiring any real effort.
FAQs
Can I make these without cornstarch?
Absolutely! The fries will still turn out delicious, though they won’t achieve quite the same level of crispiness. The cornstarch creates an ultra-crispy coating, but you’ll still get good results without it.
Why are my sweet potato fries soggy?
Three main culprits cause soggy fries: skipping the water soak, not drying them thoroughly after soaking, or overcrowding the baking sheet. Make sure to address all three steps for best results.
Can I freeze these fries for later?
Yes! Freeze unbaked, seasoned fries in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bags. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.
Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a baking sheet inside the oven while it heats to get it nice and hot.
- Peel the sweet potatoes (optional) and cut them into 1/4 inch thick fries. Try to make them as uniform as possible to ensure they cook evenly.
- Place the cut sweet potato fries in a bowl of cold water for 30 minutes. This step removes excess starch, which is key to getting crispy fries.
- After soaking, drain and pat the fries dry with a paper towel to remove moisture. In a large bowl, toss the fries with 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. If using cornstarch for extra crispiness, sprinkle it in now and toss everything together.
- Carefully remove the hot baking sheet from the oven. Spread the fries in a single layer on the sheet, ensuring they aren’t overcrowded. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping the fries halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Once the fries are crisp and golden, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
