Oh boy, who doesn’t LOVE a good fry? Especially when it’s a completely guilt-free version! Forget those soggy, sad excuses for fries you sometimes get. My recipe for Flavorful Baked Sweet Potato Fries Crispy And Golden is going to change your life, I promise. Seriously, these aren’t just any fries; they’re a revelation! I’ve spent ages tweaking this, trying this and that, to get them just right. They’re naturally sweet, packed with flavor, and they actually crisp up beautifully in the oven. It’s my go-to side dish for practically everything, from burgers to grilled chicken. You’re going to be making these all the time, just like I do!
Why You’ll Love These Flavorful Baked Sweet Potato Fries Crispy And Golden
- Seriously, you just chop, toss, and bake. Perfect for busy weeknights!
- Baked, not fried, with simple, good-for-you ingredients. Goodbye, grease!
- They go with *everything*. Burgers, salads, tacos, you name it!
- These actually get satisfyingly golden and crispy in the oven – no soggy bottoms here.
Ingredients for Crispy Baked Sweet Potato Fries
Alright, let’s talk ingredients! The beauty of these fries is that they are super simple. You probably have most of this stuff already. Trust me, good quality ingredients make all the difference here.
- 2 big sweet potatoes, make sure they’re scrubbed clean!
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil – I love a good extra virgin for flavor.
- 1 teaspoon of paprika. I usually go for smoked paprika, but sweet works too!
- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder. Because, well, garlic makes everything better.
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt. You can always add more at the table if you like!
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Freshly ground is best, if you have it.
Essential Equipment for Perfect Baked Sweet Potato Fries
To get these fries just right, you don’t need a ton of fancy gadgets. Just a few basics will do the trick! You’ll want a good-sized baking sheet to spread them out so they get nice and crispy. Parchment paper is a lifesaver for cleanup, seriously. Then, you’ll need a nice, sharp knife for cutting those sweet potatoes into perfect fry shapes, and a big mixing bowl so you can toss everything together easily. That’s pretty much it – simple tools for simple, delicious fries!
How to Make Flavorful Baked Sweet Potato Fries Crispy And Golden
Okay, so making these Flavorful Baked Sweet Potato Fries Crispy And Golden is ridiculously easy. Honestly, the hardest part is waiting for them to bake! First things first, you need to get your oven nice and hot. Crank it up to 400°F (200°C). While that’s heating, grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. This is my secret weapon for easy cleanup, trust me! If you’re looking for other crispy veggie ideas, you might like my crispy roasted cauliflower – same idea, different veggie!
Now for the fun part: cutting the sweet potatoes. I like to cut mine into fries that are about a quarter-inch thick. Not too skinny, not too chunky, just right for getting that perfect crispy edge. Toss those beautiful fry shapes into a big bowl. Drizzle in your olive oil, sprinkle on that paprika for color and flavor, add the garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Give it all a good toss with your hands until every single fry is coated. This is what makes them taste so amazing!
Here’s a crucial step for that crispy texture: spread the fries out on your prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Do *not* crowd the pan! If they’re all piled up, they’ll steam instead of crisping. Give them some breathing room. Pop that sheet into your hot oven and let them bake for about 20-25 minutes. But don’t just forget about them! About halfway through, give those fries a little flip. This helps them get golden brown and crispy on all sides. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re tender on the inside and look wonderfully crispy around the edges. It’s like magic!
Tips for Extra Crispy Baked Sweet Potato Fries
Want to take these fries from “pretty good” to “OMG, the best fries EVER”? I’ve got a couple of tricks up my sleeve that really make a difference. First, for maximum crunch, try soaking your cut sweet potatoes in cold water for about 30 minutes before you pat them totally dry. Seriously, pat them DRY with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Any extra moisture will steam them, and we want crispy, not steamed!
Also, pay attention to where you bake them. I find that placing the baking sheet on the middle or even lower-middle rack in the oven helps the heat circulate around the fries better, giving them that super golden, crispy finish we’re after. Don’t be afraid to let them get a little browned on the edges – that’s where all the good flavor is!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
Okay, so let’s chat about these ingredients for a sec. The olive oil is my go-to because it’s got such a great flavor, but if you don’t have that, avocado oil or even a good quality vegetable oil will work just fine. They’re a little more neutral, but they’ll still get the job done for crispiness. As for the spices, paprika is key for that gorgeous golden color and a little smoky depth. If you only have sweet paprika, that’s totally fine too! You could even play around with a pinch of cayenne if you like a little heat, or a sprinkle of onion powder if you’re feeling adventurous. Just make sure whatever you do, you coat those fries evenly!
Serving Suggestions for Your Crispy Fries
These crispy baked sweet potato fries are SO versatile, they go with practically anything! They’re amazing piled high next to a juicy burger or some grilled chicken. I also love serving them with tacos for a little extra something-something. And for dipping? Oh, you *have* to try them with a zesty chimichurri sauce or even a creamy cannellini bean and feta dip. They’re just begging to be dipped!
Storage and Reheating
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Let them cool completely, then pop them into an airtight container. They’ll stay good in the fridge for about 3 days. To reheat and get them crispy again, skip the microwave! Pop them back onto a baking sheet in a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for about 5-10 minutes until they’re warm and crisp. You can also try an air fryer for a few minutes if that’s your jam!
Frequently Asked Questions About Baked Sweet Potato Fries
Got questions about these yummy fries? I’ve got answers!
Can I make these fries ahead of time?
You can cut the sweet potatoes ahead of time and keep them in the fridge, submerged in cold water, for up to 24 hours. Just make sure you pat them *really* dry before tossing with oil and spices. For the best crispiness, it’s really ideal to bake them right before you want to serve them, though!
What’s the best way to cut sweet potatoes for fries?
I like cutting them about 1/4 inch thick, kind of like classic french fries. Thinner fries will get crispier faster, while thicker ones will be softer inside. Just try to keep them all roughly the same size so they cook evenly. A mandoline slicer can help if you want them super uniform, but a good knife works perfectly fine!
Are baked sweet potato fries healthy?
Compared to deep-fried fries, absolutely! Because we’re baking them with just a little olive oil instead of a ton of fry oil, they’re a much healthier option. They’re packed with vitamins and fiber from the sweet potatoes, and you control the salt and other seasonings. You can feel really good about serving these up!
Why aren’t my baked fries crispy?
This is the most common question! Usually, it’s one of two things: overcrowding the pan is the biggest culprit. If the fries are piled up, they steam instead of crisping. Make sure they’re in a single layer with a little space between them. Another reason could be not getting them dry enough after cutting or soaking. Pat them super dry!
Nutritional Information
Just a little heads-up, these numbers are estimates, okay? They can totally change depending on exactly what you use, like how much oil or salt. But generally, you’re looking at around 150 calories per serving, with about 7g of fat, 2g of protein, and 20g of carbs. They’re a pretty darn good way to get your fry fix without all the heavy stuff!
Print
Flavorful Baked Sweet Potato Fries
- Total Time: 40 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy and golden baked sweet potato fries with a savory seasoning.
Ingredients
- 2 large sweet potatoes, scrubbed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cut the sweet potatoes into fry shapes, about 1/4 inch thick.
- In a large bowl, toss the sweet potato fries with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Spread the fries in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the fries are tender and crispy.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, you can soak the cut sweet potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes before drying and seasoning.
- Adjust seasonings to your preference.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 25 min
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: sweet potato fries, baked fries, crispy fries, healthy fries, side dish, vegetarian