Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Baked sweet potato fries offer all the crispiness and flavor you love in regular fries, but with added health benefits. Sweet potatoes are rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, making these fries a nutrient-packed side dish or snack. The best part is they’re easy to make, with minimal prep time and no deep-frying required. These fries are perfect for serving alongside burgers, sandwiches, or as a stand-alone snack with your favorite dipping sauce.
Ingredients
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2 medium sweet potatoes
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 teaspoon paprika
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/2 teaspoon onion powder
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1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
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1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
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1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary (optional, for added flavor)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
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Peel the sweet potatoes (optional) and cut them into evenly sized fries, about 1/4 to 1/2-inch thick.
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In a large bowl, toss the sweet potato fries with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure the fries are evenly coated.
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Spread the fries in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding to ensure they bake evenly.
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Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping the fries halfway through, until they are golden and crispy on the edges.
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Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. For extra crispiness, place them under the broiler for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking.
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Serve with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4
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Prep time: 10 minutes
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Cook time: 25-30 minutes
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Total time: 35-40 minutes
Variations
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Sweet and spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder for a spicy kick, or drizzle with honey for a sweet contrast.
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Herb-infused: Try using fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano for added flavor.
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Crispier fries: For extra crispiness, soak the cut sweet potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes before baking, then pat them dry before tossing with oil and seasoning.
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Parmesan crust: After baking, sprinkle the fries with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a savory, cheesy touch.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store leftover fries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 5-10 minutes, or until they’re hot and crispy again. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soggy.
FAQs
Can I use purple sweet potatoes for this recipe?
Yes, purple sweet potatoes work great for fries and offer a slightly different flavor and color, but the baking instructions remain the same.
Do I need to peel the sweet potatoes?
Peeling is optional. The skin adds extra fiber and a nice texture, but you can peel them if you prefer.
Can I make these fries ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the sweet potato fries ahead of time, store them in the refrigerator, and bake them just before serving. You can also prep them, freeze them on a baking sheet, and then transfer them to a freezer bag for later use.
Are baked sweet potato fries healthier than regular fries?
Yes, baked sweet potato fries are a healthier alternative to fried potatoes. They are lower in fat and contain more fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, especially when baked instead of fried.
Can I make these fries without oil?
You can make oil-free sweet potato fries by roasting them without oil, but they may not get as crispy. Instead, you can try using a non-stick cooking spray for a lighter alternative.
How do I get my sweet potato fries crispy?
Make sure the fries are spread in a single layer on the baking sheet and that they are not overcrowded. Flipping them halfway through the baking process also helps them crisp up evenly.
Can I freeze sweet potato fries before baking?
Yes, after cutting the sweet potatoes, you can freeze the fries on a baking sheet for a few hours and then transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to cook, bake directly from frozen, increasing the cooking time slightly.
Can I make these fries in an air fryer?
Yes, air fryers work great for making crispy sweet potato fries. Set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
Can I add other spices to the fries?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other spices like cumin, chili powder, or even a little cinnamon for a sweet twist.
Are sweet potato fries gluten-free?
Yes, sweet potato fries are naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free seasonings and avoid any gluten-containing ingredients.
Conclusion
Baked sweet potato fries are a delicious and healthier alternative to regular fries. They’re quick and easy to make, full of flavor, and perfect for any occasion. Whether as a side dish or a snack, these crispy, tender fries will satisfy your cravings while offering a boost of nutrients. Give them a try and discover why they’re a favorite among both healthy eaters and comfort food lovers!
PrintBaked Sweet Potato Fries
Baked sweet potato fries are a healthier twist on traditional fries, offering crispy edges and tender centers. Roasted with simple seasonings, they’re naturally sweet, packed with nutrients, and perfect for serving as a side or snack.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
2 medium sweet potatoes
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary (optional, for added flavor)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Peel the sweet potatoes (optional) and cut them into evenly sized fries, about 1/4 to 1/2-inch thick.
- In a large bowl, toss the sweet potato fries with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure the fries are evenly coated.
- Spread the fries in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding to ensure they bake evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping the fries halfway through, until they are golden and crispy on the edges.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. For extra crispiness, place them under the broiler for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!
Notes
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder for a spicy kick, or drizzle with honey for a sweet contrast.
- Use fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for added flavor.
- Soak the cut sweet potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes before baking for extra crispiness.
- Sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese after baking for a cheesy touch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg