Crispy Oven-Baked Sweet Potato Fries: A Healthy and Delicious Side Dish

Ingredients

  • 2 large sweet potatoes
  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 1 teaspoon of pepper
  • 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon of paprika

Steps and instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220 degrees Celsius).
  2. Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into fry-shaped pieces about 1/4-inch wide and 1/4-inch thick.
  3. Place the uncooked fries into a mixing bowl. Add the olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Toss until the fries are evenly coated.
  4. Arrange the fries in a single layer on a baking sheet. Ensure they are not touching or overlapping, to allow for even cooking.
  5. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Then, flip the fries and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until they are crispy and golden brown.
  6. Remove the fries from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

Tools for making

  • Baking sheet - Used to bake the sweet potato fries in the oven.
  • Mixing bowl - Used to toss the sweet potato fries with the seasonings.
  • Peeler - Used to peel the sweet potatoes before cutting them into fries.
  • Knife - Used to cut the sweet potatoes into fry-shaped pieces.
  • Measuring spoons - Used to accurately measure the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.

Recipe variations

  • Seasoning variations: Experiment with different spices and herbs such as chili powder, cumin, rosemary, or smoked paprika to add unique flavors.
  • Dipping sauces: Serve the sweet potato fries with various dipping sauces like chipotle mayo, honey mustard, garlic aioli, or sriracha mayo.
  • Sweet and savory option: Sprinkle a little cinnamon and brown sugar on the fries before baking for a sweet twist on the traditional savory fries.
  • Cheesy fries: Top the baked sweet potato fries with melted cheese, such as cheddar or feta, and broil until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  • Spicy kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix for those who prefer a spicy flavor.
  • Baked or air-fried: Instead of baking the fries, you can opt to cook them in an air fryer or follow the same steps for baking but at a higher temperature for a shorter cooking time.

Recipe overview

Get ready for a healthier twist on a favorite snack! These oven-baked sweet potato fries are easy to make, delicious, and a fantastic alternative to traditional fries. With simple seasonings like garlic powder and paprika, they are bursting with flavor. Best of all, these fries are baked, not fried, meaning they are lower in fat and perfect for a healthy lifestyle. In about 30 minutes, you will have a crispy, savory treat that the whole family will love. Enjoy these sweet potato fries as a side dish or a snack on their own. Once you try them, they'll quickly become a staple in your kitchen!

Common questions

  1. Can I use other types of potatoes? Yes, you can use other types of potatoes such as russet or Yukon gold, but the cooking time may vary.
  2. Can I use a different oil? Yes, you can use vegetable oil or canola oil instead of olive oil if you prefer.
  3. Can I add other seasonings? Certainly! Feel free to experiment with different seasonings like chili powder, cayenne pepper, or dried herbs to customize the flavor.
  4. Can I make these fries ahead of time? While sweet potato fries are best when served immediately, you can prepare them in advance and reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to regain crispiness.
  5. Can I use an air fryer instead of the oven? Absolutely! Sweet potato fries can be cooked in an air fryer as well. Adjust the cooking time and temperature according to your air fryer's instructions.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Baking sheet - To bake the sweet potato fries in the oven.
  • Mixing bowl - To toss the sweet potato fries with the seasonings and olive oil.
  • Vegetable peeler - To peel the sweet potatoes before cutting them into fries.
  • Knife - To cut the sweet potatoes into fry-shaped pieces.
  • Spatula - To flip the sweet potato fries while baking for even cooking.

Origin stories

Despite their name, sweet potatoes and the traditional potato are not actually closely related. Sweet potatoes are in the morning glory family, while potatoes fall within the nightshade family. Both were independently domesticated thousands of years ago in Central and South America. The sweet potato has been embraced by cuisines around the world, from the sweet potato pies of Southern U.S. cooking, to the sweet potato leaves found in Filipino and Taiwanese dishes, to their use in classic East African stews. The recipe of sweet potato fries is a recent innovation, playing off the popularity of traditional French fries but offering a naturally sweeter flavor and more nutrition.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.