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Perfect Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries

crispy oven baked sweet potato fries - featured image

A healthy and easy recipe for crispy oven baked sweet potato fries with a smoky paprika flavor and a perfect crunchy texture without deep frying.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large sweet potatoes (about 1.5 pounds / 700 grams), peeled and cut into fries (1/4 to 1/2 inch thick)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt (kosher salt recommended)
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (optional)
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Ensure the oven is fully heated before baking.
  2. Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into evenly sized sticks about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick.
  3. Place the cut fries in a large bowl of cold water and soak for at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours).
  4. Drain the fries and pat them completely dry with kitchen towels or paper towels.
  5. Return the dry fries to the bowl and sprinkle with 2 teaspoons of cornstarch. Toss gently to coat each fry.
  6. Drizzle 2 tablespoons olive oil over the fries, then sprinkle smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using. Toss well to coat evenly.
  7. Spread the fries out in a single layer on a parchment-lined or greased large rimmed baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching or overlapping.
  8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping the fries halfway through baking (around 15 minutes) using a spatula or tongs.
  9. Check for crispiness; fries should be golden brown and crispy on the edges but tender inside. Bake an additional 2-3 minutes if needed.
  10. Serve immediately, optionally sprinkling extra salt to taste.

Notes

Soaking and drying the fries thoroughly is essential for crispiness. Do not overcrowd the baking sheet to avoid steaming. Baking at 425°F ensures a crispy exterior without drying out the fries. Reheat leftovers in the oven at 375°F for 8-10 minutes to restore crispiness; avoid microwaving.

Nutrition

Keywords: sweet potato fries, oven baked fries, crispy fries, healthy snack, easy recipe, smoky paprika fries, gluten-free fries, vegetarian snack