Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite go-to snack: crispy oven baked sweet potato fries! These little beauties are not just a healthier alternative to traditional fries, they’re also incredibly easy to whip up. I remember the first time I made them; I was craving something salty and crunchy, but I wanted to keep it on the lighter side. The moment those fries came out of the oven, golden and crispy, I was hooked!
Sweet potatoes are packed with nutrients and fiber, making these fries a guilt-free indulgence. Plus, the vibrant orange color just adds a pop of happiness to your plate, doesn’t it? You won’t believe how simple they are to prepare! With just a handful of ingredients, you’ll have a delicious side dish that pairs perfectly with just about anything—or you can enjoy them all on their own with your favorite dipping sauce. Trust me, once you try these crispy oven baked sweet potato fries, you’ll be making them on repeat!
Ingredients List
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into thin fries
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
How to Prepare Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Trust me, this step is crucial for achieving that perfect crispiness! A hot oven helps the fries cook evenly and get that delightful golden-brown exterior. So, go ahead and set that temperature while you prepare the sweet potatoes!
Preparing the Sweet Potatoes
Now, let’s get those sweet potatoes ready! Start by peeling the sweet potatoes—this is where the magic begins. I like to cut them into thin fries, about 1/4 inch thick. The key here is to keep them uniform so they cook evenly. If they’re all different sizes, some will be perfectly crispy while others might be a bit soggy. Nobody wants that!
Seasoning the Fries
Once your sweet potatoes are cut, it’s time to add some flavor! In a large bowl, toss the sweet potato fries with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Make sure to mix them well until every fry is nicely coated. This is where the flavor really comes alive, and oh boy, the smell is fantastic!
Baking the Fries
Now comes the fun part—baking! Spread your seasoned sweet potato fries in a single layer on a baking sheet. Don’t overcrowd them; they need space to breathe and get crispy! Bake those beauties for about 25-30 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure they get crispy on all sides. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re golden and crispy, just like you hoped!
Serving Suggestions
Once they’re out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes. This will help them crisp up even more! I love serving my crispy oven baked sweet potato fries with a side of tangy dipping sauce, like ranch or even a spicy aioli. But honestly, they’re delicious all on their own! You’re going to love every bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Healthier alternative to traditional fries, packed with vitamins and fiber.
- Incredibly flavorful thanks to simple seasonings that elevate the natural sweetness.
- Versatile side dish that pairs well with burgers, sandwiches, or salads.
- Customizable—experiment with different spices to suit your taste.
- Great for meal prep; they reheat well and still taste amazing.
- Fun to make with kids—everyone can get involved in the seasoning and tossing!
Tips for Success
If you want to achieve perfectly crispy oven baked sweet potato fries, I’ve got some pro tips that will take your fry game to the next level!
- Soak the Sweet Potatoes: One of my favorite tricks is to soak the cut sweet potatoes in cold water for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps remove excess starch and makes for an extra crispy fry. Just be sure to dry them thoroughly after soaking!
- Uniform Sizing: Cut your sweet potatoes into thin, even pieces. This is key to ensuring they all cook at the same rate. Think about 1/4 inch thick—no thicker or thinner, or you’ll end up with some soggy and some burnt!
- Single Layer is Key: When spreading the fries on your baking sheet, make sure they’re in a single layer. Overcrowding them will steam the fries instead of roasting them, and we want that lovely crispy texture!
- Don’t Skip the Flip: Halfway through baking, flip those fries! This helps them brown evenly and achieve that golden crunch on all sides. Trust me, it makes a difference!
- Experiment with Spices: Feel free to get creative with your seasonings! Try adding a pinch of cayenne for heat or a sprinkle of cinnamon for a sweet twist. It’s all about making these fries your own!
By following these tips, you’ll be on your way to serving up the crispiest, most delicious sweet potato fries that will have everyone coming back for more. Enjoy the crunch!
Nutritional Information
Alright, let’s talk numbers! Here’s the estimated nutritional data for a serving of these delightful crispy oven baked sweet potato fries. Keep in mind, these values are based on typical ingredients, so they can vary slightly depending on how you prepare them. But rest assured, you’re still making a healthier choice!
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 6g
- Protein: 2g
- Sodium: 150mg
So there you have it! These fries are not just tasty but also pack a nutritious punch. Enjoy them guilt-free as a fantastic side dish or snack, and feel good about what you’re putting on your plate!
FAQ Section
Got questions? Don’t worry, I’ve got answers! Here are some common queries about these crispy oven baked sweet potato fries that I’ve come across:
Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in regular potatoes if that’s what you have on hand. Just keep in mind that the cooking time might vary slightly, so keep an eye on them!
How do I store leftovers?
If you happen to have leftovers (which I doubt because they’re so good!), let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just a heads up, they might lose a bit of their crispiness, but you can pop them back in the oven for a few minutes to revive them!
Can I make these fries ahead of time?
While I recommend enjoying them fresh, you can prep the sweet potatoes and season them ahead of time. Just store them in the fridge for a few hours before baking. However, I wouldn’t suggest baking them ahead of time since they taste best right out of the oven!
What dipping sauces work best?
Oh, the options are endless! My favorites are ranch dressing, spicy aioli, or even a simple ketchup. You could also try a homemade avocado dip for a fresh twist!
Can I bake them in an air fryer?
Yes, you can! Air frying is a fantastic way to get that crispy texture without using a ton of oil. Just toss the fries in the air fryer basket and cook at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, shaking halfway through.
Why are my fries not crispy?
If your fries aren’t crispy, it might be because they were overcrowded on the baking sheet, or they didn’t get enough time in the oven. Make sure they have plenty of space and are flipped halfway through baking for the best results!
Can I freeze these fries?
Yes! You can freeze uncooked fries. Just spread them on a baking sheet, flash freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, no need to thaw—just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time!
Call to Action
I hope you’re as excited to try these crispy oven baked sweet potato fries as I am to share them with you! If you do make them (and I really think you should), I’d love to hear how they turn out for you. Please drop a comment below and let me know your thoughts or any fun variations you tried!
Also, if you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to rate it! Your feedback means the world to me and helps others discover this delicious treat. And hey, if you snapped a picture of your fries, share it with me! I adore seeing your culinary creations. Let’s keep the conversation going and inspire each other in the kitchen!
Print
Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries to Brighten Your Day
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Crispy oven baked sweet potato fries are a healthy alternative to traditional fries. They are easy to make and packed with flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 large sweet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Peel and cut the sweet potatoes into thin fries.
- In a bowl, toss the sweet potato fries with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Spread the fries in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy.
- Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, soak the cut sweet potatoes in water for 30 minutes before baking.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: crispy oven baked sweet potato fries, healthy fries, baked fries, sweet potato recipes