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.
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.