Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries — Easy, Healthy Weeknight Side

These Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries are a reliable, everyday side that actually works. No fuss, no deep fryer, and no mystery ingredients. The fries come out slightly sweet, pleasantly crisp at the edges, and tender inside. I make them when I want something a little special with dinner but not a time sink. They pair with weeknight roasted chicken, burgers, or a simple green salad.

Ingredients for this Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries

Here’s what you’ll need. Most of these are pantry staples, and you can tweak the spices to your taste.

• 3 large sweet potatoes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Okay, let’s get into it. The method is straightforward, but a few small steps make a big difference.

1. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F. Higher heat helps the fries crisp without drying out the center.
2. Wash the sweet potatoes. I usually leave the skin on because it adds texture and saves time. If you prefer a smoother fry, peel them.
3. Cut the potatoes into even sticks, about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Try to keep them similar in size so they cook evenly.
4. Soak the cut fries in a bowl of cold water for at least 10 minutes. This step reduces surface starch and helps with crisping. If you can, aim for 30 minutes.
5. Drain and dry the fries thoroughly with clean towels. This is key: any moisture left will steam them in the oven and you’ll lose crispiness.
6. Toss the dried fries with cornstarch in a large bowl so they get a light, even coating. Cornstarch mimics that light crust you’d get from frying.
7. Add olive oil and seasonings, then toss again to coat every piece. Taste one piece after seasoning to check for salt. I always tweak a bit here and there.
8. Spread the fries in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding. If they touch too much, they won’t crisp.
9. Bake for about 20 minutes, flip the fries, then bake an additional 10 to 15 minutes until they’re golden on the edges. If you want them extra crisp, broil for 1 to 2 minutes at the end while watching closely.
10. Let them rest a minute or two — they firm up as they cool. Sprinkle with parsley and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

Cook and Prep Times

• Prep time: 15 minutes (plus 10-30 minutes soaking if you choose)
• Cook time: 30-35 minutes
• Total time: about 45 minutes

Nutritional information

Here’s a rough estimate per serving (recipe serves 4):

• Calories: 220 kcal
• Fat: 8 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Sugar: 7 g
• Protein: 2 g

Nutrition will vary depending on the size of your sweet potatoes and how much oil you use. If you trim the oil slightly or use a spray, calories will drop a bit.

Frequently asked questions

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake them ahead and reheat. They’re best served right away, but if you need to prep, bake them, let them cool completely, and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat on a baking sheet at 400 degrees F for 8 to 10 minutes to revive some of the crispness. Microwave will make them soggier.

Why do my sweet potato fries get soggy?

The biggest reasons are moisture and overcrowding. Make sure to dry the fries very well after soaking. Also, give them space on the pan so hot air can circulate. Using cornstarch helps form a light crust too. If you skip the soak, they may still crisp but soaking helps a lot.

Can I use another oil or seasoning?

Absolutely. Avocado oil or a light vegetable oil works in place of olive oil. For seasonings, try smoked paprika for a deeper flavor, or a sprinkle of parmesan after baking for a salty finish. If you want a sweeter profile, a little cinnamon mixed with brown sugar makes an interesting twist for a snack or dessert-style fry.

That’s it. Simple, honest, and satisfying. If you’re like me, you’ll find reasons to make these more often than not: they’re easy, they travel well in lunch boxes, and they pair with almost everything. Try them tonight and tweak the spice blend to match your family’s taste. Happy baking, and enjoy those crispy edges.

Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries

These Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries are a simple, healthier take on classic fries. They bake up golden and slightly caramelized on the edges, with a tender inside and satisfying crisp outside. Perfect as a side, snack, or lunchbox addition.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Servings 4

Calories 220 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 3 large sweet potatoes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Position a rack in the middle to upper third of the oven.
• Wash and scrub the sweet potatoes. You can peel them if you prefer, but I usually leave the skins on for texture and nutrients. Cut each sweet potato into even fries about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick.
• Place the cut fries into a large bowl of cold water and let them soak for at least 10 minutes. If you have extra time, 30 minutes helps remove more starch and improves crisping.
• Drain the fries and dry them very well with clean kitchen towels or paper towels. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness, so take your time here.
• In a large mixing bowl, toss the dried fries with cornstarch until they're evenly coated. This thin coating helps create a light crust.
• Add the olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, sea salt, black pepper, and cayenne if using. Toss to coat each fry evenly. Taste a tiny bit of seasoning from a piece to adjust salt or spice if needed.
• Arrange the fries in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet, making sure they do not overlap. Use two sheets if needed. Overcrowding causes steaming instead of roasting.
• Bake for 20 minutes, then flip the fries with a spatula and rotate the pans between racks if using more than one. Bake for another 10 to 15 minutes, until edges are golden and crisp. Keep an eye in the final minutes so they don't burn.
• If you want extra crispness, broil for 1 to 2 minutes at the end, watching closely. Remove from oven and let cool for a couple minutes so they firm up.
• Sprinkle with chopped parsley if you like, and serve warm with your favorite dip — ketchup, aioli, or a tangy yogurt dip all work great.