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Baked Crispy Sweet Potato Fries

These baked sweet potato fries are seasoned with smoked paprika and a touch of salt, then baked until golden and crispy on the edges while remaining tender inside. The process involves slicing, coating with oil and spices, and baking on a hot sheet to achieve that satisfying crunch without frying. The final result is a vibrant, caramelized snack with a perfect balance of crispness and softness.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 180
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

  • 2 large sweet potatoes firm, smooth-skinned
  • 1-2 tablespoons olive oil extra virgin preferred
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika adds smoky flavor
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt flaky sea salt recommended
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch or arrowroot powder
  • optional additional spices chili powder or cumin for variation

Equipment

  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Sharp knife
  • Mixing bowl
  • Spatula or tongs

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 220°C (430°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures even baking and easy cleanup.
  2. Wash and scrub the sweet potatoes thoroughly, then dry them with a towel. No peeling is necessary unless you prefer skinless fries.
  3. Using a sharp knife, cut the sweet potatoes into even sticks about 1/4 inch thick. Keeping the slices uniform helps them cook evenly and get crispy edges.
  4. Place the cut sweet potatoes into a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with a tablespoon of olive oil and toss until all the sticks are lightly coated, feeling the gentle glide of oil on their surface.
  5. Add the smoked paprika, salt, and any optional spices to the bowl. Toss again to evenly distribute the seasonings, coating each fry with vibrant spice and flavor.
  6. Sprinkle the cornstarch over the fries and toss gently. This helps create that crispy crust when baking, giving your fries that addictive crunch.
  7. Spread the fries out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they aren’t overlapping. This allows hot air to circulate and crisp them evenly.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Then, use tongs or a spatula to flip each fry, ensuring even browning on all sides.
  9. Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, until the edges are golden and slightly crispy, and the inside feels tender when pierced.
  10. Remove the fries from the oven and let them rest for 2-3 minutes. This short pause helps set the crust and enhances their crunchiness.
  11. Serve your crispy baked sweet potato fries immediately, sprinkled with a little flaky sea salt or your favorite seasoning. Enjoy the perfect crunch and caramelized sweetness with every bite!