Crispy Sweet Potato Fries Recipe

Golden Crispy Sweet Potato Fries Recipe: Irresistibly Crunchy Joy

Salty, golden sweet potato fries always spark joy at the dinner table.

These delectable crispy sweet potato fries transform ordinary side dishes into culinary magic.

Perfectly seasoned and baked to crunchy perfection, they offer a healthier alternative to traditional french fries.

The secret lies in selecting fresh, firm sweet potatoes and mastering the right technique.

Salt, paprika, and a touch of olive oil create an irresistible flavor profile that makes these fries impossible to resist.

Each bite delivers a satisfying crunch that pairs wonderfully with your favorite dipping sauce.

Prepare to tantalize your taste buds and elevate your meal with this simple yet delicious recipe.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 300 kcal

Servings: 4

What You’ll Need for Sweet Potato Fries

For Produce:
  • Sweet Potatoes: Vibrant orange root vegetable packed with nutrients, choose firm potatoes without bruises or soft spots, select medium-sized for consistent cutting.
For Seasonings:
  • Salt: Enhances flavor depth, use kosher or sea salt for better texture and taste.
  • Paprika: Adds warm color and slightly smoky flavor, prefer sweet or smoked varieties.
  • Garlic Powder: Concentrated savory essence, provides consistent flavor distribution without fresh garlic chunks.
For Coating and Preparation:
  • Cornstarch: Creates crispy exterior by absorbing moisture, helps achieve golden-brown crunch.
  • Olive Oil: Promotes even browning and adds subtle richness, choose extra virgin for best flavor.
For Optional Garnish:
  • Fresh Herbs: Adds bright finishing touch, chopped parsley or chives work wonderfully for extra freshness.

Tools to Cut and Bake Sweet Potato Fries

  • Large mixing bowl: Perfect for soaking and coating sweet potato strips.
  • Sharp chef's knife: Essential for cutting sweet potatoes into uniform fry shapes.
  • Baking sheets: Two sheets help spread fries for even crispiness.
  • Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
  • Colander or strainer: Helps drain water after soaking potatoes.
  • Kitchen towels or paper towels: Crucial for drying potato strips completely.
  • Spatula or tongs: Great for flipping fries halfway through baking.
  • Measuring spoons: For precise seasoning with salt, paprika, and garlic powder.

Baking Guide for Sweet Potato Fries

  • Prep Your Workspace

Clear your kitchen counter and gather baking sheets. Line them with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

  • Transform Sweet Potatoes

Wash and slice sweet potatoes into thin, even strips. Soak them in cold water for 30 minutes to remove extra starch, then thoroughly dry with a clean towel.

  • Create Crispy Coating

Dust sweet potato strips with a light layer of cornstarch. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with zesty seasonings like paprika, garlic powder, and salt. Toss until evenly coated.

  • Arrange for Perfection

Spread potato strips in a single layer on prepared baking sheets. Leave space between each fry to ensure maximum crispiness. Avoid overcrowding.

  • Roast to Golden Deliciousness

Slide baking sheets into a preheated 400F oven. Roast for 15 minutes, then flip fries for even browning. Continue baking 15-20 minutes until edges turn crisp and golden.

  • Serve and Enjoy

Remove fries from oven and let cool briefly. Sprinkle with additional salt or fresh herbs. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce for a crowd-pleasing snack.

Crispy Tips for Sweet Potato Fries

  • Use cornstarch to create a light, extra-crunchy exterior that helps the fries get golden and crisp without deep-frying.
  • Cut and soak sweet potato fries up to 24 hours in advance, storing them in cold water in the refrigerator to save prep time on cooking day.
  • For gluten-free version, ensure cornstarch is certified gluten-free and swap regular salt for kosher or sea salt to accommodate dietary needs.
  • Experiment with different spice blends like Cajun seasoning, curry powder, or Italian herbs to transform the classic sweet potato fry recipe and keep things exciting.
  • Replace sweet potatoes with jicama or turnips for a lower-carbohydrate version that still delivers a satisfying crispy texture and delicious roasted flavor.

