Crispy Sweet Potato Fries (Printable version)
Golden, crispy sweet potato fries with smoky seasoning, baked to perfection for a healthier take on a classic side dish.
# What you'll need:
→ Sweet Potatoes
01 - 2 large sweet potatoes (about 1.5 lbs), peeled
→ Seasonings
02 - 2 tbsp cornstarch
03 - 2 tbsp olive oil
04 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
05 - 1/2 tsp garlic powder
06 - 1/2 tsp sea salt, plus more to taste
07 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
→ Optional Garnish
08 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 425°F and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
02 - Cut the sweet potatoes into thin, even matchsticks, about 1/4 inch thick.
03 - In a large bowl, toss the fries with cornstarch until evenly coated. Shake off any excess.
04 - Add olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss well to coat.
05 - Spread the fries in a single layer on the prepared baking sheets, making sure they do not touch or overlap (use two sheets if needed for space).
06 - Bake for 12 minutes, then flip each fry with a spatula. Rotate the trays and bake for another 10–13 minutes, or until crisp and golden brown at the edges.
07 - Remove from oven and sprinkle with extra salt if desired. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The cornstarch trick creates that coveted crispiness without deep-frying that youll want to whisper to friends at your next potluck.
- Theres something magical about how the natural sweetness intensifies in the oven, creating caramelized edges that make you forget youre eating something relatively healthy.
02 -
- Never salt your sweet potatoes before baking or theyll release moisture and steam instead of crisp—I ruined three batches before figuring this out.
- Rotating the baking sheets halfway through cooking prevents hot spots in your oven from creating inconsistently cooked fries.
03 -
- Soak cut sweet potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes before drying thoroughly to remove excess starch—I discovered this restaurant secret transforms the texture dramatically.
- Warming your baking sheets in the oven while it preheats creates instant sizzle when the fries hit the surface, jumpstarting the crisping process before they can release moisture.