Oh my goodness, have you ever tried crispy oven baked sweet potato fries? They’re honestly one of my favorite healthy snacks! These golden, crunchy delights are not just delicious, they’re a fantastic alternative to regular fries. I love how easy they are to whip up, and they always leave everyone raving about them. Plus, sweet potatoes are packed with nutrients, making these fries a guilt-free indulgence. I remember the first time I made them for a game night; we couldn’t stop munching on them! I served them alongside a zesty dipping sauce, and let me tell you, they disappeared in seconds.
The best part? You don’t need a deep fryer or fancy equipment to get that perfect crisp. Just a simple oven and a few basic ingredients, and you’re all set! Whether you’re serving them as a side dish or enjoying them straight from the baking sheet, they’re always a hit. Trust me, once you try these crispy oven baked sweet potato fries, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients List
Here’s everything you’ll need to create those deliciously crispy oven baked sweet potato fries. I promise, it’s super simple and all the flavors come together perfectly!
- 2 large sweet potatoes – Peeled and cut into thin strips, these are the star of the show! The thinner the strips, the crispier they get.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – This helps to give the fries that golden color and delicious flavor. Don’t skimp on this!
- 1 teaspoon salt – A must for enhancing the natural sweetness of the potatoes. Feel free to adjust based on your taste!
- 1 teaspoon paprika – Adds a subtle smokiness and a lovely color to the fries. Trust me, it makes a difference!
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder – Just the right amount of garlicky goodness to elevate your fries to the next level.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – For that little kick! It balances out the sweetness of the sweet potatoes perfectly.
That’s it! Just these simple ingredients come together to create something truly special. You can always play around with the spices based on what you love, but this combo is my go-to.
How to Prepare Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries
Making crispy oven baked sweet potato fries is super easy! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll be enjoying a delicious, healthy treat in no time. Let’s get cooking!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheating your oven is crucial! You want to set that baby to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature is what’s going to give your fries that perfect crispy texture. So, don’t skip this step! While the oven is warming up, you can get everything else ready.
Step 2: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
Next, let’s focus on those sweet potatoes. Start by peeling them—this helps the fries cook evenly and keeps the skin from getting tough. Then, cut the sweet potatoes into thin strips. The key here is to aim for uniformity; about 1/4 inch thick is perfect! The thinner the strips, the crispier they’ll get. Just imagine the crunch when you bite into them! If you have a mandoline slicer, it’s a real game-changer for this step!
Step 3: Seasoning the Fries
Now, it’s time to add some flavor! In a large bowl, toss the sweet potato strips with the olive oil, salt, paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper. Make sure every piece is evenly coated—this is where all the magic happens! I like to use my hands for this; it’s the best way to ensure everything is mixed well. Plus, it’s kind of fun to get a little messy!
Step 4: Baking the Fries
Once your fries are seasoned, spread them out in a single layer on a baking sheet. This is super important because overcrowding will lead to soggy fries. You want them to have space to crisp up! Bake them in your preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, flipping them halfway through. This ensures they cook evenly on both sides—trust me, you’ll want that golden-brown crust!
Step 5: Cooling and Serving
When the fries are done, take them out of the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. This helps them firm up a bit more. I like to serve them with a variety of dipping sauces—ketchup, ranch, or even a spicy aioli are all fantastic choices. Enjoy your crispy oven baked sweet potato fries fresh from the oven and watch them disappear!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthier Alternative: These crispy oven baked sweet potato fries are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making them a guilt-free treat!
- Super Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can whip these up in no time—perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Endless Flavor Possibilities: The seasoning options are endless! Whether you stick to my favorite mix or experiment with your own spices, they’re sure to be a hit.
- Perfectly Crispy Every Time: Thanks to the high baking temperature and proper spacing on the baking sheet, you’ll achieve that satisfying crunch in every bite.
