Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries are a healthier and equally delicious alternative to traditional French fries. With a perfect crispy exterior and soft, tender interior, these sweet potato fries are packed with flavor and texture. Baked to golden perfection and seasoned just right, they make an excellent side dish, snack, or appetizer. Whether you’re pairing them with a burger or enjoying them on their own, these fries will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love making these Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries because they’re the perfect balance of sweet and savory. The natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes shines through, while the crispy edges make each bite irresistible. Plus, baking them in the oven makes them healthier than frying, without sacrificing that satisfying crunch. The seasoning is simple but packs a punch, and I can easily adjust it to my preferences. It’s a quick, easy, and nutritious snack or side dish that the whole family will enjoy!
Ingredients
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2 medium sweet potatoes (peeled and cut into fries)
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon smoked paprika
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/2 teaspoon black pepper
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1/4 teaspoon chili powder (optional for extra spice)
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Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking.
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Prepare the fries: Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into fries, making sure they are roughly the same size for even cooking. Try to cut them into about 1/4-inch thick strips.
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Season the fries: In a large bowl, toss the sweet potato fries with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and chili powder (if using). Make sure each fry is evenly coated with the oil and seasoning.
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Arrange the fries: Spread the fries in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Be sure not to overcrowd the fries—this helps them crisp up better. You may need to use two baking sheets if necessary.
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Bake the fries: Bake the sweet potato fries for 25-30 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure they cook evenly. Keep an eye on them toward the end to make sure they don’t burn. The fries should be golden brown and crispy on the edges.
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Serve: Once baked to perfection, remove the fries from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
Servings and Timing
This recipe serves about 2-4 people, depending on portion size. The preparation time is around 10 minutes, and the fries need about 25-30 minutes to bake. The result is a delicious, crispy snack or side dish in under 40 minutes!
Variations
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Cinnamon Sugar Sweet Potato Fries: For a sweeter variation, sprinkle the fries with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar after baking for a delicious treat.
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Herb Seasoning: Add dried thyme, rosemary, or oregano to the seasoning mix for a fragrant herb twist.
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Spicy Sweet Potato Fries: For more heat, add extra chili powder, cayenne pepper, or paprika to the seasoning mix.
Storage/Reheating
Store any leftover fries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the fries on a baking sheet and bake them at 400°F (200°C) for 5-10 minutes until crispy again. You can also reheat them in the air fryer for a quick crisp!
FAQs
Can I make these fries without peeling the sweet potatoes?
Yes! If you prefer, you can leave the skins on for extra fiber and texture. Just make sure to wash the sweet potatoes well before cutting them into fries.
Can I use other seasonings for these fries?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with your seasoning. I like adding curry powder, Italian seasoning, or even a bit of parmesan for a cheesy twist.
Why aren’t my fries crispy?
For extra crispiness, try soaking the sweet potato fries in cold water for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps remove excess starch, which allows the fries to crisp up better when baked.
Can I use frozen sweet potato fries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen sweet potato fries, but you may need to adjust the baking time. Follow the instructions on the package, but bake at a higher temperature for a crispier result.
How do I cut the sweet potatoes into fries evenly?
Use a sharp knife to cut the sweet potatoes into even strips. Try to keep the fries around 1/4-inch thick to ensure they cook at the same rate. You can also use a mandoline slicer for uniform pieces.
Conclusion
Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries are the perfect snack or side dish that’s both delicious and healthier than traditional fries. The combination of smoky paprika, garlic, and the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes makes these fries a favorite in my kitchen. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, I can enjoy a crispy, flavorful treat without the guilt of deep frying. Whether as a side to a main dish or a snack for movie night, these fries are sure to satisfy!
Print
Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 2-4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries are a healthier alternative to traditional fries, baked to golden perfection with a seasoned, crunchy exterior and soft interior. They’re a flavorful, satisfying snack or side dish.
Ingredients
2 medium sweet potatoes (peeled and cut into fries)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Peel sweet potatoes and cut into 1/4-inch thick fries.
- In a bowl, toss fries with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and chili powder if using.
- Spread fries in a single layer on the baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
- Let cool slightly, garnish with parsley, and serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
Soak fries in cold water for 30 minutes before baking for extra crispiness.
Use two baking sheets if needed to prevent overcrowding.
Great with dipping sauces like chipotle mayo or garlic aioli.
Leave skins on for extra texture and fiber.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 260mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
