Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries: Your Healthier, Flavorful Side Dish

Say goodbye to greasy, deep-fried indulgence and hello to a healthier, equally satisfying alternative: these incredible Sweet Potato Fries! Expertly oven-baked to crispy perfection, they feature a delightful blend of smoked paprika, cumin, onion powder, Kosher salt, and freshly ground pepper. With just 1-2 tablespoons of canola or olive oil, these savory fries offer all the flavor you crave with significantly less fat than their traditional counterparts, making them a smart and delicious choice for any meal.

Craving another healthy fry alternative that doesn’t compromise on taste? Don’t miss our perfectly crispy zucchini fries!

Why You’ll Love These Crispy Baked Sweet Potato Fries

Hello, food lovers! If you’re anything like me, you could enjoy a plate of perfectly prepared Sweet Potato Fries any time of day, any day of the week. There’s just something irresistibly good about them. Their unique sweet-and-salty balance creates an addictive flavor profile that will have you reaching for more, making them a constant crowd-pleaser in my household. Even our picky eaters give these a thumbs up, which is no small feat!

Beyond their amazing taste, sweet potatoes are a nutritional powerhouse. They are inherently healthier than regular white potatoes, boasting fewer carbohydrates and calories while being packed with essential vitamins and minerals. These vibrant root vegetables are an excellent source of Vitamin A, B (including B6), and C, along with vital minerals like potassium, magnesium, manganese, and choline. Incorporating them into your diet is a fantastic way to boost your nutrient intake without sacrificing flavor.

This recipe isn’t just about deliciousness; it’s about smart eating and convenience. By baking these fries instead of deep-frying, we drastically reduce the oil content, making them a much healthier choice for you and your family. Plus, cleanup is a breeze, which is always a bonus when you’re preparing a weeknight meal.

Related Recipe Inspiration: If you’re a fan of sweet potatoes, you might also enjoy our Air Fryer Sweet Potato Chips for a crunchy snack, or our creamy Mashed Sweet Potatoes for a comforting side dish.

Perfecting Your Baked Sweet Potato Fries: Tips for Ultimate Crispiness

The secret to truly great sweet potato fries lies in achieving that coveted crispy exterior while maintaining a tender, flavorful interior. Unlike their deep-fried cousins, baked fries require a few key steps to ensure they don’t turn out soggy. Here are my top tips for achieving crispy perfection every time:

1. Consistent Cutting is Key

Sweet potatoes come in various shapes and sizes, but uniform cutting is paramount for even baking. Aim for pieces that are about 1/2 inch thick. If some fries are thinner than others, they will burn before the thicker ones are cooked through. Longer, thinner sticks generally crisp up better than thicker, shorter wedges. You can use a sharp chef’s knife or even a mandoline (with caution!) for precise cuts.

2. The Power of Drying

Moisture is the enemy of crispiness. After washing, peeling, and cutting your sweet potatoes, it’s crucial to dry them thoroughly. Spread them out on paper towels or a clean kitchen towel and pat them completely dry. You can even let them air dry for 10-15 minutes after patting for extra assurance. Removing surface moisture allows the oil and seasonings to adhere better and promotes browning.

3. Don’t Skimp on Space

Overcrowding your baking sheet is a common mistake that leads to steamed, rather than crispy, fries. When fries are too close together, they release moisture, creating steam that prevents them from browning. Spread them in a single layer with a little space between each piece. If you have a large batch, use two baking sheets and rotate them halfway through cooking to ensure even heat distribution.

4. High Heat is Your Friend

Baking sweet potato fries at a high temperature, like 450°F, is essential. The intense heat helps to quickly evaporate moisture and caramelize the natural sugars in the sweet potatoes, resulting in a crispy texture and enhanced flavor. Make sure your oven is fully preheated before you put the fries in.

5. The Right Baking Surface

Using a Silpat Silicone Baking mat or parchment paper on a rimmed baking sheet is highly recommended. These surfaces prevent sticking and facilitate easier flipping. The non-stick quality of a silicone mat, in particular, can contribute to a better crispy crust.

6. The Perfect Amount of Oil and Seasoning

While we’re aiming for less oil than deep-frying, a light coating is still necessary for flavor and crisping. 1-2 tablespoons of canola or regular olive oil is usually sufficient for 2-3 pounds of sweet potatoes. Toss the cut fries with the oil and your chosen spices (smoked paprika, cumin, onion powder, Kosher salt, and pepper) in a large mixing bowl until every piece is evenly coated. The spices not only add incredible flavor but also contribute to a beautiful, caramelized crust.

