Crispy Oven-Baked Sweet Potato Fries
Unlock the secret to perfectly crispy sweet potato fries with this easy-to-follow recipe! After numerous attempts to achieve the golden crunch on the outside while maintaining a tender interior, I've learned that using yellow sweet potatoes is the key. These fries are enhanced with a blend of smoked paprika, cinnamon, and a hint of cayenne for a subtle kick. One important tip: Avoid crowding your baking sheets! This ensures the fries roast evenly and become deliciously crispy. Prep the potatoes by soaking them for at least 30 minutes, then enjoy these flavorful fries as a side dish or snack that everyone will love.
N/A
Servings
75
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Sweet potatoes
1 1/2 lbs (peeled and cut like ranch fries)
Olive oil
1 tablespoon (drizzled over fries)
Smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon (to season)
Coarse salt
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
Ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon (to add warmth)
Brown sugar
1 tablespoon (for a touch of sweetness)
Cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon (optional, to taste)
Nonstick cooking spray
as needed (for greasing baking sheets)
Instructions
1
Begin by soaking the sliced sweet potatoes in a bowl of water for a minimum of 30 minutes to help remove excess starch, which promotes crispiness.
2
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
3
Prepare your baking sheets by lining them with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Remember, for the crispiest fries, you may need two sheets—do not overcrowd them!
4
Spray the foil with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
5
Once the soaking time is up, drain the potatoes and thoroughly pat them dry with paper towels to eliminate moisture.
6
Return the dry sweet potato fries to a clean bowl and drizzle with olive oil, tossing well to coat each fry evenly.
7
Sprinkle on the smoked paprika, coarse salt, ground cinnamon, brown sugar, and cayenne pepper if desired. Toss again to ensure all fries are coated with the seasoning.
8
Spread the fries in a single layer on the prepared baking sheets, making sure to leave space between each fry for optimal crispiness.
9
Roast in the preheated oven, turning the fries every 10 minutes for even cooking. Bake for a total of 15 to 20 minutes, or until the fries are golden brown and tender. If using two sheets, be sure to switch their positions in the oven after the first 10 minutes for consistent roasting.
Nutrition Information
1.75g
Fat
13g
Carbs
0.75g
Protein
2g
Fiber
1.75g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the secret to making crispy sweet potato fries?
The secret involves using yellow sweet potatoes, soaking them in water for 30 minutes to remove starch, and ensuring the baking sheets are not overcrowded.
How long should I soak the sweet potatoes before baking?
You should soak the sliced sweet potatoes in a bowl of water for a minimum of 30 minutes.
What oven temperature is required for this recipe?
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) for optimal roasting.
Why do I need to soak the potatoes in water?
Soaking the potatoes helps remove excess starch, which is essential for achieving a crispy texture.
How should the sweet potatoes be cut?
The sweet potatoes should be peeled and cut like ranch fries.
What type of sweet potato is best for this recipe?
Yellow sweet potatoes are recommended for the best golden crunch and tender interior.
How do I prevent the fries from sticking to the baking sheet?
Line your baking sheets with aluminum foil and spray them with non-stick cooking spray.
How many calories are in a serving of these fries?
There are 75 calories per serving.
Is this sweet potato fries recipe vegan?
Yes, this recipe is vegan as it uses plant-based ingredients like olive oil and spices.
What seasonings are used for these fries?
The fries are seasoned with smoked paprika, coarse salt, ground cinnamon, brown sugar, and optional cayenne pepper.
How long do the fries need to bake?
The fries should be baked for a total of 15 to 20 minutes.
How often should I turn the fries while they are in the oven?
You should turn the fries every 10 minutes to ensure even cooking.
What should I do if I am using two baking sheets at once?
Switch the positions of the baking sheets in the oven after the first 10 minutes for consistent roasting.
Is the cayenne pepper mandatory?
No, the cayenne pepper is optional and can be used to add a subtle kick according to your taste.
How much olive oil is needed for 1.5 lbs of potatoes?
You will need 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
What is the purpose of adding cinnamon to the recipe?
Cinnamon is added to provide warmth to the flavor profile of the sweet potatoes.
How much fiber is in a serving of these fries?
Each serving contains 2g of fiber.
How much protein do these fries contain?
These fries contain 0.75g of protein per serving.
What is the total fat content per serving?
The total fat content is 1.75g per serving.
How many grams of carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 13g of carbohydrates per serving.
Should I dry the potatoes after soaking?
Yes, you must thoroughly pat them dry with paper towels after draining to eliminate moisture.
How much brown sugar is used in the seasoning?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of brown sugar for a touch of sweetness.
How much smoked paprika should I use?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika.
Can I substitute olive oil?
While the recipe specifies olive oil, other high-heat oils can be used, though olive oil is recommended for flavor.
Are these fries considered a healthy snack?
Yes, they are categorized as a healthy snack and are oven-baked rather than deep-fried.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
There are a total of 8 ingredients, including the spices and cooking spray.
What is the weight of sweet potatoes needed?
You will need 1 1/2 lbs of sweet potatoes.
How much sugar is in the final dish?
There is 1.75g of sugar per serving.
Why is it important not to overcrowd the baking sheet?
Leaving space between each fry ensures they roast properly and become crispy rather than steaming.
What is the texture of these fries?
These fries are designed to have a golden crunch on the outside while remaining tender on the inside.