These extra crispy sweet potato fries are a tasty treat! They’re golden, crunchy, and just the right amount of sweet. Perfect for a snack or a side dish!
Making these fries is super easy! Just cut the sweet potatoes, toss them with some oil and seasoning, and bake until crispy. I love enjoying them with a dip—perfect for sharing or keeping all to myself! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: These are the star of the dish! Choose firm, medium-sized sweet potatoes. If you’re in a pinch, regular potatoes can work too, but the flavor will be different. I love the sweetness of orange-fleshed varieties!
Cornstarch: This is crucial for achieving that extra crispy texture. If you need a substitute, try potato starch or even tapioca flour, which can yield similar results. I always keep cornstarch on hand for crispy dishes!
Olive Oil: While I prefer olive oil for its flavor, avocado oil is fantastic too as it can handle high heat. If you’re looking to cut calories, you can use cooking spray, but the fries might not be as crispy!
Seasonings: Garlic powder and smoked paprika give amazing flavor. If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika or even cayenne pepper for a kick could work! Feel free to experiment with spices you like!
How Do You Get Sweet Potato Fries Extra Crispy?
A common struggle with baked fries is making them crispy, but with a few simple techniques, you can nail it!
- **Cut Evenly:** Keep your sweet potato fries uniform in size (1/4 to 1/2 inch) for even cooking.
- **Cornstarch Coating:** Tossing the fries in cornstarch before the oil helps absorb moisture and enhances crispiness. Make sure they’re evenly coated!
- **Single Layer:** Spread the fries out on the baking sheet so they’re not touching. This allows hot air to circulate around them, leading to a better crunch.
- **Don’t Rush:** Cook them long enough! Flipping halfway ensures that both sides get crispy. Keep an eye on them near the end to avoid burning.
By following these tips, you’ll have deliciously crispy sweet potato fries that everyone will love!
Extra Crispy Sweet Potato Fries
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 large sweet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (or avocado oil)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: fresh parsley for garnish
- Optional: dipping sauce (ketchup, aioli, or your favorite)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes for preparation and around 35-40 minutes for baking, depending on your oven. So in total, you can enjoy these delicious crispy sweet potato fries in about 50 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature is key for achieving that perfect crispiness! While the oven heats up, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:
Next, wash and peel your sweet potatoes. Using a sharp knife, cut them into evenly sized fries, aiming for about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. This ensures they cook evenly and are just the right amount of crispy!
3. Coat the Fries with Cornstarch:
Place the cut fries into a large bowl and sprinkle the cornstarch over them. Mix well with your hands or a spoon to ensure every fry gets an even coating. This step is essential for that extra crispy texture!
4. Add Olive Oil and Seasonings:
Now, drizzle the olive oil over the fries and toss them again to coat each piece. Then, add the garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to the mix, stirring until all the fries are equally seasoned.
5. Bake the Fries:
Spread the seasoned fries out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure they’re not touching, as this helps them crisp up nicely. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes.
6. Flip and Continue Baking:
After 20 minutes, carefully flip each fry over using a spatula or tongs. This helps both sides achieve that golden crisp! Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes or until they’re beautifully golden and crispy on the edges.
7. Cool and Garnish:
Remove the fries from the oven and let them cool for just a few minutes. If you like, sprinkle some fresh parsley over the top for a pop of color.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, serve your extra crispy sweet potato fries hot with your favorite dipping sauce! Whether it’s ketchup, aioli, or something spicy, enjoy this deliciously sweet and savory treat!
This recipe combines the delightful sweetness of sweet potatoes with savory spices, creating a satisfying crunch that’s perfect for snacking or as a side dish! Enjoy your homemade crispy fries!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Sweet Potatoes Instead?
While fresh sweet potatoes are best for this recipe, if you’re using frozen sweet potato fries, you can skip the cornstarch step. Just adjust the baking time according to the package instructions, as they might need different cooking times.
How Can I Make These Fries Spicier?
To add a kick to your sweet potato fries, you can increase the amount of smoked paprika or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix. Alternatively, drizzle hot sauce over them after baking for an extra spicy touch!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Fries?
Store any leftover fries in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-15 minutes to regain their crispiness.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prep the fries ahead! Cut the sweet potatoes and toss them with cornstarch and seasonings. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready, simply bake them as directed!
