Sweet potato fries are a delicious, healthier alternative to regular fries, offering a crispy outside with a soft, naturally sweet interior. With the right techniques, you can achieve perfectly crispy fries without deep frying. These fries are oven-baked or air-fried, making them a guilt-free snack or side dish with bold flavors and a satisfying crunch.
Let’s make the best Crispy Sweet Potato Fries at home!
What You’ll Need
Ingredients:
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into thin fries
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (for extra crispiness)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for spice)
Tools:
- Baking sheet or air fryer
- Parchment paper
- Large mixing bowl
- Tongs for flipping
Pro Tips for Extra Crispy Fries
- Cut Evenly: Slice fries into uniform sizes so they cook evenly.
- Soak in Cold Water: Soaking the fries for at least 30 minutes removes excess starch, leading to crispier results.
- Use Cornstarch: Tossing fries in cornstarch before baking helps create a light, crispy coating.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Spread fries in a single layer to prevent steaming.
Substitutions and Variations
- No Cornstarch? Swap with arrowroot powder or omit for a softer texture.
- Spicy Version: Increase cayenne pepper or add a dash of chili powder.
- Sweet & Savory Twist: Drizzle with a bit of honey or maple syrup before serving.
- Herb-Infused: Add dried rosemary or thyme for extra flavor.
How to Make It
1. Prep and Soak the Fries
Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into ¼-inch thick fries. Place them in a large bowl of cold water and let them soak for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours. This step helps remove excess starch, leading to crispier fries.
2. Dry and Coat with Cornstarch
Drain the fries and pat them completely dry with a clean towel. In a large bowl, toss the fries with cornstarch, ensuring they are lightly coated. This helps create a crispy outer layer when baked or air-fried.
3. Season and Oil the Fries
Drizzle the fries with olive oil and sprinkle in garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne (if using). Toss well to ensure all fries are evenly coated with seasoning and oil.
4. Bake or Air-Fry the Fries
For Baking: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the fries in a single layer. Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
For Air Frying: Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C). Arrange the fries in a single layer and air-fry for 12–15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until crispy and lightly browned.
5. Serve Immediately
Once the fries are golden and crispy, remove them from the oven or air fryer. Let them cool for a minute, then serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
Leftovers and Storage
- Refrigerate: Store leftover fries in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Reheat in an oven at 375°F (190°C) or air fryer for 5 minutes to restore crispiness.
- Avoid Microwaving: The fries may become soggy when microwaved.
How to Serve Crispy Sweet Potato Fries
- With Dipping Sauces: Serve with garlic aioli, chipotle mayo, honey mustard, or classic ketchup.
- As a Side Dish: Perfect with burgers, grilled chicken, or BBQ dishes.
- Topped with Cheese: Sprinkle with Parmesan or feta for extra flavor.
Conclusion
These Crispy Sweet Potato Fries are a flavorful and healthier alternative to regular fries. With the perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and crunch, they make an excellent snack or side dish for any meal. Whether baked or air-fried, they are easy to make and absolutely delicious.
