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Oven-Baked Sweet Potato Fries served crispy and golden brown are pictured as the featured image.

BEST OVEN-BAKED SWEET POTATO FRIES

These oven-baked sweet potato fries are designed to be crispy and delicious, just like their deep-fried counterparts. The recipe emphasizes soaking, drying, and using cornstarch for optimal texture and flavor. Bake at high heat and serve immediately for the best results.
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Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
  • Salt to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Cold water for soaking

Equipment

  • Large bowl
  • baking sheet
  • parchment paper
  • paper towels
  • spatula
  • Measuring spoons
  • Measuring cups

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Wash and peel the sweet potatoes.
  3. Cut the sweet potatoes into uniform 1/2-inch thick fries.
  4. Place the cut fries in a large bowl and cover with cold water.
  5. Soak for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
  6. Drain the fries thoroughly and pat them completely dry with paper towels.
  7. In the same bowl, toss the dried sweet potato fries with olive oil until evenly coated.
  8. Add the cornstarch, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper.
  9. Toss again until the fries are evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
  10. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper (optional).
  11. Arrange the sweet potato fries in a single layer on the baking sheet, making sure they are not overcrowded.
  12. Bake for 20 minutes, then flip the fries with a spatula.
  13. Continue baking for another 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway through again for even cooking.
  14. Keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes to prevent burning.
  15. Remove the sweet potato fries from the oven and serve immediately.

Notes

Soaking the fries removes excess starch, ensuring a crispier texture. Thoroughly drying the fries before baking is crucial. Cornstarch helps to absorb moisture and create a crispy coating. Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet to prevent steaming. Serve immediately for maximum crispiness. They can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days, but will lose some crispness. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes to restore some crispness.