Baked Sweet Potato Fries Recipe

I’ve just made these baked sweet potato fries that come out all crunchy and spicy at the right spots, and honestly, I can’t believe how awesome they turned out even though it took me a minute to get it right.

I love baked sweet potato fries cuz the sweet potatoes provide plenty of fiber and antioxidants while olive oil adds healthy fats. I mix in salt, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper and even a pinch of cayenne to give a little extra kick.

It’s a tasty, nutritious treat.

Ingredients

• Sweet potatoes: Provide fiber and healthy carbs that bring a natural, sweet taste to each fry.
• Olive oil: Offers heart-healthy fats, making the fries crisp and giving a smooth finish.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering, so use it sparingly for balance.
• Black pepper: Gives a subtle heat and earthiness that really complements every crispy bite.
• Garlic powder: Delivers a mild garlicky kick that enriches the overall savory profile.
• Paprika: Adds smoky, vibrant notes and color, balancing the natural sweetness of the potatoes.
• Cayenne pepper: Optional pinch for an extra kick of heat without overwhelming your taste buds.

Ingredient Quantities

• 3 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into fries
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Optional pinch of cayenne pepper for a little extra kick

How to Make this

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F.

2. Peel and cut the sweet potatoes into fry shapes and put them in a large bowl.

3. Drizzle with olive oil and toss them so they get well coated.

4. In a small bowl, mix the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and if you want a little extra kick, a pinch of cayenne pepper.

5. Sprinkle the seasoning mix over the fries and stir until they’re evenly covered.

6. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the fries out in a single layer so they dont overlap.

7. Place the sheet in the oven and bake for about 20 minutes.

8. Take the pan out carefully and flip the fries over with a spatula.

9. Return the fries to the oven and continue baking for another 15 to 20 minutes until they start to crisp up on the edges and are fork tender.

10. Remove from the oven, let them cool for a few minutes, and enjoy your crispy baked sweet potato fries.

Equipment Needed

1. Oven – You gotta preheat it to 425°F so your fries bake up crisp and tender.
2. Knife – For cutting your sweet potatoes into fries.
3. Cutting board – To safely chop the sweet potatoes.
4. Vegetable peeler – To peel the potatoes before cutting them.
5. Large bowl – Needed for tossing the fries in olive oil and seasoning.
6. Small bowl – For mixing your seasonings together.
7. Measuring spoons – To accurately measure out the salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne.
8. Baking sheet – To lay your fries out in a single layer.
9. Parchment paper – To line the baking sheet and stop the fries from sticking.
10. Spatula – To flip the fries halfway through baking so they cook evenly.

FAQ

• Q: How do I know when the fries are done?
  A: The fries should be golden and slightly crispy on the edges, usually about 25-30 minutes, just keep an eye on ’em and adjust time if needed.
• Q: Can I add other spices?
  A: Yep, you can definitely experiment. Some folks like a pinch of cumin or even a drizzle of honey once they’re baked if you want a sweet twist.
• Q: Should I toss the fries in oil before adding the seasonings?
  A: Yes, tossing them in olive oil first helps the spices stick better so you’ll get a more even flavor.
• Q: Can I bake these fries in advance and reheat later?
  A: They’re best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, but you can bake them in advance and crisp ’em up in the oven for a few minutes when you’re ready to eat.
• Q: What do I do if some fries come out soggy?
  A: Try not to overcrowd your baking pan and make sure they’re in a single layer. This should help them come out crispier and more evenly cooked.

Baked Sweet Potato Fries Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• If you cant find sweet potatoes, try using yams instead, its a bit different but still tasty.
• If you dont have olive oil, you might use avocado or coconut oil. They both add a nice twist.
• If you’re low on garlic powder, fresh minced garlic works too, but use a little less since its stronger.
• You can swap paprika for smoked paprika or even a pinch of chili powder for a different kick.
• If you dont have black pepper, white pepper can be used though it’s a bit milder.

Pro Tips

1) Try soaking the sweet potato fries in cold water for about 20-30 minutes before you start. This helps get rid of some of the extra starch so they come out crispi-er. Just make sure you pat them super dry with a towel; otherwise, they might turn soggy in the oven.

2) When you’re tossing the fries with olive oil and spices, be generous but don’t overdo it. Coat them evenly and then spread them out in a single layer on the parchment lined sheet. Crowding them will make them steam instead of getting that nice, crispy edge.

3) Halfway through the cooking, flip your fries carefully. Even if you think they’re okay, flipping them helps get an equal crispiness on both sides. Keep an eye on them though, ovens can vary a lot and you dont want them to burn.

4) If you have an oven with a convection setting, use it. The circulating air can really help in making the fries nicely browned and crisp quicker than a regular bake.