Crispy Baked Sweet Potato Wedges
Who knew that a simple vegetable could transform into a family favorite? These Crispy Baked Sweet Potato Wedges are a game changer! With their perfectly crispy exterior and tender, flavorful interior, they’ve won over even the most skeptical sweet potato lovers. Tossed in a blend of spices and garlic, these wedges are not just seasoned to perfection but also pack a wholesome punch. Ideal as a side dish or a nutritious snack, they’re sure to be a staple on your dinner table, just as they've become in ours.
4
Servings
80
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
sweet potatoes
4 (medium, cut into thin wedges)
canola oil
1 tablespoon (for coating)
coarse black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
paprika
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
garlic
2-3 cloves (minced)
Instructions
1
Begin by cutting the sweet potatoes into thin wedges and placing them in a large bowl.
2
Fill the bowl with cold water, ensuring the wedges are fully submerged. Set them aside to soak for 15 minutes—this helps to remove excess starch for extra crispiness.
3
While the sweet potatoes are soaking, preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
4
Prepare a baking sheet by coating it with vegetable spray and setting it aside.
5
Once the sweet potatoes have soaked, drain them thoroughly. Use paper towels to dry the wedges completely, pressing gently to remove all excess moisture.
6
Transfer the dried wedges back into a large bowl. Drizzle with canola oil and toss well to ensure they are evenly coated.
7
Sprinkle the coated wedges with coarse black pepper, kosher salt, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Toss again until all the wedges are well-seasoned.
8
Spread the seasoned sweet potato wedges in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
9
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until they start to become tender.
10
Carefully turn the wedges over using a spatula to ensure even cooking.
11
Sprinkle the minced garlic over the wedges and return them to the oven, cooking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until they are crispy and golden brown.
12
Once done, remove the sweet potato wedges from the oven, serve immediately, and enjoy your flavorful, healthy snack or side dish!
Nutrition Information
2.5g
Fat
14g
Carbs
1.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make sweet potato wedges crispy?
To ensure maximum crispiness, soak the cut wedges in cold water for 15 minutes to remove excess starch, then dry them completely before tossing with oil.
What is the secret to extra crispy sweet potato wedges?
The secret is soaking the potatoes in cold water and then thoroughly drying them with paper towels before baking.
What temperature should I bake the sweet potato wedges at?
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) for the best results.
How long should I soak the sweet potatoes?
Soak the wedges in cold water for at least 15 minutes.
Why do I need to dry the sweet potatoes after soaking?
Drying them removes excess moisture which prevents steaming and helps them achieve a crispy exterior in the oven.
What type of oil is used in this recipe?
This recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of canola oil for coating the wedges.
Can I use a different oil for these wedges?
Yes, while the recipe uses canola oil, you can use other high-smoke point oils like vegetable oil or avocado oil.
What spices are used to season the sweet potato wedges?
The seasoning blend includes coarse black pepper, kosher salt, paprika, and cayenne pepper.
Is this sweet potato wedge recipe spicy?
It has a slight kick from the 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, but it is generally mild and flavorful.
When do I add the garlic to the sweet potato wedges?
Add the minced garlic after the first 20 minutes of baking when you turn the wedges over.
Why shouldn't I add the garlic at the beginning of baking?
Adding garlic later in the process prevents it from burning during the long baking time.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are approximately 80 calories per serving.
What is the total fat content per serving?
Each serving contains about 2.5g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in these sweet potato wedges?
There are 14g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein do these wedges have?
Each serving contains 1.5g of protein.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, these crispy baked sweet potato wedges are naturally gluten-free.
How many sweet potatoes do I need?
You will need 4 medium sweet potatoes cut into thin wedges.
What is the total baking time?
The total baking time is between 35 and 40 minutes.
Should I flip the wedges while they are in the oven?
Yes, carefully turn the wedges over after the first 20 minutes to ensure even cooking and crisping.
How should I prepare the baking sheet?
Coat the baking sheet with vegetable spray to prevent the sweet potatoes from sticking.
Can these be served as a snack?
Absolutely, they make an excellent nutritious snack or a side dish for dinner.
What kind of salt is best for this recipe?
The recipe recommends using kosher salt for the best flavor profile.
How thin should I cut the wedges?
Cutting them into thin wedges helps them cook through and get crispy more efficiently.
Can I substitute the paprika?
Yes, you can use smoked paprika if you prefer a more smoky flavor.
Are sweet potato wedges healthy?
Yes, they are oven-baked rather than fried and use minimal oil, making them a wholesome choice.
How many cloves of garlic are required?
You will need 2 to 3 cloves of minced garlic.
Do I need to peel the sweet potatoes?
The recipe doesn't specify peeling; leaving the skin on can add extra texture and nutrients.
What if I don't have canola oil?
Vegetable oil is a suitable 1:1 substitute for canola oil in this recipe.
Can I make these ahead of time?
They are best enjoyed immediately for maximum crispiness, but can be reheated in an oven or air fryer to restore texture.