- Great for Dipping: Serve them with your favorite sauces, and you’ve got a fun appetizer or side dish that everyone will love!
Tips for Success
Want to make your crispy oven baked sweet potato fries even better? I’ve got some tried-and-true tips that will take your fries from good to absolutely amazing!
- Soak for Extra Crispiness: If you have a little extra time, soak the cut sweet potato strips in cold water for about 30 minutes before seasoning. This helps remove excess starch and will give you that super crispy texture you’re after!
- Use a Well-Preheated Baking Sheet: For the best results, place your baking sheet in the oven while it preheats. This way, when you add your fries, they start cooking immediately and get that nice golden brown crust.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Make sure to spread the fries out in a single layer with space between each piece. If they’re too close together, they’ll steam instead of crisp up, and nobody wants soggy fries!
- Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to get creative with your seasonings! Try adding some cayenne for heat, or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for an extra flavor boost. The possibilities are endless!
- Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on your fries as they bake. Ovens can vary, so check around the 20-minute mark. You want them to be golden brown and crispy, but not burnt!
With these simple tips, you’ll be a sweet potato fry pro in no time. Enjoy the deliciousness!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve made a big batch of crispy oven baked sweet potato fries and have some leftovers? No worries! Here’s how to store and reheat them so they stay delicious and crispy.
First off, let your fries cool completely before storing. Once they’re cool, transfer them to an airtight container. I like to place a piece of parchment paper between layers if I’m stacking them to prevent them from sticking together. You can keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just remember, the sooner you eat them, the better they’ll taste!
When it comes to reheating, you want to bring back that crispy texture. The best way to do this is to pop them back in the oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and spread the fries out on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through. This will help revive their crunchiness! If you’re in a hurry, you can also use an air fryer, which works wonders for reheating fries—just a few minutes at 375°F (190°C) should do the trick.
So, whether you’re enjoying them fresh or reheating those leftovers, you’ll be able to savor that delightful crunch every time. Enjoy every bite!
Nutritional Information
Let’s talk about the nutrition behind these crispy oven baked sweet potato fries! While I always say that enjoying food is a priority, it’s nice to know the benefits of what you’re eating, right? Here’s a rough breakdown of the nutritional values per serving:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 2g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 200mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. But one thing’s for sure: you’re indulging in a tasty and wholesome side dish that’s not only satisfying but also full of nutrients. Enjoy these fries guilt-free, knowing they’re a delicious addition to your meal!
FAQ Section
Can I use regular potatoes?
Absolutely! While I love sweet potatoes for their flavor and health benefits, you can definitely use regular potatoes. Just keep in mind that the cooking time might vary slightly, so keep an eye on them while they bake!
How do I make them spicier?
If you want to kick up the heat, try adding some cayenne pepper or chili powder to your seasoning mix! You can start with just a pinch and adjust to your liking. You could also serve them with a spicy dipping sauce for an extra kick.
What dips go well with sweet potato fries?
Oh, so many options! Ketchup is a classic, but I also love ranch dressing, garlic aioli, or even a zesty chipotle mayo. You could also experiment with guacamole or a yogurt-based dip for a refreshing twist!
Can I make these fries ahead of time?
Sure! You can prepare the sweet potatoes, season them, and store them in the fridge for a few hours before baking. Just remember to let them sit at room temperature for a bit before popping them in the oven.
How can I ensure my fries are crispy?
For that perfect crunch, make sure you soak the sweet potatoes in water for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps to remove excess starch. Also, don’t forget to spread them out on the baking sheet without overcrowding!
For more information on the health benefits of sweet potatoes, you can check out this Healthline article.
PrintCrispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries: 5 Comforting Tips
- 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 salt
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into thin strips.
- In a bowl, mix the sweet potato strips with olive oil, salt, paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Spread the sweet potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy.
- Remove from oven and let them cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, soak the sweet potatoes in water for 30 minutes before baking.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: crispy oven baked sweet potato fries