Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries

If you’ve ever craved crispy fries without the guilt of deep frying, you’re in the right place! Oven-baked sweet potato fries are the perfect balance of crunch and nutrition, making them a fantastic snack or side dish. These fries are packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, all while being easy to make. We’ll show you how to get perfectly crispy sweet potato fries straight from your oven – no frying required! You might be wondering how to get that perfect crispy texture without a deep fryer.

Here are some key tips to ensure your fries turn out crispy every time:
– Cut the Fries Evenly: The most important step is cutting your fries into evenly sized pieces. This ensures they cook at the same rate, giving you a uniform crunch.
– Soak the Sweet Potatoes: Soaking sweet potato fries in cold water for 30 minutes before baking helps to remove excess starch. This step is crucial for achieving that crisp exterior.
– Use a Hot Baking Sheet: Preheat your baking sheet in the oven to ensure the fries immediately start cooking as soon as they hit the pan. This trick helps get them crispy from the start.
– Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Space out the fries on the baking sheet to allow air to circulate around them. Overcrowding will cause them to steam and become soggy rather than crisp.

Dipping Sauces to Pair with Sweet Potato Fries – One of the best things about sweet potato fries is how they pair with different dipping sauces. Try these homemade options for an added burst of flavor:
– Garlic Aioli: Mix together mayo, garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt for a creamy, garlicky dip.
– Chipotle Mayo: Combine mayo with chipotle sauce, lime juice, and a bit of honey for a spicy-sweet dip.
– Honey Mustard: Mix equal parts honey and mustard for a tangy and sweet sauce that complements the fries perfectly.
Feel free to get creative and try other dips like ranch or barbecue sauce for a new twist on this classic dish!

Common Mistakes to Avoid – While making crispy sweet potato fries is pretty straightforward, there are a few common mistakes you’ll want to avoid:
– Overcrowding the Baking Sheet: This is a big no-no! When you overcrowd the pan, the fries can steam instead of bake, leading to soggy fries.
– Not Drying the Fries: After soaking, make sure to thoroughly dry the fries. Wet fries will never crisp up properly in the oven.
– Skipping the Flip: Flip the fries halfway through baking to ensure they cook evenly on all sides. This step is key to achieving that perfect crispiness.
– Skipping the Cornstarch: If you want your fries to be extra crispy, cornstarch is your secret weapon. It helps create a crunchy exterior without the need for frying.

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
Optional:
1 tablespoon cornstarch for extra crispiness

Instructions:
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a baking sheet inside the oven while it heats to get it nice and hot.
Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: 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.
Soak the Fries: 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.
Season the 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 ½ teaspoon black pepper. If you’re using cornstarch for extra crispiness, sprinkle it in now and toss everything together.
Bake the Fries: 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.
Check for Crispiness: Once the fries are crisp and golden, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

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