There’s something about sweet potatoes that just screams comfort—maybe it’s the vibrant orange hue, or how they literally transform into crispy pieces of heaven when baked just right. I once tried these crispy oven baked sweet potato fries on a rainy afternoon, and let me tell you, they were like little bites of sunshine amidst the gloom. Pair them with your favorite dip, or just savor them on their own; either way, they’re a must-try!
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 450°F, or for extra crispiness, set it to 500°F. Place a sturdy baking sheet or roasting pan in the oven to heat up.
- Peel the sweet potatoes and trim the ends. Slice each potato lengthwise, and if necessary, cut crosswise to make them shorter. Aim for wedges or rounds that are 1/4 to 1/2-inch thick.
- In a large bowl, mix the sliced sweet potatoes with olive oil. Add kosher salt and your choice of spices, ensuring every piece is evenly coated.
- Carefully remove the hot baking sheet from the oven and arrange the sweet potatoes in a single layer. Be cautious as the pan will be extremely hot.
- Bake the fries for 15 to 25 minutes. After the first 10 minutes, flip the sweet potato pieces with tongs. Continue baking until they are well browned and crispy, keeping an eye on them to prevent burning.
- Once done, allow the fries to cool for about 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy them while they’re still warm and crispy.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds sweet potatoes (approximately 3 large potatoes), 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 (such as 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 do I ensure my sweet potato fries turn out crispy?
- To achieve crispy sweet potato fries, it’s important to cut them evenly, preheat the oven with the baking sheet inside, and bake only one sheet at a time. For extra crispiness, you can also sprinkle the fries with a little sugar before baking.
- What spices work well with sweet potato fries?
- Sweet potato fries pair well with a variety of spices, such as chipotle powder, smoked paprika, Chinese five-spice, pumpkin pie spice, garam masala, and Cajun seasoning. Feel free to experiment and use your favorite spice combinations.
- How can I tell when the sweet potato fries are done?
- Sweet potato fries are done when they are well browned and crispy at the edges. They can become quite dark due to caramelization from the natural sugars, but be careful not to let them burn. Monitor them closely as they bake.
- Why is my cooking time different from the recipe’s suggestion?
- Cooking times may vary based on the thickness of the sweet potato wedges and the actual temperature of your oven. A higher oven temperature will require less cooking time. Adjust the time accordingly to ensure your fries are perfectly cooked.
- Can I enhance the flavor of my sweet potato fries with something other than spices?
- Yes, for extra flavor, you can swap out half of the olive oil with melted butter before baking. This addition will give your fries a rich taste.
Tips
- For even cooking, try to cut the sweet potatoes into equally sized pieces. This ensures that all the fries cook at the same rate.
- Preheat the oven with the baking sheet already inside. This helps achieve a better crispy texture on the fries.
- To enhance the flavor of your fries, consider replacing half of the olive oil with melted butter.
- If you desire extra caramelization, sprinkle a little sugar on the fries before baking.
Equipment
- Mandoline slicer – for evenly slicing sweet potatoes into disks.
- Heavy-duty baking sheet or roasting pan – one that can withstand high heat (up to 500°F).
