How to cook Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries: 3 Secrets
Craving healthy fries? Get the best Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries with our easy, perfectly seasoned recipe. Learn our secret tips
Ingredients
- 2 lbs sweet potatoes peeled and cut into 1/4-inch thick sticks
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp cornstarch secret for crispiness
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper freshly ground
- 0.5 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
Instructions
- Secret #1: Soak for Starch Removal. Peel and cut the sweet potatoes into uniform 1/4-inch thick sticks. Place them in a large bowl and cover with cold water. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes (or up to 1 hour). This crucial step draws out excess starch, which prevents the fries from getting soggy. Drain the sweet potatoes thoroughly and pat them *completely dry* with paper towels. Any remaining moisture will lead to steaming instead of crisping.
- Secret #2: Cornstarch for Extra Crunch. In a large bowl, toss the completely dry sweet potato fries with olive oil until they are evenly coated. Then, sprinkle in the cornstarch, sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Toss again thoroughly, ensuring all the fries are evenly seasoned and coated with the cornstarch mixture. The cornstarch creates an additional crispy layer when baked.
- Secret #3: Single Layer & High Heat. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. Arrange the seasoned sweet potato fries in a single layer on the prepared baking sheets, making sure they do not overlap. Crowding the pan will steam the fries, preventing them from getting crispy. Bake for 15 minutes.
- After 15 minutes, flip the fries using a spatula to ensure even browning and crispiness. Return the baking sheets to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the fries are golden brown and crispy to your liking. Keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes as oven temperatures can vary.
- Remove from the oven and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy your perfectly crispy, homemade sweet potato fries!
Notes
For an extra crispy finish, you can broil the fries for the last 1-2 minutes, watching them very closely to prevent burning. These fries are best served fresh. Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheat in an oven or air fryer for best texture.
