Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my obsession with baked sweet potato fries! These golden, crispy sticks of deliciousness have been my go-to side dish for years because they’re just so easy to make and way healthier than deep-fried potatoes. I still remember the first time I made them – I was shocked how something so simple could taste this good! The natural sweetness caramelizes beautifully in the oven while the edges get that perfect crunch. And honestly? They disappear faster than I can make them in my house. Whether it’s burger night, taco Tuesday, or just a craving for something crispy, these baked sweet potato fries never disappoint.
Why You’ll Love These Baked Sweet Potato Fries
Trust me, these aren’t your average fries! Here’s why they’ve become a weekly staple in my kitchen:
- That irresistible crunch – When baked right, they get crispy edges with tender centers that’ll make you forget all about deep-fried potatoes
- Simple ingredients – Just sweet potatoes, oil, and basic spices you probably already have in your pantry
- Healthier than fried – All the satisfaction with way less guilt (and no messy oil splatters!)
- Crazy versatile – Perfect with burgers, amazing with avocado dip, or even delicious on their own as a snack
Seriously, once you try homemade baked sweet potato fries, you’ll never want the frozen kind again!
Ingredients for Baked Sweet Potato Fries
Here’s everything you’ll need to make these addictive fries – and I promise, it’s nothing fancy:
- 2 medium sweet potatoes (about 1 lb total, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch sticks – trust me, uniform size matters!)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (the good stuff – it makes all the difference in crispiness)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (I use kosher, but any will work)
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika adds amazing depth if you have it)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (not garlic salt – we already added salt!)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (freshly cracked is best)
That’s it! Six simple ingredients for fries that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
Equipment You’ll Need
You probably have most of these in your kitchen already – I know I always do when the fry craving hits!
- Baking sheet (a standard half-sheet pan works perfectly)
- Parchment paper (trust me, this prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze)
- Sharp chef’s knife (for cutting those perfect fry shapes)
- Large mixing bowl (to toss everything together evenly)
See? Nothing fancy – just basic tools for seriously good fries!
How to Make Baked Sweet Potato Fries
Okay, let’s get to the fun part – making these crispy wonders! I’ve made this recipe dozens of times, and here’s exactly how I get perfect results every single time. The secret? Patience and not overcrowding the pan (seriously, give those fries some breathing room!).
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
First things first – crank that oven to 425°F (220°C). While it’s heating, wash and peel your sweet potatoes (though sometimes I leave the skin on for extra nutrients when I’m feeling lazy). Cut them into 1/4-inch sticks – not too thin or they’ll burn, not too thick or they won’t crisp up.
Step 2: Season Evenly
Now for the flavor! In a big bowl, toss those beautiful orange sticks with olive oil until they’re all glistening. Then sprinkle the salt, paprika, garlic powder, and pepper. Get in there with your hands – I find massaging the spices in makes sure every single fry is perfectly seasoned.
Step 3: Bake to Crispy Perfection
Spread the fries in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet – no piling them up! Bake for 10 minutes, then flip them (I use a spatula and pretend I’m a short-order cook), and bake another 10-15 minutes until they’re caramelized at the edges and crispy. The smell at this point? Absolutely heavenly!
Tips for the Best Baked Sweet Potato Fries
After making these fries more times than I can count, here are my absolute must-know tricks for perfect results:
- Soak for crispiness – If you’ve got time, soak the cut fries in cold water for 30 minutes first. This removes excess starch so they crisp up beautifully!
- Uniform is key – Cut them all the same thickness (I aim for 1/4-inch) so they cook evenly – no half-burnt, half-soggy fries here!
- Parchment magic – Don’t skip the parchment paper – it prevents sticking without needing tons of oil and makes cleanup effortless.
- Space them out – Give each fry some breathing room on the pan or they’ll steam instead of crisp. Two pans are better than crowded fries!
Follow these simple tips, and you’ll have fries so good you’ll wanna make them every night!
Serving Suggestions
Oh my gosh, these fries go with practically everything! My absolute favorite is pairing them with juicy burgers or grilled chicken sandwiches – that sweet-and-savory combo is to die for. For dipping? Try garlic aioli, spicy ketchup, or (my personal weakness) cool, creamy ranch. They’re also amazing alongside tacos or piled high on a veggie bowl. Honestly? Sometimes I just eat them straight off the baking sheet – no judgment here!
Storage and Reheating
Okay, confession time – these fries rarely last long enough to store in my house! But if you’ve got leftovers (lucky you), here’s how to keep them tasting fantastic: Store cooled fries in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, skip the microwave – it makes them soggy. Instead, spread them on a baking sheet and pop them back in a 400°F oven for 5-7 minutes, or toss them in the air fryer for 3-4 minutes at 375°F. They’ll come out almost as crispy as when they were first baked!
Nutritional Information
Just so you know, these numbers are estimates based on my exact ingredients – your results might vary slightly depending on potato size and oil amount. But here’s the scoop for one serving (about half the recipe): around 180 calories, 28g carbs, 4g fiber, and 7g healthy fats from that delicious olive oil. Not too shabby for fries that taste this good!
Baked Sweet Potato Fries FAQs
I get asked about these fries all the time – here are the questions that pop up most often in my kitchen and from friends who’ve tried the recipe:
Can I leave the skin on? Absolutely! I do it about half the time – just give them a good scrub first. The skins add extra fiber and nutrients, plus a nice rustic texture.
Why aren’t my fries crispy? Usually one of three things: overcrowded pan (they steam instead of crisp), not enough oil, or oven temp too low. My foolproof fix? Make sure they’re in a single layer with space between each fry!
Can I make these ahead? They’re best fresh, but you can prep the raw cut potatoes a few hours early – just keep them in cold water to prevent browning. Drain and pat dry before seasoning.
What other spices work? Ohhh, so many options! Try chipotle powder for heat, rosemary for earthiness, or cinnamon for extra sweetness. My crazy cousin even uses curry powder!
Rate This Recipe
Did you make these fries? I’d love to hear how they turned out! Leave a quick rating or comment below – your feedback helps me (and fellow fry lovers) so much!
Print
Irresistible Baked Sweet Potato Fries – Perfect in Just 25 Minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy and flavorful baked sweet potato fries that are easy to make at home.
Ingredients
- 2 medium sweet potatoes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Wash and peel sweet potatoes. Cut into thin fry shapes.
- Toss fries with olive oil, salt, paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Spread evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Cut fries evenly for consistent cooking.
- Do not overcrowd the baking sheet.
- For extra crispiness, soak cut fries in cold water for 30 minutes before baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 recipe
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: baked sweet potato fries, healthy fries, easy side dish
