Go Back
Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries

Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries

These Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries are golden and crunchy on the outside with a soft, tender center. Made with simple pantry ingredients and baked instead of fried, they are an easy, flavorful side dish or snack that comes together in about 40 minutes.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Soaking Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 180

Ingredients
  

Fries
  • 2 medium sweet potatoes Scrubbed well; peel if preferred.
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil Or another neutral, high-heat oil.
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika Smoked paprika adds extra flavor.
  • 0.5 teaspoon fine salt Add more to taste after baking.
  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper Freshly ground if possible.
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch Optional, for extra crispiness.

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven and pan. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a large baking sheet inside the oven so it heats up while you prepare the fries.
  2. Cut the sweet potatoes. Scrub the sweet potatoes and peel them if you like. Slice into long, even sticks about 1/4 inch thick so they cook at the same rate.
  3. Soak the fries. Place the cut sweet potatoes in a large bowl of cold water and let them soak for about 30 minutes to remove excess starch. This helps them crisp in the oven.
  4. Dry thoroughly. Drain the sweet potatoes and spread them on a clean towel or paper towels. Pat very dry to remove as much moisture as possible.
  5. Season the fries. Transfer the dried fries to a large bowl. Add olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss until evenly coated. Sprinkle the cornstarch over the fries and toss again until you no longer see dry patches.
  6. Arrange on the hot pan. Carefully remove the hot baking sheet from the oven. Line with parchment paper if desired, then spread the fries in a single layer with space between each piece.
  7. Bake until crispy. Bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping the fries halfway through. The fries are done when the edges are deep golden and crisp and the centers are tender.
  8. Season and serve. Taste and add a pinch more salt if needed. Serve the fries hot with your favorite dipping sauces.

Notes

For the crispiest fries, avoid overcrowding the baking sheet. If necessary, use two pans so the fries can roast instead of steam. Different ovens brown at different speeds, so start checking a few minutes early and adjust the baking time slightly as needed. Leftover fries can be reheated on a baking sheet in a 375°F (190°C) oven until warmed through and crisp again.