introduction
Crispy, lightly sweet, and healthy — these Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries are the snack or side everyone will ask for again. This easy recipe delivers crunchy edges and fluffy centers with just a bit of oil and pantry spices, perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or a game-day spread. Want a cozy fall pairing? Serve these with a bowl of pumpkin sweet potato leek soup recipe for ultimate comfort.
Why You’ll Love This Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries:
- Crispy outside, tender inside — no deep fryer needed.
- Healthier than fried fries: less oil, more vitamins.
- Quick to prep and easy to scale for family meals or batch cooking.
- Kid-friendly and customizable (mild or spicy).
- Great for dipping and party platters.
Ingredients Needed
Sweet potatoes
- 3 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into ½-inch thick fries
Oil & binder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch or tapioca starch (optional, for extra crispiness)
Spices & seasonings
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon chili powder (optional, for a little heat)
- ½ teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
Dipping (optional)
- Ketchup, aioli, sriracha mayo, or your favorite dipping sauce
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prep Sweet Potatoes: Peel sweet potatoes and cut into ½-inch thick fries.
- Soak (Optional but Recommended): Soak fries in cold water for at least 30 minutes (up to 1 hour). Drain and pat completely dry with paper towels.
- Toss with Oil and Spices: In a large bowl, toss fries with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, chili powder (if using), sea salt, black pepper, and cornstarch/tapioca starch (if using). Ensure fries are evenly coated.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread fries in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Use two baking sheets if necessary.
- Bake: Bake for 20 minutes, then flip the fries with a spatula.
- Continue Baking: Continue baking for another 15-20 minutes, or until tender inside and crispy outside.
- Broil (Optional): For extra crispiness, broil for the last 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Season (If Needed) & Serve: Remove from oven and sprinkle with extra sea salt, if desired. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
Serving Suggestions Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries
- Serve with classic ketchup, garlic aioli, or a spicy sriracha mayo.
- Add a squeeze of lime and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro for brightness.
- Build a bowl: use these fries as a base with roasted veggies, greens, and a tahini drizzle.
- For a Mediterranean spread, pair with Greek lemon garlic roasted potatoes and a fresh salad.
Tips for Success Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries
- Cut evenly: uniform ½-inch fries cook at the same rate for consistent crispiness.
- Dry well after soaking: moisture is the enemy of crisp edges.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: give each fry space so hot air can circulate.
- Use cornstarch or tapioca for an extra-crispy coating when tossed with oil.
- Flip once halfway through baking to brown both sides evenly.
- Broil carefully at the end if you want extra crunch—watch closely to avoid burning.
variation (if any)
- Spicy Cajun: swap smoked paprika for 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning.
- Sweet & Savory: toss with 1 tbsp maple syrup and 1 tsp cinnamon before baking (reduce salt slightly).
- Parmesan Herb: sprinkle 2 tbsp grated Parmesan and chopped parsley immediately after baking.
- Whole-root mix: swap half the sweet potatoes for russets and try the method used in authentic Greek crispy lemon potatoes for an extra-crisp technique.
FAQs
Q: How do I keep sweet potato fries from getting soggy?
A: Soak cut fries in cold water for 30–60 minutes, dry thoroughly, use a small amount of oil, and avoid overcrowding the pan.
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: You can bake them and re-crisp in a 400°F oven for 5–10 minutes before serving, but fresh-out-of-the-oven fries are best.
Q: Can I use frozen sweet potato fries?
A: Yes — follow the package directions. Toss with a little extra oil and spices and bake until crispy.
Q: What’s the best oven temperature for crispy fries?
A: 400°F is ideal for cooking through while allowing browning; broil 1–2 minutes at the end if you want extra crisp.
Q: Can I air fry these?
A: Absolutely. Air fry at 380°F for about 12–18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even crisping.
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes
- 3 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into ½-inch thick fries
Oil & Binder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch or tapioca starch (optional, for extra crispiness) Optional
Spices & Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon chili powder (optional, for a little heat) Optional
- ½ teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
Dipping (Optional)
- Ketchup, aioli, sriracha mayo, or your favorite dipping sauce Optional
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Peel sweet potatoes and cut into ½-inch thick fries.
- Soak fries in cold water for at least 30 minutes (up to 1 hour). Drain and pat completely dry with paper towels.
- In a large bowl, toss fries with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, chili powder (if using), sea salt, black pepper, and cornstarch/tapioca starch (if using). Ensure fries are evenly coated.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread fries in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Use two baking sheets if necessary.
Baking
- Bake for 20 minutes, then flip the fries with a spatula.
- Continue baking for another 15-20 minutes, or until tender inside and crispy outside.
- For extra crispiness, broil for the last 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Remove from oven and sprinkle with extra sea salt, if desired. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
