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baked sweet potato fries

Baked Sweet Potato Fries

These Baked Sweet Potato Fries are crispy on the outside, tender inside, and bursting with smoky-spiced flavor. Unlike soggy oven fries, this recipe uses simple techniques like soaking, cornstarch coating, and proper spacing to achieve restaurant-quality results—perfect as a side dish or a healthy snack.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Soaking 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 3 Servings
Course: Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 200
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 medium sweet potatoes
  • 1.5 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ to ¾ teaspoon sea salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • Optional: pinch of cayenne pepper

Method
 

  1. Rinse the sweet potatoes well under cold water. Peel if desired. Slice them into ¼-inch-thick matchsticks for even cooking and crisp results.
  2. Soak the sliced fries in a large bowl of cold water for 30 minutes. This removes excess starch, helping the fries crisp up in the oven.
  3. Drain the soaked fries and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Moisture can cause steaming instead of baking.
  4. Place the fries in a large bowl and sprinkle with cornstarch. Toss gently to ensure every piece is lightly coated.
  5. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle on smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne if using. Toss to evenly coat.
  6. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or place a wire rack on top. Arrange fries in a single layer, avoiding overlap.
  7. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Bake for 15 minutes, then flip and bake for 12–18 more minutes until crisp and golden.
  8. Let fries rest for 1–2 minutes after baking. Serve hot with a dipping sauce of your choice. Sprinkle with extra salt or herbs if desired.

Notes

Try chili powder, cumin, or Italian herbs for a different flavor twist. Use a wire rack to allow heat circulation underneath the fries. Reheat leftovers in the oven or air fryer for a few minutes to restore crispness.