© Original Recipe By Serena Recipes ©
🥔✨ Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries – The Perfect Healthy Snack! 🍟
1. Introduction
If you’re craving a snack that’s both irresistibly crispy and packed with nutrients, then crispy sweet potato fries are your new best friend. These oven-baked wonders deliver that perfect balance of crunch and tenderness while maintaining a health-conscious profile. Plus, they’re simple to whip up and customizable with your favorite seasonings. Get ready to elevate your snack game with this easy recipe that impresses both in flavor and texture.
2. Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in 30 minutes – Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or snack cravings.
- Healthy alternative to traditional fried fries, with fewer calories and less oil.
- Crispy exterior, soft interior – Achieved through a special baking technique.
- Versatile flavor options – Add spices, herbs, or a sprinkle of parmesan for variation.
- Kid-friendly and perfect as a side dish or snack.
3. Ingredient Notes
Choosing high-quality sweet potatoes is crucial. Look for firm, smooth, and vibrant ones — ideally organic for the best flavor. Yams are often used interchangeably, but true sweet potatoes tend to be drier and sweeter, making them ideal for fries. When seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and a pinch of cinnamon work beautifully to enhance their natural sweetness, while a sprinkle of sea salt and black pepper adds depth. For a healthier twist, consider tossing your fries with a light drizzle of high-quality olive oil.
4. Kitchen Tools You Need
- Compact 6-in-1 Digital Air Fryer by Amazon Basics – While this is perfect for crispy results, our recipe uses the oven, and this gadget can also help when you want extra crispiness without oil.
- T-fal 14-Piece Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set – Provides reliable baking trays and utensils to ensure even cooking and easy cleanup.
- Ninja Foodi Smart XL Indoor Grill & Air Fryer Combo – Versatile equipment if you love multi-functional appliances, though for this recipe, your standard baking sheet works fine.
5. How to Make Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries
Preparing the Sweet Potatoes
Start by peeling your sweet potatoes and slicing them into evenly-sized fries, about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Uniform slices help them cook evenly. Place the cut fries in a large bowl of cold water for about 10 minutes. This step removes excess starch, leading to crispier results once baked.
Seasoning and Coating
Drain the sweet potatoes and pat them completely dry with a clean towel. In a bowl, toss the fries with a tablespoon of olive oil and your preferred seasonings — I recommend garlic powder, smoked paprika, a pinch of cinnamon, salt, and black pepper. For extra crunch, sprinkle in a tablespoon of cornstarch or arrowroot powder, which helps create a crispy exterior.
Baking
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Spread the fries in a single layer, ensuring they’re not crowded. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden-brown and crispy around the edges. Keep an eye on them — the smell of roasting sweet potatoes is truly heavenly!
6. Expert Tips for Success
- Dry the sweet potatoes thoroughly before baking — moisture is the enemy of crispiness.
- Always flip the fries halfway through baking for even browning.
- Use high heat — 425°F (220°C) — for maximum crunch.
- If you want even crispier fries, pop them under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, but watch closely to prevent burning.
- For added flavor, toss the cooked fries with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro before serving.
7. Variations & Substitutions
If you’re gluten-free, skip the coatings containing flour or starch. For vegan options, ensure your seasonings are free from animal products. Want a spicy kick? Add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the seasoning mix. For a sweeter twist, sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar after baking.
8. Storage & Reheating
Store leftover sweet potato fries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat and retain their crispiness, bake them on a wire rack at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes or reheat in an air fryer. Avoid microwaving, as this tends to make them soggy.
9. FAQ
Q1: How do I make sweet potato fries crispy without frying?
The key is high oven temperature, dry fries, and a light coating of oil. Tossing with a little cornstarch also helps create that crunchy exterior.
Q2: Can I freeze sweet potato fries?
Yes! Arrange cut fries on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer to a zip-top bag and store for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen for best results.
Q3: Are sweet potato fries healthy?
Absolutely. They are lower in calories and rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. Baking instead of frying significantly reduces added fats, making them a nutritious snack or side.
10. Conclusion
Experience the delightful crunch and sweetness of homemade crispy sweet potato fries. Perfectly baked and seasoned to your taste, they’re a healthier alternative to traditional fries that will leave everyone craving more. Try this recipe today, and don’t forget to pair it with your favorite dipping sauce for the ultimate snack or side!
Print
Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries
These crispy oven baked sweet potato fries are a healthier alternative to traditional fries, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 large sweet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Wash and peel the sweet potatoes, then cut them into uniform fries.
- In a large bowl, toss the sweet potato fries with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Arrange the fries in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and golden.
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- Ensure fries are evenly spaced for maximum crispiness.
- Adjust seasoning to taste or add a pinch of cayenne for heat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 150 Kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