Pairing and Serving Sweet Potato Fries

  • Dip and Dive Delights: Choose zesty ranch dressing or spicy sriracha mayo for a flavor explosion that complements the sweet potato's natural sweetness.
  • Herb Haven: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley, thyme, or rosemary right after baking to add a vibrant, aromatic touch that elevates the fries' earthy flavor.
  • Cheese Lover's Dream: Crumble tangy feta or grated parmesan over the hot fries for a creamy, salty finish that creates an irresistible texture contrast.
  • Protein Pairing Power: Serve alongside grilled chicken, burger sliders, or as a side to a hearty sandwich for a complete and satisfying meal that balances nutrition and comfort.

How to Store Sweet Potato Fries Later

  • Seal cooled sweet potato fries in airtight containers, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days. Refrigeration helps maintain their texture and prevents bacterial growth.
  • Restore crispiness by placing leftover fries on a baking sheet and warming at 425F for 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwave reheating to prevent soggy results.
  • Arrange uncooked seasoned fries on parchment-lined trays, freeze separately for 2 hours, then transfer to freezer bags. Frozen fries stay delicious for up to 3 months, ready for quick future cooking.
  • Divide fries into individual serving sizes before storing. This strategy prevents repeated reheating and helps maintain optimal flavor and crispness during storage.
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Crispy Sweet Potato Fries Recipe

Crispy Sweet Potato Fries Recipe


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4.7 from 32 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Crispy golden sweet potato fries bring Southern comfort straight to your plate, delivering a delightful blend of savory and slightly sweet flavors. Irresistible and perfectly seasoned, these fries offer a healthier alternative that satisfies cravings and delights taste buds with each crunchy bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large sweet potatoes (peeled and cut into ¼-inch thick matchsticks)
  • 2 tbsps olive oil
  • 2 tbsps cornstarch
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ¼ tsp salt (plus more to taste)
  • Optional: fresh parsley or sea salt (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Preheat the oven to 400F (204C) and prepare two parchment-lined baking sheets for optimal crispy results.
  2. Starch Removal: Submerge cut sweet potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes to eliminate excess starch, then thoroughly drain and pat completely dry with clean kitchen towels.
  3. Seasoning Process: Gently coat sweet potato strips with cornstarch, drizzle with olive oil, and generously sprinkle paprika, garlic powder, and salt, ensuring even distribution of flavors.
  4. Baking Arrangement: Strategically spread fries across baking sheets in a single, uncrowded layer to promote even browning and crispiness, utilizing two sheets if necessary.
  5. Roasting Technique: Bake for initial 15 minutes, carefully flip the fries, then continue roasting for an additional 15-20 minutes until achieving a golden-brown, crisp exterior with a tender interior.
  6. Serving Recommendation: Allow fries to cool briefly, garnish with additional salt or fresh chopped herbs, and present alongside your preferred dipping sauce for a delectable side dish.

Notes

  • Remove excess starch by soaking sweet potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes, then pat completely dry to ensure maximum crispiness.
  • Lightly dust sweet potato fries with cornstarch before adding oil to create an extra crispy exterior that locks in moisture.
  • Spread fries in a single layer on baking sheets, using multiple sheets if necessary to avoid steaming and ensure even browning.
  • Experiment with different spice blends like smoked paprika, cayenne, or herbs to match your taste preferences while maintaining the basic crispy technique.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Side Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 200 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
William Hawkins

William Hawkins

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

  • Modern American and Southern Cuisine
  • Farm-to-Table Practices
  • Restaurant Concept Development
  • Culinary Education and Mentorship​

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, KY

  • Degree: Associate of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on mastering culinary methods and food science, immersive externships, hands‑on training in industry‑standard kitchen labs, and equipping graduates for roles in restaurant operations.

William Hawkins isn’t just a chef, he’s a storyteller through food. From his hometown of Louisville, KY, he’s spent years refining his craft, turning local ingredients into something extraordinary. 

With classical training from Sullivan University and a career marked by innovation, mentorship, and Southern soul, William approaches every recipe with purpose. His kitchen is where old techniques meet fresh ideas, and where comfort food gets a thoughtful, modern twist. 

When he’s not building dishes from the ground up, he’s out gathering inspiration from nature, markets, and the stories people share around the table.

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