Upgrade your fry game with these perfect Baked Sweet Potato Fries. Crispy, healthy, fries that are bursting with irresistible flavor!
These Baked Sweet Potato Fries are a healthier twist on classic fries, delivering all the crispy edges and tender centers you crave without deep frying. Tossed in a light coating of oil and simple seasonings, they roast up beautifully caramelized with a naturally sweet, savory flavor that pairs perfectly with burgers, sandwiches, or your favorite dipping sauces. Easy to prepare and made with just a handful of ingredients, likely already in your kitchen, these oven-baked sweet potato fries are a crowd-pleasing side dish that everyone will love!
For more fry recipes you can make at home you have to check out my Carrot Fries, Baked French Fries, and Zucchini Fries.
Table of Contents
Why We Love Baked Sweet Potato Fries
- This perfect Baked Sweet Potato Fries recipe ensures a crispy texture without deep frying, making them a healthy alternative.
- Baked Sweet Potato Fries are rich in vitamins and minerals, providing a nutritious snack or side dish.
- Baked Sweet Potato Fries offer a satisfying crunch, making them a delightful alternative to regular French fries.
Recipe Ingredients
- Kosher Salt: Enhances the natural sweetness and flavor of the sweet potatoes.
- Cayenne Pepper: Introduces a spicy kick and adds a layer of heat to the fries.
- Coriander: Contributes a mild, citrusy flavor, adding a fresh and note to the fries.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Variations
Add rosemary or thyme for an earthy aroma, or smoked paprika for a richer flavor. Sprinkle fresh parsley or cilantro after baking for a vibrant touch. Experiment with spice blends like taco seasoning or curry powder to create unique seasoning combinations.
How to Make the Perfect Baked Sweet Potato Fries
Step 1: Place the raw sweet potato sticks in a large bowl, add enough cold water to cover the fries, then sprinkle 2 tsp. of the salt over the top. Allow to sit for 1 hour, or more time if possible.
Step 2: Preheat oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit (232 degrees Celsius). Place a rimmed cookie sheet (standard size) in the oven to heat. Cut a piece of parchment paper to fit the sheet, and set it aside.
Step 3: Drain the fries and place them in a large plastic bag with the cornstarch, paprika, garlic, black pepper, a pinch of cayenne pepper, coriander, and cumin. Leave a little bit of air in the bag, zip, and shake until evenly coated. Use the same bowl to toss the fries in the oil.
Step 4: Remove the sheet from the oven, place the parchment paper over top, and then carefully toss the fries on, making sure they have space in between to bake (you don’t want them to steam). Bake for 20 minutes, toss, then bake for 10-15 minutes more, or until crisp and golden brown. Remove from the oven, sprinkle with sea salt, and allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy immediately!
Expert Tips
- Ice Cold Salt Water Soak: Soak the cut fries in a large bowl of ice cold salt water with ice cubes and a tablespoon of kosher salt. Let them soak for at least one hour, or more if you have time. This helps remove excess starch, prevents sticking, and contributes to crispier fries.
- Uniform Sizing: Cut the sweet potato sticks into uniform sizes. This ensures even cooking and prevents some fries from burning while others remain undercooked.
FAQs
Enjoy the fries as an appetizer or snack, or serve them as a side dish. They’re delicious alongside black bean burgers, veggie burgers, or any dish you want to serve them with.
Peeling the sweet potatoes is optional. Leaving the skin on adds extra fiber and nutrients, and can enhance the texture. Just make sure to wash them thoroughly if you choose not to peel.
Baked Sweet Potato Fries pair well with a variety of dipping sauces. Try them with garlic aioli, spicy sriracha mayo, ketchup, honey mustard, or a tangy yogurt-based dip. Experiment with your favorites to find the perfect match!
Storage Info
To STORE Baked Sweet Potato Fries, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can FREEZE them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
To REHEAT, bake the fries in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes until crisp. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the fries soggy.
More Delicious Side Dish You’ll Love
Baked Sweet Potato Fries Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 medium sweet potatoes - peeled and cut into 1/4'' sticks
- 1 tbsp kosher salt - divided
- 3 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/8 tsp coriander
- 1/8 tsp cumin
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- sea salt flakes - optional
Instructions
- Place the raw sweet potato sticks in a large bowl, add enough cold water to cover the fries, then sprinkle 2 tsp. of the salt over the top. Allow to sit for 1 hour, or more time if possible.
- Preheat oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit (232 degrees Celsius). Place a rimmed cookie sheet (standard size) in the oven to heat. Cut a piece of parchment paper to fit the sheet, and set it aside.
- Drain the fries and place them in a large plastic bag with the cornstarch, paprika, garlic, black pepper, a pinch of cayenne pepper, coriander, and cumin. Leave a little bit of air in the bag, zip, and shake until evenly coated. Use the same bowl to toss the fries in the oil.
- Remove the sheet from the oven, place the parchment paper over top, and then carefully toss the fries on, making sure they have space in between to bake (you don't want them to steam). Bake for 20 minutes, toss, then bake for 10-15 minutes more, or until crisp and golden brown. Remove from the oven, sprinkle with sea salt, and allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy immediately!
I tried these tonight after a couple of sweet potato fries fails! I was so excited when they came out crispy!! However, they looked chalky from the corn starch. There wasn’t a difference in flavor just an apparent corn starch powdery look. Where did i go wrong?
Hmmm..that’s a good question! The only thing I can think of, is maybe you needed to shake it more?? I haven’t had them come out that way. You can try adding a little less.
This is my favorite sweet potato fry recipe I’ve found so far! Thank you!
You are so welcome! I am happy to know that you like them! Thank you!
This may sound dumb but when & how do you add the oil? It wasn’t clear to me
It is in step 3 🙂 You can add the same bowl you used to soak the fries or even pour it in the zip lock bag & shake. Hope that helps! Enjoy!
So my first thought, these are too spicy.. Followed by, I can’t stop eating these!!!
What is the purpose of the cornstarch? I think that is the thing that was a little ‘off’ for me, and thinking of omit or decrease next time. Is that needed to make the spices stick to the fries? (if so, maybe I’ll just cut quantity in half to suit my preference)
It’s to help keep them extra crisp, you could certainly cut down on it though 🙂
sweet potato fries are my favorite, these sound perfect! I need to go find some sweet potatoes stat 🙂
Thanks Emily! I’m still trying to convince Stephen that they’re the bees knees!