Sweet Potato Fries
Crispy on the outside, tender and sweet on the inside, these oven-baked sweet potato fries are a healthier take on the classic side. Tossed in a touch of oil and a smoky-spicy seasoning blend, they come out of the oven with beautifully caramelized edges. Perfect alongside burgers, sandwiches, or just dipped in your favorite sauce.
For 4 servings
- prep
Soak the sweet potatoes.
Place the cut sweet potato batons in a large bowl of cold water. Let them soak for 30 minutes to remove excess starch. Drain and pat completely dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
TIPGetting the potatoes bone-dry after soaking is the secret to crispy fries. Any leftover moisture will steam them in the oven. - prep
Preheat the oven and prep the pan.
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
- mix
Coat the fries with cornstarch and oil.
1.Place the dried sweet potato batons in a large mixing bowl.2.Sprinkle cornstarch over the potatoes and toss until evenly coated.3.Drizzle with olive oil and toss again until every piece is lightly coated. - prep
Season the fries.
Sprinkle garlic powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt over the coated fries. Toss well to distribute the seasoning evenly.
- bake · ~30 min
Arrange and bake the fries.
1.Spread the seasoned sweet potato batons in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each piece.2.Bake for 15 minutes, then remove from oven and flip each fry carefully.3.Return to the oven and bake for another 12 to 15 minutes, until edges are golden brown and crispy.TIPDon't crowd the pan. If the fries overlap, they'll steam instead of crisp up. Use two baking sheets if needed. - serve
Serve immediately.
Transfer the hot fries to a serving plate. They are best enjoyed right out of the oven while crispy.
TIPFor extra flavor, sprinkle with a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt right before serving.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Soak the cut sweet potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes to remove excess starch, which helps them crisp up.
- 2Pat the sweet potatoes bone-dry after soaking — any residual moisture will create steam and prevent crispiness.
- 3Use parchment paper on the baking sheet to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.
- 4Arrange fries in a single layer with space between each piece; overcrowding causes steaming instead of crisping.
- 5Flip the fries carefully halfway through baking to ensure even browning on all sides.
- 6Serve immediately after baking for the best crispy texture; they soften quickly as they cool.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicy chipotle
Add 1/2 teaspoon chipotle powder and 1 teaspoon lime zest to the seasoning for a smoky, tangy kick that pairs beautifully with the sweetness.
herb & garlicHerb & garlic
Toss the baked fries with 2 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh rosemary and thyme for an aromatic, savory twist.
maple cinnamonMaple-cinnamon
Drizzle 1 tablespoon of maple syrup over the fries in the last 5 minutes of baking and dust with cinnamon for a sweet dessert-style variation.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Vitamin A
Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A for healthy vision and immune function.
High in Dietary Fiber
Leaving the skin on provides a good amount of fiber, aiding digestion and promoting a feeling of fullness.
Low in Saturated Fat
Using a small amount of olive oil keeps the saturated fat content low compared to traditional deep-fried fries.
Source of Potassium
Sweet potatoes are naturally rich in potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure and muscle function.
Frequently asked questions
Sogginess usually happens if the fries are not dried thoroughly after soaking, or if they are overcrowded on the baking sheet. Ensure they are bone-dry and spread in a single layer.
