I’ll never forget the first time I had sweet potato fries. It was on a spontaneous road trip with my best friend, Sarah, to a little town nestled in the heart of North Carolina. We had been driving for hours, exploring antique shops and snapping pictures of the rolling hills, when hunger struck. Tired of fast food chains, we decided to stop at a cozy roadside diner with a chalkboard menu that boasted homemade everything.
It was there, surrounded by mismatched wooden chairs and the smell of sizzling food, that we discovered baked sweet potato fries. I’ll admit, at first, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Sweet potatoes had always been a Thanksgiving side dish to me—something mashed and covered with marshmallows. But these fries were something different entirely: crispy on the outside, soft and sweet on the inside, with just the right amount of seasoning. We devoured them, savoring every bite, and from that moment, I was hooked.
When I got back home, I knew I had to recreate that magical dish. After a few tries, I finally perfected this recipe, and now it’s a family favorite. The secret to getting them just right? A good drizzle of oil and a perfectly timed flip halfway through baking. That’s when the magic happens—the edges start to crisp up beautifully, and the seasonings really soak into the fries. Whether I’m serving them up alongside burgers on a warm summer evening or enjoying them as a midday snack, these baked sweet potato fries never fail to hit the spot.
The best part about this recipe is its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a batch in no time. And while I love sticking to the classic salt, pepper, and garlic powder combo, you can easily spice things up with a dash of paprika or chili powder. These fries are so versatile, and they pair perfectly with almost any dipping sauce—although I have to say, a smoky chipotle mayo is my absolute favorite.
So whether you’re planning a family meal or just craving a healthier alternative to regular fries, these baked sweet potato fries are sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Give them a try, and I promise you won’t be disappointed!
Making Baked Sweet Potato Fries
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Ingredients
- 4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced into thin sticks (about 1/4″ x 3″)
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika or chili powder (optional)
- 2 tablespoons oil (canola or olive oil)
Directions
- Set your oven to 415°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. If using foil, give it a light coat of nonstick spray.
- In a small bowl, blend together the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika (if desired).
- Lay out the sweet potato sticks in a single layer on the prepared sheet. Drizzle with oil and sprinkle the seasoning mix evenly over them.
- Bake for 15 minutes. Afterward, turn the fries and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
- Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce while hot for the best experience!
Storing Suggestion
Store leftover sweet potato fries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in an oven or air fryer to restore crispiness, rather than using the microwave.
Cooking Tips
For extra crispy fries, you can soak the sweet potato sticks in cold water for about 30 minutes before cooking. Make sure to dry them thoroughly before baking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these fries with a homemade aioli, ketchup, or ranch dressing. They pair wonderfully with burgers, grilled chicken, or as a snack on their own!
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don’t have sweet potatoes, you can substitute them with regular potatoes or even carrots for a different twist. Olive oil can also be swapped for avocado oil for a slightly richer flavor.
Seasonal Variations
During the fall, try seasoning the fries with cinnamon and nutmeg for a sweet-spicy combo. In summer, toss them with a little lemon zest and fresh herbs for a refreshing kick.
Allergen Information
This recipe is naturally gluten-free, vegan, and nut-free. If you’re sensitive to spices, you can omit the paprika or chili powder.
FAQ:
How do I make the fries crispier?
Soaking the sweet potato sticks in cold water before baking helps remove excess starch, which makes the fries crispier.
Can I make these fries in an air fryer?
Yes! Air fry the sweet potato fries at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes, shaking halfway through for even cooking.
How should I reheat the fries?
The best way to reheat fries is in the oven or an air fryer to keep them crispy. Microwaving will make them soggy.
Can I freeze the fries?
While it’s possible to freeze them, they may lose some of their crispiness. If you freeze, reheat in the oven or air fryer.
What oil is best for this recipe?
Olive oil is great for flavor, but if you prefer a neutral taste, use canola or vegetable oil.
Why are my fries soggy?
If your fries are soggy, it might be due to overcrowding on the baking sheet or not drying the sweet potatoes thoroughly before baking.
Baked Sweet Potato Fries
Ingredients
- 4 medium sweet potatoes peeled and sliced into thin sticks (approximately 1/4" x 3")
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika or chili powder optional
- 2 tablespoons oil canola or olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 415°F. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with foil or parchment paper. If using foil, lightly coat it with nonstick cooking spray. For extra-crispy fries, refer to additional instructions in the notes section.
- In a small bowl, combine the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika (if using).
- Arrange the sweet potato sticks in a single layer on the baking sheet. Drizzle with oil and evenly sprinkle the seasoning mixture on top. Bake for 15 minutes, then flip the fries and continue baking for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until they are crispy.
- Serve the fries hot! They are best enjoyed immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
