Sweet potato fries have rapidly become a favorite side dish and snack across kitchens worldwide. Not only are they delicious, but they also offer a nutrient-dense alternative to traditional white potato fries. With their natural sweetness, vibrant color, and satisfying crunch when cooked properly, these fries are a standout addition to any meal.
Whether baked or fried, seasoned or plain, served with aioli or ketchup, sweet potato fries strike the perfect balance between indulgent and health-conscious. In this article, we explore how to create restaurant-quality sweet potato fries at home with simple, foolproof techniques.
Ingredients for Sweet Potato Fries
To craft crispy sweet potato fries, choosing the right ingredients is essential. Below is everything you need:
2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into ¼-inch sticks
2 tablespoons cornstarch or arrowroot powder (for crispiness)
2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
1 teaspoon sea salt, plus more to taste
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Optional: cayenne pepper for heat or chopped parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Prepare and Cut the Sweet Potatoes
Start by peeling the sweet potatoes. Cut them into even ¼-inch-thick sticks. Uniform sizing ensures even cooking and avoids burning thinner pieces.
2. Soak to Remove Starch
Place the cut fries into a bowl of cold water and soak them for at least 30 minutes (or up to 8 hours if prepping ahead). This step is crucial to remove excess starch, which contributes to crispier fries.
3. Dry Thoroughly
Drain and pat the sweet potato sticks completely dry using paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness, so this step should not be skipped.
4. Coat with Cornstarch
Place the dry fries in a large bowl. Sprinkle cornstarch over them and toss to coat evenly. This forms a thin layer that crisps beautifully in the oven.
5. Oil and Season
Drizzle the olive oil over the fries, then add salt, paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper. Toss until each fry is evenly coated with seasoning.
6. Arrange on Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a nonstick baking mat. Spread the fries in a single layer with space between each piece — overcrowding leads to soggy fries.
7. Bake and Flip
Bake for 15 minutes, then flip each fry with tongs to promote even browning. Bake for another 12–15 minutes until the edges are golden and crisp.
8. Serve Immediately
Remove from the oven and sprinkle with extra salt if desired. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce like garlic aioli, chipotle mayo, or classic ketchup.
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries Method
For those who prefer using an air fryer:
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
Follow the same soaking, drying, and seasoning steps.
Cook in batches for 10–12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
The result: crunchy fries with minimal oil and maximum texture.
Tips for the Best Sweet Potato Fries
Use Cornstarch for Maximum Crisp
The secret to crispiness lies in the starch layer. Cornstarch or arrowroot forms a crispy crust without affecting the natural sweetness of the potatoes.
Avoid Overcrowding
Air circulation is key. Always ensure your fries are laid out in a single layer. Use multiple baking sheets if necessary.
Don’t Skip the Soak
Soaking removes surface starch and helps prevent fries from becoming limp. It’s one of the most effective techniques for achieving restaurant-quality texture.
Experiment with Spices
While paprika and garlic are classic, you can elevate your flavor profile with cumin, cinnamon, chili powder, or za’atar for a unique twist.
Serve with Dipping Sauces
Pair your fries with sauces like:
Sriracha mayo
Maple dijon mustard
Herbed Greek yogurt dip
Nutritional Benefits of Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet potatoes are more than just tasty — they’re also loaded with nutrients:
Rich in Vitamin A (beta-carotene)
High in fiber
Contains potassium and iron
Lower glycemic index than regular potatoes
Antioxidant properties
Baking instead of frying keeps them lighter and healthier without sacrificing flavor.
Storage and Reheating
To store leftovers:
Let the fries cool completely.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat:
Use an oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving, which softens the texture.
Conclusion
Sweet potato fries offer a mouthwatering, nutrient-rich alternative to standard fries. With the right preparation soaking, starch-coating, spacing, and seasoning you can enjoy irresistibly crispy fries every time. They pair well with a variety of meals or serve as a satisfying snack on their own. Make them once, and they’ll become a staple in your kitchen.
FAQs
Why are my sweet potato fries soggy?
Soggy fries typically result from overcrowding the pan or skipping the soaking and drying steps. Ensure each fry has room to breathe and is thoroughly dried before baking.
Can I use frozen sweet potato fries?
Yes, but they’re often pre-coated and may include added sugars or preservatives. For best results and control over ingredients, make them fresh.
Are sweet potato fries healthier than regular fries?
Generally, yes. Sweet potatoes have a lower glycemic index, more fiber, and are rich in vitamins. However, preparation method matters. Baking over deep-frying makes them even healthier.
Can I leave the skin on?
Absolutely. The skin adds fiber and texture. Just scrub them clean before slicing.
What’s the best oil for roasting?
Use high smoke-point oils like avocado oil or grapeseed oil for best results and even browning.
Print
Sweet Potato Fries
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Sweet potato fries have rapidly become a favorite side dish and snack across kitchens worldwide. Not only are they delicious, but they also offer a nutrient-dense alternative to traditional white potato fries. With their natural sweetness, vibrant color, and satisfying crunch when cooked properly, these fries are a standout addition to any meal.
Whether baked or fried, seasoned or plain, served with aioli or ketchup, sweet potato fries strike the perfect balance between indulgent and health-conscious. In this article, we explore how to create restaurant-quality sweet potato fries at home with simple, foolproof techniques.
Ingredients
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into ¼-inch sticks
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch or arrowroot powder (for crispiness)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 teaspoon sea salt, plus more to taste
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: cayenne pepper for heat or chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare and Cut the Sweet Potatoes: Start by peeling the sweet potatoes. Cut them into even ¼-inch-thick sticks. Uniform sizing ensures even cooking and avoids burning thinner pieces.
- Soak to Remove Starch: Place the cut fries into a bowl of cold water and soak them for at least 30 minutes (or up to 8 hours if prepping ahead). This step is crucial to remove excess starch, which contributes to crispier fries.
- Dry Thoroughly: Drain and pat the sweet potato sticks completely dry using paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness, so this step should not be skipped.
- Coat with Cornstarch: Place the dry fries in a large bowl. Sprinkle cornstarch over them and toss to coat evenly. This forms a thin layer that crisps beautifully in the oven.
- Oil and Season: Drizzle the olive oil over the fries, then add salt, paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper. Toss until each fry is evenly coated with seasoning.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a nonstick baking mat. Spread the fries in a single layer with space between each piece — overcrowding leads to soggy fries.
- Bake and Flip: Bake for 15 minutes, then flip each fry with tongs to promote even browning. Bake for another 12–15 minutes until the edges are golden and crisp.
- Serve Immediately: Remove from the oven and sprinkle with extra salt if desired. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce like garlic aioli, chipotle mayo, or classic ketchup.
Notes
- Soaking Tip: Soaking helps remove excess starch for crispier results.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Fries need space to crisp—overcrowding leads to steaming.
- Air Fryer Option: Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway.
- Dipping Sauce Pairings: Serve with garlic aioli, chipotle mayo, or classic ketchup.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish / Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg