These oven-baked sweet potato fries are a guilt-free indulgence that’s crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with flavor. Lightly seasoned with garlic, paprika, and black pepper, they’re a versatile snack or side dish that’s naturally gluten-free, vegan, and irresistibly delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthier Alternative: Baked, not fried, for a lighter version of this classic favorite.
- Perfectly Crispy: The addition of cornstarch ensures a golden, crispy texture.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 40 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or a quick snack.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the seasonings to suit your taste.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into thin fries
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
Directions
Step 1: Prep the Sweet Potatoes
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into thin, even fries, about 1/4-inch thick, to ensure even cooking.
Step 2: Coat with Cornstarch
- Place the sweet potato fries in a large bowl. Sprinkle the cornstarch over the fries and toss to coat evenly.
Step 3: Season and Oil
- Add the olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt to the bowl. Toss the fries until they’re well coated with the oil and seasonings.
Step 4: Arrange on Baking Sheet
- Spread the sweet potato fries in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they don’t overlap. This helps them crisp up properly.
Step 5: Bake
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the tray, flip the fries, and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until crispy and golden brown. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes to prevent burning.
Step 6: Serve
- Remove the fries from the oven and let them cool for 5 minutes before serving. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Option: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder for a kick of heat.
- Herb-Infused: Sprinkle with fresh rosemary, thyme, or parsley after baking for added flavor.
- Parmesan Fries: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the fries during the last 5 minutes of baking for a cheesy twist.
- Sweet and Savory: Toss the fries with a little cinnamon and a drizzle of maple syrup for a sweet variation.
- Air Fryer Method: Cook the fries in an air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover fries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness, or use an air fryer for best results.
- Freezing: Freeze uncooked seasoned fries on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen, adding 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.
FAQs
1. Why aren’t my sweet potato fries crispy?
Ensure you’re not overcrowding the baking sheet. Spread the fries in a single layer to allow even airflow and crisping.
2. Can I leave the skin on the sweet potatoes?
Yes, the skin adds extra texture and nutrients. Just scrub them well before cutting.
3. Is there a substitute for cornstarch?
Yes, arrowroot powder or tapioca starch work well as substitutes for cornstarch.
4. Can I make these fries oil-free?
Yes, omit the oil, but note that they may not crisp up as much. Use parchment paper to prevent sticking.
5. What’s the best way to cut even fries?
Use a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer for consistent thickness.
6. How do I prevent the fries from sticking to the pan?
Line the baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat, and toss the fries thoroughly in oil.
7. Can I use a different type of potato?
Yes, this recipe works well with regular russet potatoes or Yukon Gold potatoes.
8. What dipping sauces pair well with sweet potato fries?
Ranch dressing, sriracha mayo, honey mustard, or a simple garlic aioli are great options.
9. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but bake the fries on two separate trays to avoid overcrowding.
10. Are sweet potato fries healthier than regular fries?
Yes, sweet potatoes are a good source of vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, making them a nutrient-rich alternative to regular fries.
Conclusion
Healthy Crispy Sweet Potato Fries are a delicious and versatile snack or side dish that everyone will love. Baked to golden perfection and lightly seasoned, they’re a guilt-free way to enjoy fries without sacrificing flavor. Perfectly paired with your favorite dipping sauces, these fries are a must-try. Make a batch today and savor every crispy, flavorful bite!
Print
Healthy Crispy Sweet Potato Fries Recipe
- Author: Asma
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish, Snack
- Method: Oven-Baked
- Cuisine: American
Description
Enjoy guilt-free crispy sweet potato fries with this easy oven-baked recipe! Lightly seasoned with garlic, paprika, and a touch of cornstarch for perfect crispiness, these fries are naturally gluten-free, vegan, and perfect as a healthy snack or side dish.
Ingredients
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into thin fries
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:
- Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into evenly sized thin fries (about 1/4 inch thick) to ensure even cooking.
- Coat the Fries:
- In a large mixing bowl, toss the sweet potato fries with olive oil until evenly coated.
- In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Sprinkle the mixture over the sweet potatoes and toss until fully coated.
- Arrange on the Baking Sheet:
- Spread the fries in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are not overcrowded. Overlapping fries will steam instead of crisp.
- Bake:
- Bake for 15 minutes, then flip the fries using a spatula. Continue baking for another 15-20 minutes, or until the fries are golden brown and crispy on the edges.
- Serve:
- Remove the fries from the oven and let them cool for a couple of minutes. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ketchup, chipotle mayo, or a tangy yogurt dip.
Notes
- For Extra Crispiness: After tossing the fries in cornstarch and seasonings, let them sit for 10 minutes before baking to allow the coating to stick better.
- Storage: Store leftover fries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 400°F for 5-7 minutes to regain crispiness.
- Customizations: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder for a spicy twist or sprinkle with fresh herbs like rosemary or parsley after baking.
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