If there’s one thing that always disappears first at our dinner table, it’s a hot tray of oven baked sweet potato fries. These aren’t your soggy, limp fast-food kind. These are crispy, golden, and packed with flavor. I first started making them when my husband, who loves anything with a crunch, requested something healthier than regular fries. After a few batches and tweaks, I found the method that finally gave us that restaurant-style crisp without frying. Now it’s one of our go-to sides, whether it’s burger night or just a snack craving.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love these crispy baked sweet potato fries for a lot of reasons, but the best one? They actually turn out crispy without deep-frying. That’s thanks to a simple starch coating and a hot oven. These fries are naturally sweet, and when roasted, their edges caramelize beautifully. Whether you’re serving them alongside homemade burgers or munching them as a snack, they hit the spot every time. Plus, they’re loaded with nutrients like beta carotene, fiber, and vitamins; making them a smart choice for families. Even picky eaters tend to ask for seconds.
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Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries
These crispy oven baked sweet potato fries are golden, flavorful, and easy to make with just a few pantry staples.
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
2 large sweet potatoes, peeled
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
Optional: pinch of cayenne pepper
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Cut sweet potatoes into 1/4-inch matchsticks.
3. Soak in cold water for 30 minutes, then dry completely.
4. Toss with cornstarch until evenly coated.
5. Add olive oil and seasonings; mix well.
6. Spread fries on the sheet without overlapping.
7. Bake for 20 minutes, flip, then bake another 15–20 minutes.
8. Broil for 2 minutes for extra crispiness.
9. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
Soaking is essential for crispiness.
Leave space between fries to avoid steaming.
Try different spice blends or serve with flavored dips.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Sides
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these deliciously crisp oven sweet potato wedges:
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Optional: pinch of cayenne for heat
This ingredient list keeps things simple while building flavor from pantry staples. If you’re running low on spices, even just salt and pepper work well. I sometimes swap smoked paprika with chili powder for a smokier kick, especially when serving them with something cozy like turkey-stuffed casseroles.
How to Make these Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Cut the sweet potatoes into 1/4-inch matchsticks; keeping them uniform helps with even cooking. Soak them in cold water for at least 30 minutes to remove excess starch, which helps them crisp up.
After soaking, dry the fries completely with a clean towel. In a large bowl, toss the fries with cornstarch first, coating them evenly. Then drizzle with olive oil and add your seasonings. Spread them out in a single layer on the baking sheet, making sure none are touching.
Bake for 20 minutes, then flip each fry carefully. Return to the oven for another 15–20 minutes until the fries are golden and crispy on the edges. For extra crisp, broil them for 2 minutes at the end.
These pair wonderfully with creamy garlic dipping sauces or a spicy chipotle mayo.
Tips and Variations
Getting perfect baked yam fries is all about technique. Here are some tips that truly make a difference:
- Don’t skip the soak – It draws out starch and helps achieve that crispiness you want without frying.
- Use parchment paper – Foil tends to steam the fries, while parchment promotes browning and crisping.
- Leave space – Crowding the pan leads to soggy fries. Spread them out.
For variations, you can try tossing them with fresh rosemary and Parmesan right after baking. Or for a spicy version, add chipotle powder and lime zest before roasting. They’re also great with a maple glaze, especially in fall, served with something like cranberry-stuffed sweet potatoes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you make sweet potato fries crispy in the oven?
Soaking them in cold water, coating with cornstarch, and baking at a high temperature helps create crispy oven-baked fries without needing a fryer.
Can I use an air fryer instead of the oven?
Yes! Air fry at 400°F for about 15–20 minutes, shaking halfway through for evenly crisped fries. It’s faster and still gives great texture.
Why do my sweet potato fries come out soggy?
This usually happens when the fries are too close together on the pan or not dried properly after soaking. Spread them out and pat them dry before baking.
Can I prep them ahead of time?
Absolutely. Cut and soak the fries, then store them in the fridge submerged in water for up to 24 hours. Dry and bake when ready.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this method, oven baked sweet potato fries might just become a permanent fixture in your kitchen. They’re crisp, full of flavor, and easy enough for weeknights. Whether you enjoy them with comforting soups or on their own, they’re always a hit. Next time you’re craving fries, skip the drive-thru. You’ve got something better baking at home.
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