How to Make Crispy Sweet Potato Fries in the Oven

Sweet potato fries are a great alternative to regular fries. They’re nutritious, easy to prepare, and they taste amazing. Plus, they’re versatile enough to go with a wide range of dishes, from burgers to salads.

Making sweet potato fries in the oven is very simple. All you need is a few ingredients and a bit of patience. In this article, we’ll go through the steps required to make delicious sweet potato fries that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Whether you’re looking for a healthier alternative to regular fries or just want to spice up your cooking routine, give this recipe a try!

10 Simple Steps to Make the Best Sweet Potato Fries in Oven

Are you a fan of sweet potatoes and want to try something new? Maybe you’ve tried sweet potato fries before in a restaurant and want to make your own at home? Well, look no further because we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll teach you how to make the best sweet potato fries in the oven that will impress any foodie.

Step 1: Choose the Right Sweet Potato

The first step in making sweet potato fries in oven is to choose the right sweet potato. You want to choose sweet potatoes that are firm, smooth, and have no visible bruises or blemishes. Make sure they’re not too big or too small, so they cook evenly.

Step 2: Rinse and Peel the Sweet Potato

Once you’ve picked the perfect sweet potato, you need to rinse it thoroughly and peel the skin off. Use a vegetable peeler or a sharp knife to remove the skin carefully.

Step 3: Cut the Sweet Potato into Fries

The next step is to cut the sweet potato into fries. You can cut them into any size you prefer, but it’s essential to ensure that they’re all the same size. This will ensure even cooking.

Step 4: Soak the Sweet Potato Fries in Water

To make the sweet potato fries crispy, you need to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes. This will remove excess starch and make them crispier when you bake them in the oven.

Step 5: Preheat the Oven

While the sweet potato fries are soaking, preheat the oven to 400°F.

Step 6: Rinse and Dry the Sweet Potato Fries

After 30 minutes, rinse the sweet potato fries in cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This will remove any excess starch and ensure they’re crispy when baked.

Step 7: Add Seasoning

Now it’s time to add some flavor to your sweet potato fries. You can use any seasoning you prefer, such as salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, or rosemary. Make sure to evenly coat the fries with seasoning.

Step 8: Arrange on Baking Sheets

Arrange the sweet potato fries on a baking sheet in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd them, or they won’t cook evenly. You may need to use more than one baking sheet to ensure that the fries are spread out evenly.

Step 9: Bake in the Oven

Bake the sweet potato fries for about 20-30 minutes or until crisp. Flip the fries halfway through cooking to ensure they’re evenly cooked on both sides.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy!

Once the sweet potato fries are done, remove them from the oven and serve immediately. They’re perfect as a snack or a side dish. So, enjoy the crispy, golden goodness that you just made from scratch!

In conclusion, making sweet potato fries in the oven is not difficult, and it’s a healthier alternative to deep-frying. Just follow these ten simple steps, and you’ll have perfect sweet potato fries every time!

Section Two: Tips on Making the Best Sweet Potato Fries in the Oven

1. Choose the Right Sweet Potatoes

The first step to making the best sweet potato fries in the oven is to choose the right sweet potatoes. Look for sweet potatoes that are uniform in size and shape, and avoid any that have wrinkles, bruises, or soft spots. Choose sweet potatoes that are firm to the touch and have smooth skin with no blemishes. Sweet potatoes with a slightly orange flesh tend to be sweeter and are ideal for making sweet potato fries.

2. Cut the Sweet Potatoes in Uniform Sizes

Cutting the sweet potatoes in uniform sizes is important to ensure that they cook evenly and are not burned or undercooked. It is best to cut them into thin slices or wedges with a thickness of about 1/4 inch. Cutting them too thick will result in a soggy center, and too thin will result in burned and crispy fries.

3. Soak the Sweet Potato Slices in Cold Water

Soak the sweet potato slices in cold water for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This will remove excess starch and help to make the fries crispy. Once soaked, dry the potatoes thoroughly with paper towels.

4. Toss with the Right Seasonings

Seasoning is what makes a batch of sweet potato fries go from good to great. Mix the sweet potato slices in a bowl with olive oil and your preferred seasoning. Some popular options include smoked paprika, garlic powder, cinnamon, and cumin. Toss the mixture well to make sure the fries are evenly coated.

5. Line the Sheet Pan with Parchment Paper

To prevent the fries from sticking to the sheet pan and to make cleaning up easier, line the sheet pan with parchment paper or a silicone mat.

6. Bake at High Temperature

Preheat the oven to 425°F. Bake the sweet potato fries for about 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Baking at a high temperature is important to ensure that the fries are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

7. Don’t Overcrowd the Sheet Pan

It is important not to overcrowd the sheet pan with too many sweet potato fries. If the fries are too close together, they will not cook properly, and you’ll end up with soggy fries. Spread them out in a single layer, leaving some space between them.

8. Check the Fries Regularly

Keep an eye on the sweet potato fries as they cook. They can go from crisp to burned in a matter of seconds. Take them out of the oven when the edges are crispy and browned, and the centers are soft and tender.

9. Serve Immediately

Sweet potato fries are best when served immediately after they come out of the oven. They will continue to cook and may become soggy if left to sit for too long. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce, such as garlic aioli, avocado ranch, or honey mustard.

10. Experiment with Different Sweet Potato Varieties

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different varieties of sweet potatoes. Purple sweet potatoes, white sweet potatoes, and yams are all great options for making sweet potato fries in the oven. Each variety has a slightly different flavor and texture, so have fun trying them all!

Choosing the Right Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are the star of the show when it comes to making sweet potato fries at home. Therefore, it is important to use the right type of sweet potatoes to ensure that the fries turn out crispy and flavorful. Here are some tips for choosing the right sweet potatoes:

Avoiding Extra Moisture

It is crucial to ensure that the sweet potatoes are not too wet, as excess moisture can cause the fries to become soggy. Here are some ways to avoid extra moisture:

1. Wash and dry the sweet potatoes thoroughly before cutting them into fries.
2. After cutting the fries, pat them dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture.
3. When seasoning the fries, avoid using wet ingredients that can add extra moisture.

Cutting the Fries

The size and shape of sweet potato fries can make a big difference in their texture and overall taste. Here are some tips for cutting the fries:

• Cut the fries into uniform thickness and length to ensure even cooking.
• Aim for a thickness of about 1/4 to 1/2 inch for the best results.
• Consider cutting the fries into wedges, sticks, or shoestring shapes depending on your preference.

Seasoning the Fries

Seasoning is what makes sweet potato fries irresistible! Here are some ideas for seasoning the fries:

1. Salt and pepper: A classic and simple seasoning that enhances the natural flavor of the sweet potatoes.
2. Garlic and herbs: Combine minced garlic, rosemary, and thyme for a fragrant and savory seasoning.
3. Paprika and cumin: Add a spicy kick to the fries with paprika and cumin.
4. Cinnamon and sugar: If you prefer sweet fries, sprinkle cinnamon and sugar over the fries for a sweet and crunchy treat.

Baking Temperature and Time

The baking temperature and time are key factors in achieving crispy and fluffy sweet potato fries. Here are some guidelines to follow:

• Preheat the oven to 425°F
• Spread the fries out into a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a non-stick surface.
• Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping the fries halfway through the cooking time.
• Check the fries for doneness by testing their texture and color. They should be golden brown and crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.

Enjoy Your Homemade Sweet Potato Fries!

That’s it! You now know how to make delicious sweet potato fries in the oven. Whether you’re making them for a healthy snack or a side dish, this recipe is sure to satisfy. Thanks for reading and we hope you come back for more recipes and tips soon!