Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries: Your New Favorite Healthy Side
I’ll never forget the day my oven-baked sweet potato fries out-crisped the deep-fried ones at our favorite burger joint. I was testing recipes on a rainy weekend, determined to make a healthier version of our family’s favorite fry. And after a few too-soggy batches and one slightly-charred attempt, I finally cracked the code for the crispy oven baked sweet potato fries we now make almost weekly.
They’re golden, tender in the center, perfectly seasoned, and (yes!) crispy on the outside all without deep-frying. If you’re craving that fry fix but want a lighter option, these sweet potato fries are a total game-changer.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries
These crispy oven baked sweet potato fries check all the boxes:
- Crispy edges with soft, sweet centers
- Baked, not fried = less oil and mess
- Perfect as a healthy snack or side dish
- Gluten-free, vegan, and kid-approved
- Easy to customize with your favorite seasonings
Whether you’re serving them with burgers, grain bowls, or enjoying them solo with a spicy dip, these fries offer a better-for-you twist on a comfort food classic.
What I love most about these fries is how easy they are to fit into almost any meal. They can go from weeknight dinners to weekend cookouts and even picky eaters at the table ask for more. When you’ve got a recipe that’s both comforting and nutrient-packed, it’s a double win.
And let’s talk texture. Getting sweet potato fries crispy in the oven isn’t just about technique it’s a little bit of magic and a little bit of science. The cornstarch trick and the proper spacing on the pan make all the difference. That perfect crunch with the naturally sweet flavor of the potatoes is unbeatable.
These also make for an awesome meal prep option. I often prep a big batch, store some raw in the freezer, and bake a fresh tray midweek when time is tight. It’s a healthier alternative to frozen fries and honestly tastes way better.
Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment or silicone mat.
- Peel and cut sweet potatoes into thin, even matchsticks (about ¼ inch thick).
- Soak fries in cold water for 30 minutes to remove excess starch (optional, but recommended).
- Drain and dry sweet potatoes thoroughly with a clean towel.
- Toss fries with cornstarch to coat. Add oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and any optional seasonings. Toss again to combine.
- Arrange fries on the baking sheet in a single layer, leaving space between each piece. Use two pans if needed.
- Bake for 20 minutes, flip, then bake for another 10–15 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Optional: Broil for the last 2–3 minutes for extra crispiness. Cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 large sweet potatoes
- 1–2 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 tbsp cornstarch or arrowroot powder (for crispiness)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional spices: chili powder, cinnamon (for a sweet twist), rosemary, or cayenne.
How to Make Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment or a silicone mat.
- Peel and cut sweet potatoes into thin, even matchsticks (about ¼ inch thick).
- Soak in cold water for 30 minutes to remove excess starch (optional, but helps crispiness).
- Drain and dry thoroughly with a clean towel.
- Toss with cornstarch, then add oil and seasonings and toss again.
- Spread out fries in a single layer with space between them.
- Bake for 20 minutes, then flip and bake another 10–15 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Cool slightly on the tray to finish crisping before serving.
Tips for Success
- Cut fries evenly so they bake at the same rate.
- Don’t skip the cornstarch—it creates that signature crispy coating.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan! Use two pans if needed.
- For extra crispiness, broil for the last 2–3 minutes.
Dip Ideas
These oven baked sweet potato fries are delicious solo, but here are some dip ideas that take them over the top:
- Garlic aioli
- Spicy sriracha mayo
- Avocado ranch
- Honey mustard
- Chipotle yogurt dip
Make It a Meal
Pair with these mains or bowls:
- Turkey or veggie burgers
- Grain bowls with black beans & avocado
- Grilled chicken with chimichurri
- BBQ tofu or tempeh
Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Store cooled fries in an airtight container up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Bake at 400°F for 5–10 minutes or air fry to crisp back up.
- Freeze: Freeze raw cut fries in a single layer, then transfer to a bag. Bake straight from frozen.
FAQs
Can I make these fries without oil?
Yes, but they won’t crisp as much. Use a light spray of oil or try an air fryer version.
Are these sweet potato fries gluten-free?
Totally! Just double-check your cornstarch or spice mixes.
What’s the best way to get them crispy?
Dry thoroughly, don’t skip the starch, and spread them out. Crispiness loves space and heat!
Can I use an air fryer?
Absolutely. Cook at 380°F for 12–15 minutes, shaking halfway through.
Final Thoughts
These crispy oven baked sweet potato fries are the ultimate upgrade to your side dish game. Whether you’re meal-prepping, snacking, or making a weeknight dinner a little more exciting, these fries bring flavor and crunch without the grease.
Once you try this method, you’ll never go back to soggy sweet potatoes again!
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