Sweet potato fries—what’s not to love? Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, these oven-baked beauties are a revelation. They’re like the perfect pair of comfy socks on a chilly day, offering comfort yet a little crunch. Plus, who doesn’t want to indulge in a little bit of healthy-ish snacking?
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 450°F for crispier fries, or increase to 500°F for even more crunch. Place a sturdy baking sheet or roasting pan inside to heat up.
- Peel the sweet potatoes and remove the ends. Slice them in half lengthwise, then cut each half into wedges about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Alternatively, slice into disks with a mandoline or sharp knife.
- In a large bowl, toss the sweet potato pieces with olive oil, ensuring they’re evenly coated. Sprinkle with kosher salt and your preferred spices, then mix thoroughly with your hands.
- Carefully take the heated baking sheet from the oven and spread the seasoned sweet potato pieces in a single layer. Be cautious, as the pan will be hot.
- Bake the sweet potatoes for 15 to 25 minutes. After 10 minutes, turn the pieces over with tongs, then continue baking until they’re browned and crispy, keeping an eye on them to prevent burning.
- Once done, let the fries cool for about 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your crispy homemade sweet potato fries!
Ingredients
- 2 pounds sweet potatoes (approximately 3 large, orange-fleshed)
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 to 2 tablespoons of your preferred spice or spice blend (options include chipotle powder, smoked paprika, Chinese five-spice, pumpkin pie spice, garam masala, or Cajun seasoning)
Nutritional Values
Calories: 812 | Fat: 28g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 0mg | Sodium: 1784mg | Carbohydrates: 132g | Dietary Fiber: 24g | Total Sugars: 40g | Protein: 12g | Vitamin C: 120mg | Calcium: 268mg | Iron: 8mg | Potassium: 3080mg
FAQ
- How can I achieve the crispiest sweet potato fries?
- For the crispiest sweet potato fries, preheat your oven to a higher temperature like 500°F and ensure your baking sheet is preheating in the oven as well. Cut the sweet potatoes evenly and bake only one sheet at a time to allow for better browning. You can also sprinkle a little sugar on the fries before baking to enhance caramelization.
- What spices work well with sweet potato fries?
- Sweet potato fries pair wonderfully with a range of spices. Some popular choices include chipotle powder, smoked paprika, Chinese five-spice, pumpkin pie spice, garam masala, and Cajun seasoning. Feel free to experiment with your favorite spice blends.
- How do I know when the sweet potato fries are done?
- You’ll know the sweet potato fries are done when they are well browned but not burnt. They should be crispy at the edges. Keep a close eye on them as they bake, as there is a fine line between perfectly browned and overcooked.
- Can I use butter instead of oil for sweet potato fries?
- Yes, you can substitute half of the oil with melted butter to add extra flavor to your sweet potato fries. This swap can enrich the taste and still help achieve a good crispiness.
- How long should I bake sweet potato fries?
- The baking time for sweet potato fries typically ranges from 15 to 25 minutes. After the first 10 minutes, flip them over for even cooking. The exact time can vary based on the oven temperature and the size of the fries, so it’s important to keep an eye on their color and texture.
Tips
- Ensure all sweet potato pieces are cut evenly to promote consistent cooking and browning.
- Preheat the oven with the baking sheet inside to enhance crispiness.
- For optimal browning, bake only one sheet at a time.
- To boost caramelization, consider adding a sprinkle of sugar before baking.
Equipment
- Mandoline slicer (for evenly slicing sweet potatoes into disks)
- Heavy-duty baking sheet (capable of withstanding high heat)
- Tongs (for turning the sweet potato pieces during baking)
