Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries
Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries are cut thin, soaked, lightly coated in starch, and roasted at high heat for golden edges and tender centers. They make an easy, flavorful side dish that feels indulgent without deep-frying.
Ingredients
Fries
- 2 large sweet potatoes peeled if desired, cut into 1/4–1/3 inch sticks
- 1.5 tablespoons olive oil or other neutral oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch or arrowroot powder
- 0.75 teaspoon fine sea salt divided, plus more to taste
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
- 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika optional, for smoky flavor
- 0.25 teaspoon garlic powder optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line one or two large baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
- Peel the sweet potatoes if you like, then slice them into even sticks about 1/4–1/3 inch thick so they cook at the same rate.
- Place the cut fries in a large bowl of cold water and let them soak for 20 minutes to remove some surface starch, which helps them crisp.
- Drain the fries and dry them very well with clean kitchen towels or paper towels until no visible moisture remains.
- Transfer the dry fries to a clean bowl. Sprinkle with cornstarch and 1/4 teaspoon of the salt, then toss until they are lightly and evenly coated.
- Drizzle the fries with olive oil, add the remaining salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder if using, and toss again to coat.
- Spread the fries in a single layer on the prepared baking sheets, leaving a bit of space between each piece so the hot air can circulate.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes, then flip the fries and rotate the pans. Bake for another 10–15 minutes, or until the fries are browned at the edges and tender in the center.
- Remove from the oven and let the fries rest on the hot trays for 2–3 minutes to firm up slightly, then serve warm.
Notes
Oven temperatures can vary, so keep an eye on the fries during the last few minutes of baking and adjust the timing as needed. For the crispiest results, avoid overcrowding the pan and use two baking sheets if necessary.