This recipe serves 1-2 people generously, or 2-4 people with smaller portions, depending on the size of your sweet potatoes. The two large sweet potatoes I typically use weigh between 3-4 pounds, providing a substantial yield.

Ingredients for Baked Sweet Potato Fries

• 2-3 lbs. sweet potatoes
• 1-2 tablespoons Canola or regular olive oil
• ground cumin
• ground smoked paprika
• onion powder
• Kosher salt
• fresh ground pepper

You can find the full printable version of this recipe for how to bake sweet potato fries with detailed instructions and exact measurements at the end of this post in the recipe card section.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries

Having the right tools can make the preparation process much smoother. Here are the items you’ll need:

• vegetable peeler: For quickly and efficiently peeling the sweet potatoes.
• rimmed baking sheet: Essential for baking, the rim prevents fries from sliding off.
• Spatula: For tossing and flipping the fries during baking.
• Silpat Silicone Baking mat or parchment paper: To prevent sticking and aid in even crisping.
• 1 large mixing bowl: For combining the sweet potatoes with oil and spices.
• cutting board: A stable surface for safe and efficient chopping.
• Chef’s knife: A sharp knife is crucial for cutting consistent fry shapes.
• tongs: Handy for tossing and serving the hot fries.

Flavor Profile and Serving Suggestions

I consider this recipe a wonderfully savory dish. Despite sweet potatoes having their own distinct natural sweetness due to their inherent sugars, there’s absolutely no sugar added in this recipe. The blend of smoked paprika, cumin, and onion powder creates a robust, earthy, and slightly smoky flavor that complements the natural sweetness of the potatoes beautifully. The Kosher salt and fresh ground pepper tie all the flavors together, making each bite an explosion of savory goodness with just a hint of sweetness.

What to Serve with Sweet Potato Fries

These versatile fries pair perfectly with a wide variety of meals. They’re excellent as a side to:

• Your favorite burgers (beef, turkey, or veggie!)
• Grilled chicken or fish
• Sandwiches and wraps
• Fish tacos or other Mexican-inspired dishes
• As a standalone snack with a delicious dipping sauce.

Delicious Dipping Sauce Ideas

While classic ketchup is always a hit, elevate your sweet potato fry experience with these dipping sauce suggestions:

• Sriracha Mayo: Mix mayonnaise with a dash of sriracha for a spicy kick.
• Honey Mustard: A blend of honey, mustard, and a touch of mayo for a sweet and tangy option.
• Garlic Aioli: Homemade or store-bought garlic aioli adds a rich, creamy, and pungent flavor.
• Plain Greek Yogurt Dip: Mix plain Greek yogurt with a squeeze of lime, a pinch of salt, and some chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or chives for a lighter, refreshing dip.

Storage and Reheating Sweet Potato Fries

Ideally, sweet potato fries are best enjoyed fresh from the oven, when they are at their crispiest. However, if you have leftovers, they can be stored and reheated.

• Storage: Allow the fries to cool completely. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: To bring back some of their crispiness, avoid the microwave. The best methods for reheating are:
  • Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the fries in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through and re-crisped.
  • Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 3-5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until hot and crispy.

If you try these delicious baked sweet potato fries and enjoy them as much as my family does, please take a moment to rate the recipe in the card below and share your thoughts in the comments. Your feedback is greatly appreciated!

Finding a good, healthy substitute for traditional fries can sometimes feel like a challenge, but these perfectly seasoned, sweet and savory oven-baked sweet potato fries are guaranteed not to disappoint. For another delicious and unique fry option, be sure to try these amazing Parmesan Crusted Asparagus Fries! And if you happen to have any leftover sweet potatoes after making your fries, don’t let them go to waste. Consider baking up a healthy and delightful dessert like our Sweet Potato Oat Cookies for a sweet treat after dinner.

More Delicious Fry Recipes to Explore

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If you love the concept of creative, healthier fry alternatives, you’re in luck! We have a whole collection of recipes that transform vegetables into fantastic, crispy sides. Here are some more fry recipes to inspire your culinary adventures:

• Crispy Potato Wedges
• Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
• Air Fryer Green Bean Fries
• Air Fryer Jalapeno Fries
• Almond and Parmesan Crusted Asparagus Fries
• Classic Baked French Fries