Easy Baked Sweet Potato Fries

You want these baked sweet potatoes b’cause

Can you really bake sweet potato fries crispy?

The real honest answer is NO, they will never be as crispy as deep fried regular potatoes. You can try all the techniques out there, from soaking them in water to coating them in cornstarch to sprinkling the salt later after cooking. All of them help a little, but they will never be crispy crisp, though they will crisp up a little outside around the edges. But they will be softer and tender inside. But there is nothing wrong with that. These fries are so flavorful with natural sweetness that you can enhance with countless seasonings. In no time they are going to be your go to fries! Trust me!!

Here are the TIPS to make your sweet potato fries PERFECT with crispy edges!!

Cut them evenly. So all the fries bake evenly (you don’t want some burnt and some under cooked fries), cut them evenly about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Don’t cut them too thin, as they will burn too easily. I personally go for 1/2 inch, as I like them a little thicker and chunkier.
Soak them in cold water. Yes, it’s an extra step, but it helps prevent them from being soggy and mushy.This removes the excess starch and helps crisp them a bit. You can soak anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours. Be sure to pat them dry with towel so there is no moisture left.
Toss the fries with cornstarch and your seasoning before tossing with oil. Cornstarch helps the fries achieve a crispier exterior. You can sprinkle whatever seasoning you feel that day. Today I am using simple black pepper, garlic powder and paprika. This sweet savory combo is irresistible. Later, I will give you some other fantastic seasoning options. Once they are coasted with the powders, sprinkle oil and coat nicely.
Line your baking sheet and don’t overcrowd. Using parchment paper to line the pan is first preference, as the fries don’t stick to the it. Make sure the brand of parchment paper you use can withstand high temperature, as we are baking this at 425°F. The second option is to line with greased aluminum foil, or just grease your sheet. Make sure you arrange the fries in single layer without overlapping, as that’s another reason for soggy fries. If you’re making a big batch, use two pans instead of one.
Bake at the right temperature. Preheat your oven to 425°F. Any lower and chances are they will be soggy. Higher and they can burn too easily. Half way through, flip the fries with a spatula, making sure they cook all over.
Salt goes after baking them. Salt can bring out moisture when baking and make them soggy, so wait till the end, just before munching.
Let them sit a few minutes after baking and sprinkle with salt. Rest the fries 5 minutes on the hot baking sheet and add some kind of rock salt. Any extra seasonings are welcome too. I love the fresh color of finely chopped parsley and some fine parmesan shavings. Now time to dig in fast guys! As with any other fries, they get soggy if left unattended for too long… not done, after all that work!!

Ingredients

Sweet potatoes – I like to use larger and fatter ones, as I like longer fries. I also like to peel the skin off, but some people prefer to keep it on. Just wash them good.Cornstarch – To make the exterior crispier.Olive oil – Or any other oil you prefer.Sea salt – We highly recommend sprinkling it at the end, after cooking the fries.Seasoning – This time we are using a mix of garlic powder, paprika and black pepper. See the other variations below.Garnishing – Chopped parsley and a fine dusting of freshly grated parmesan.

Some great ideas to play with your sweet potato fries (Variations)

What to eat with your sweet potato fries?

Oh, anything! All burgers, sandwiches, hot dogs… They’re great with grilled or baked meats and seafood, like Pork Pinwheels or Maple Pecan Salmon. You name it. I even love them with my Mexican meals. Tacos or burritos are great with a basket full of these fries… I am all set!!

Can you make them in advance ?

As with any other type of fries, they will get soggy if left out for too long, so it’s best to serve them fresh out of oven every single time. But you can prep them ahead of time by cutting, giving them a water bath and patting dry with a towel. Then store in a ziploc bag in the refrigerator till you are ready to cook. All that’s needed is to toss with seasoning and bake! Try these tasty, family friendly fries. Oh yes, those kids are gonna love these sweet fries, so get ready for a lot of demands! In no time they’ll be your regular GO-TO-FRIES!! Cause he loves them… she loves them… everyone loves them!!