This oven-baked sweet potato fries recipe is simple to make and, more importantly, actually crispy and delicious.
A great dinner often depends on a tasty side. From Parmesan zucchini chips to crispy roasted potatoes, Parmesan roasted Brussels sprouts, or maple-roasted carrots, sides elevate a meal. But the undisputed king of sides is french fries — and sweet potato fries offer a flavorful, slightly healthier twist.
This recipe produces crispy oven-baked sweet potato fries with just a few pantry staples. They pair perfectly with sandwiches or even vegetarian mains like buffalo falafel, and they avoid the extra oil and hassle of deep frying.
The secret to getting these fries crisp is cornstarch. If you don’t have any on hand, it’s worth picking some up — it makes a noticeable difference in texture.
Ingredient Notes
- Sweet potatoes — cut evenly so they cook at the same rate.
- Olive oil — lightly coats the fries and helps them brown.
- Cornstarch — the key to creating a crispy exterior.
- Garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt — simple spices to enhance flavor.
Step-by-Step Photos
Toss the sliced sweet potatoes with olive oil. In a separate bowl, mix the cornstarch with garlic powder, paprika and black pepper, then toss the slices until evenly coated.
Arrange the fries in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 425°F (220°C). Bake for 15 minutes, flip, then bake another 10–15 minutes until edges begin to brown. Turn the oven off and leave the fries inside for about 20 minutes; the residual heat helps them crisp further. Season with salt just before serving.
FAQs
Soaking can help remove starch from russet potatoes, but for sweet potatoes it generally makes little difference. I’ve tested both methods and skipping the soak saves time without hurting the outcome. If you prefer to soak, do so for at least an hour or overnight.
Cornstarch absorbs surface moisture and, when heated, helps form a dry, crispy coating as water evaporates. This creates a pleasing crunch on the exterior of the fries.
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the fries on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer and roast for about 10 minutes until warmed through and slightly crisped. Avoid the microwave, which makes fries soggy.
Benefits of Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are popular for good reason. They offer several nutritional benefits, including:
- Rich in fiber, vitamins and minerals.
- Supports gut health.
- May help regulate blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
- Contains nutrients that support healthy vision.
- May contribute to improved brain function.
Variations
Feel free to customize these fries:
- Spices — add cayenne for heat or try Italian or Cajun seasoning.
- Cheese — grate fresh Parmesan over the fries just before serving.
- Herbs — toss with fresh rosemary, sage, parsley or thyme after baking.
Pro Tips / Recipe Notes
- Use cornstarch: it’s the secret to crispiness.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: give fries space so they roast instead of steam.
- Use parchment paper: prevents sticking and promotes even browning.
- Flip the fries: turn them halfway to crisp both sides.
- Season with salt last: adding salt after baking helps keep fries crisp.
Other Side Dish Recipes
- Butternut Squash Fritters
- Crispy Green Beans
- German Potato Pancakes
- Garlic Mashed Cauliflower
If you try this oven-baked sweet potato fries recipe, please share how it turned out in the comments. Tag your photos on social media to show variations or tweaks you loved.
Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries
Ryan Beck
Ingredients
- 1 lb sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch thick slices
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (to finish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Cut the sweet potatoes into 1/4-inch slices and place them in a bowl. Toss with olive oil.
- In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika and black pepper. Toss the sweet potato slices in the cornstarch mixture until evenly coated.
- Arrange the fries in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they don’t touch. Bake for 15 minutes, flip, then bake another 10–15 minutes until edges brown. Turn the oven off and let the fries sit inside for about 20 minutes to continue crisping. Season with salt and serve.
Notes
- Use cornstarch: it helps form a crispy coating.
- Do not overcrowd: give fries space to roast, not steam.
- Use parchment paper: prevents sticking and aids browning.
- Flip the fries: turn them so both sides crisp evenly.
- Season with salt last: salt added at the end preserves crispness.
Nutrition
Leave a comment to share your results or variations.