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If you’re in the mood for fries but want a healthier, homemade alternative, these Baked Sweet Potato Fries are a great option. This recipe uses minimal ingredients to turn sweet potatoes into a side dish that pairs well with almost anything. A dash of cornstarch helps to give these baked sweet potato fries a crispy texture, while olive oil and sea salt bring out their natural flavors. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a casual get-together, these oven-baked fries are quick to prepare and always satisfying.
I’ve tried soo many different methods for getting crispy sweet potato fries, from soaking the potatoes to leaving them in the oven after cooking with the oven door open to baking them with their skin on. And this method of baking sweet potato fries is by far the easiest, most practical way with the most consistent results.
The secret ingredient is cornstarch. It’s all about drying the sweet potato well, coating them with that corn starch, and cooking the fries at the perfect roasting temp.
Table of Contents
Recipe At a Glance
Cuisine Inspiration: American
Primary Cooking Method: Oven-Baked
Dietary Info: Gluten-free, Vegan
Key Flavors: Sweet and Salty
Skill Level: Easy
Standouts
- Crispy Texture: Sweet potaot fries are known for turning out a bit soggy, but with the trick of cornstarch in this recipe, you’re guaranteed a crunch with every bite.
- Versatile Side Dish: While they’re perfect on their own, these fries can be jazzed up with various dips or paired with a range of main dishes.
- Healthy-ish Alternative: Forget the deep fryer. These crispy sweet potato fries are baked, cutting down on unnecessary oils and fats. You get all the flavor without the guilt.
- 4 Ingredient Recipe: With just four main ingredients, this sweet potato fries recipe is super simple. Perfect for beginner cooks!
Ingredients to make sweet potato fries
- Sweet Potatoes: Look for firm potatoes with smooth skin. You can peel them or leave the skin on for a rustic look and added fiber.
- Cornstarch: This is the secret to getting them super crispy. If you’re out of cornstarch, arrowroot powder or tapioca flour can work in a pinch.
- Olive Oil: A drizzle helps these fries crisp up in the oven. You can also use avocado oil or melted coconut oil.
- Sea Salt: It brings out the natural sweetness of the potatoes. Pink Himalayan or kosher salt can be used too, just adjust to taste.
How to make baked sweet potato fries
- Cut the sweet potatoes into thin even strips, then transfer to a large bowl.
- Sprinkle the cornstarch over the sweet potatoes and use your hands to toss together.
- Divide the sweet potato strips between the two baking sheets, and leave behind any excess cornstarch in the bowl. Drizzle the olive oil on top and season. Use your hands again to toss the potatoes with the olive oil and salt.
- Arrange the potatoes in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd them. Bake, then flip the fries and cook until they’re lightly browned and puffed.
Bake, flipping half way until they are golden brown.
Tips for making the best sweet potato fries
- Cut the sweet potatoes into similar sized thin strips. This will help them to cook evenly and all the way through. Make sure they’re not too big or they won’t get crispy.
- Ensure that the fries are all coated in the cornstarch. This will help to dry them out and get the fries nice and crispy. You’ll need to dust off any excess corn starch before adding them to the baking sheet though.
- Use parchment paper on the baking sheet. Not only does it make for easier clean-up, but it also keeps the baked sweet potato fries from sticking to the pan, which can ruin the crispy edges.
- Lay the fries into one single layer on the baking sheets, without them touching. This will help them to get crispy all over. If you place the fries on top of each other they can steam and become soggy.
Popular Substitutions & Additions
- Different Starch: If cornstarch isn’t your go-to, you can also use arrowroot powder for a similar crispiness.
- Oil Variations: Coconut oil or avocado oil can be a great substitute for olive oil for a different flavor profile.
- Spice it Up: Feel free to add your favorite herbs and spices, like garlic powder, smoked paprika, or a hint of cayenne for some heat.
- Sweet Twist: For a sweet and salty vibe, sprinkle some cinnamon along with the sea salt before baking.
- Dip Choices: While ketchup is classic, consider serving these fries with aioli, ranch dressing, or even a honey-mustard dip for a change.
How to store & reheat sweet potato fries
Once your homemade sweet potato fries have cooled down to room temperature, place them in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag and store them inside the fridge. Make sure they’re spread out a bit, so they don’t stick together.
To reheat, just place in the oven at 375°F for 5 minutes or in a toaster oven. You can also reheat in the air fryer.
How long will sweet potato fries last in the fridge?
Stored properly, these sweet potato fries should stay fresh for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. If you notice any weird changes in texture or smell, it’s best to play it safe and discard them.
Can i freeze cooked sweet potato fries?
You can freeze them. Simply lay the fries on a baking sheet, ensuring they’re not touching, and freeze until solid. Once they’re frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag and store. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, bake straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. Just note that the texture may be different if you do decide to freeze them.
Frequently asked questions
Sweet potato fries are more nutrient dense than French fries, but contain similar amounts of calories and carbs. They are rich in fiber, minerals and vitamins, especially Vitamin A and they’re a nice change up from regular french fries.
If your fries aren’t turning out as crispy as you’d like, it could be due to overcrowding on the baking sheet. Make sure the fries have plenty of space to bake evenly. Another factor could be the cornstarch; make sure they’re well-coated but shake off any excess.
Peeling is optional and mostly a matter of preference. If you like a more rustic texture, feel free to leave the skin on.
Cornstarch helps absorb moisture and make the fries crispier. You can skip it, but you might not get the same texture.
For more potato side dish recipes:
- Smashed Sweet Potatoes
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes
- Air Fryer Potatoes
- Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
- Garlic Parmesan Roasted Potatoes
- Rosemary Garlic Smashed Potatoes
- Oven Baked French Fries
- Sweet Potato Rounds
These sweet potato fries are so wonderfully crispy and fluffy; they are one of my favorite sides! The kids love them and you can feel good about getting some extra goodness into their diets!
If you’ve tried this healthy-ish feel good Baked Sweet Potato Fries recipe or any other recipe on FeelGoodFoodie, then don’t forget to rate the recipe and leave me a comment below! I would love to hear about your experience making it. And if you snapped some shots of it, share it with me on Instagram so I can repost on my stories!
Baked Sweet Potato Fries
Video
Ingredients
- 2 large sweet potatoes washed and peeled
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F and line two large, rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cut the sweet potatoes into thin even strips, about ¼” in thickness all around; then transfer to a large bowl.
- Sprinkle the cornstarch over the sweet potatoes and use your hands to toss together, making sure all the fries are well coated.
- Divide the sweet potato strips between the two baking sheets, and leave behind any excess cornstarch in the bowl. Drizzle the olive oil on top and season with sea salt. Use your hands again to toss the potatoes with the olive oil and salt until there are no more visible streaks of corn starch.
- Arrange the potatoes in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd them. Bake for 20 minutes, then use a spatula to flip the fries and cook until they’re lightly browned and puffed, about 10-15 more minutes.
- Remove from heat, add additional sea salt, if desired, and serve immediately with ketchup or your favorite sauce.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information provided is an estimate. It will vary based on cooking method and specific ingredients used.
My boyfriend is REALLY picky with oven-baked fries, but coating them in flour is an absolute GAME CHANGER! We were absolutely obsessed and ate the entire tray before we even sat down!
I’m so glad to hear that! Thank you!!
I have tried many other methods to have crispy sweet potatoes. Your oven baked sweet potato fries are the best. Thanks to you. Now I get to enjoy my sweet potatoes like never before.