Sweet Potato Fries are one of those sides that elevate any meal while still being easy and approachable to make at home. Their crispy edges, soft centers, and naturally sweet flavor make them a crowd-pleaser, whether you’re serving them alongside burgers, chicken, or simply enjoying them as a snack with your favorite dipping sauce.
Unlike deep-fried versions, this oven-baked method delivers that crave-worthy crunch without drowning the fries in heavy oil. A touch of garlic powder and paprika (or chili powder, if you like spice) gives just enough savory kick to balance the sweetness, while a garnish of chopped parsley keeps the fries tasting bright and fresh.
Ingredients
- 4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into thin sticks (about ¼” x 3″)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon paprika or chili powder (optional)
- 2 tablespoons oil (canola or olive oil works well)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped, for garnish
Step-by-Step Method
Step 1: Prep the potatoes
Wash, peel, and cut the sweet potatoes into even sticks measuring about ¼ inch thick and 3 inches long. Keeping them uniform ensures they cook at the same rate and crisp up evenly.
Step 2: Season the fries
Place the cut fries in a large bowl. Drizzle with oil, then sprinkle the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika or chili powder (if using). Toss until each fry is lightly coated in seasoning. This step helps the fries crisp in the oven while layering in flavor.
Step 3: Arrange for baking
Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the fries in a single layer, leaving space between each piece. Overcrowding the pan traps steam and prevents browning, so use two pans if necessary.
Step 4: Bake until crispy
Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 15 minutes, then flip each fry with a spatula. Return to the oven for another 12–15 minutes, or until golden on the edges and slightly crisp. For extra crunch, finish under the broiler for 1–2 minutes, keeping a close eye so they don’t burn.
Step 5: Garnish and serve
Remove from the oven, let rest for 2 minutes, then sprinkle with fresh parsley. Serve warm with your choice of ketchup, garlic aioli, or even spicy mayo. They’re best enjoyed immediately while the edges are crackly and crisp.
Expert Tips for Success
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Soak before baking: For maximum crispiness, soak the cut fries in cold water for 30 minutes before baking. This removes excess starch. Be sure to dry them thoroughly before seasoning.
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Parchment liner: Using parchment or a silicone baking mat helps avoid sticking and allows the fries to brown evenly.
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Don’t skimp on space: Fries piled on top of each other steam instead of roasting. If you can, spread them across two pans.
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Rotate the pan: Halfway through baking, rotate your pan in the oven for even cooking and crispness.
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Eat fresh: While these fries taste great reheated, they’re at peak crispness when hot out of the oven.
Tasty Variations to Try
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Herby fries: Replace paprika with dried rosemary or thyme for an aromatic twist.
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Smoky flavor: Use smoked paprika instead of regular for a deeper, more savory note.
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Spicy kick: Add cayenne pepper or chili flakes for heat lovers.
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Parmesan finish: Grate fresh Parmesan over the fries as soon as they come out of the oven for extra richness.
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Sweet spin: Skip the savory seasoning and dust with cinnamon sugar right after baking for a dessert-style fry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why aren’t my fries crispy?
The biggest culprit is overcrowding the pan or not drying the sweet potatoes enough. Make sure to pat them dry and leave plenty of space for air circulation while baking.
Can I make these ahead?
For best results, bake and eat them immediately. However, you can cut and soak the sweet potatoes a few hours in advance. Store them in cold water in the fridge, then dry thoroughly before baking.
Do I need to peel the sweet potatoes?
Peeling is optional. The skin adds extra fiber and a slightly earthy taste, so leaving it on is perfectly fine if you like extra texture.
Can I use an air fryer?
Yes! Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Cook the fries in batches for 12–15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. This method yields extra-crispy results with even less oil.
How do I reheat leftovers?
Place any leftover fries on a baking sheet and reheat at 375°F for about 10 minutes to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving, as it makes them soggy.
Print
Crispy Oven-Baked Sweet Potato Fries
- Total Time: 42
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
Description
Sweet potato fries with naturally sweet, soft centers, seasoned with garlic powder and paprika (or chili powder for heat). Garnished with fresh parsley, these fries are a perfect savory, crunchy, and healthy side or snack.
Ingredients
- 4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into ¼” x 3″ sticks
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon paprika or chili powder (optional)
- 2 tablespoons canola or olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Wash, peel, and cut sweet potatoes into uniform sticks about ¼ inch thick and 3 inches long.
- Toss fries in a large bowl with oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika (or chili). Coat evenly.
- Spread fries on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer without overcrowding. Use two pans if necessary.
- Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 15 minutes. Flip fries and bake an additional 12–15 minutes until edges are golden and crisp. For extra crunch, broil 1–2 minutes, watching closely.
- Let cool 2 minutes; sprinkle with fresh parsley. Serve warm with dipping sauce.
Notes
Soak cut fries in cold water 30 minutes before baking for extra crispiness; dry well.
Use parchment or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.
Avoid overcrowding pans to prevent steaming rather than roasting.
Rotate pans halfway through baking for even crispness.
Best enjoyed fresh but can reheat at 375°F for 10 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 27
- Category: Side Dish, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (approx. 1/6 recipe)
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 3.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: sweet potato fries, oven-baked fries, healthy fries, crunchy fries, garlic paprika fries
