Crispy Baked Sweet Potato Fries

Golden on the outside, soft and tender on the inside, crispy baked sweet potato wedges are a delightful mix of texture and flavor. Perfect as a side dish, snack, or even a party pleaser, these wedges are versatile and easy to prepare. With just the right balance of natural sweetness and savory seasoning, they’ll become a go-to favorite in no time!

Kitchen Essentials

To make these delicious wedges, you’ll need:

• Basic Equipment:
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Baking sheet
  • Mixing bowl
• Special Tools (Optional):
  • Vegetable peeler (if you prefer peeled wedges)
  • Silicone baking mat or parchment paper
• Substitutes:
  If you don’t have a silicone mat, lightly oil the baking sheet to prevent sticking.

Ingredients & Preparation

Key Ingredients:

• Sweet Potatoes: The star of the dish. Choose medium-sized ones for even cooking.
• Olive Oil: Helps the wedges crisp up in the oven while adding a hint of richness.
• Seasonings (like paprika, garlic powder, and salt): Enhance the natural sweetness of the potatoes with a savory balance.
• Cornstarch: A secret ingredient for achieving extra crispiness.

Cooking Process:

1. Preheat the Oven: Set it to 425°F (220°C) for optimal crisping.
2. Cut the Potatoes: Slice sweet potatoes into even wedges, about ½ inch thick.
3. Season the Wedges: Toss the potatoes in olive oil, cornstarch, and spices, ensuring an even coating.
4. Arrange on the Baking Sheet: Place wedges in a single layer with space between each piece for airflow.
5. Bake and Flip: Bake for 20 minutes, flip, then bake for another 15-20 minutes until golden and crispy.

Pro Tips for Perfect Results

1. Even Slicing: Uniform wedges ensure consistent cooking.
2. Don’t Crowd the Pan: Overlapping wedges will steam rather than crisp. Use two sheets if necessary.
3. High Heat: The oven needs to be hot enough to crisp the edges.
4. Flip Carefully: Use a spatula to flip wedges halfway through for even browning.
5. Let Them Rest: Allow wedges to cool for a few minutes after baking to maximize crispiness.

Creative Variations

1. Spicy Cajun: Add cayenne pepper and Cajun seasoning for a fiery kick.
2. Herb-Parmesan: Toss with dried rosemary, thyme, and grated Parmesan after baking.
3. Sweet & Spicy: Drizzle with honey and a pinch of chili flakes right before serving.

Make It Your Own

• Base Alternatives: Swap sweet potatoes for butternut squash or regular potatoes.
• Texture Additions: Sprinkle with sesame seeds or crushed nuts before baking.
• Dietary Adaptations: Use avocado oil instead of olive oil for a Paleo-friendly option

Time-Saving Tips

• Prep Ahead: Slice and season the sweet potatoes up to 12 hours in advance and store in the fridge.
• Skip Peeling: Leaving the skin on saves time and adds extra nutrients.
• Use Pre-Cut Sweet Potatoes: Many stores offer pre-cut wedges for ultimate convenience.

Make-Ahead & Storage Solutions

• Storage: Keep leftover wedges in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 375°F for 10 minutes to restore crispiness.
• Freezing: Freeze uncooked seasoned wedges on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5-7 minutes to the cooking time.

Serving Suggestions

• Dips: Pair with garlic aioli, spicy ketchup, or creamy ranch.
• On the Plate: Serve alongside grilled chicken, burgers, or roasted vegetables.
• Topping Ideas: Add crumbled feta, chopped herbs, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for an upscale touch.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

1. Soggy Wedges: Ensure the wedges are dry before seasoning, and avoid overcrowding the pan.
2. Burnt Edges: Check the oven temperature with a thermometer and reduce slightly if needed.
3. Not Crispy Enough: Bake a little longer or broil for 1-2 minutes at the end (watch closely).

Seasonal Adaptations

• Summer: Serve wedges with a fresh herb dipping sauce, like basil pesto or cilantro lime yogurt.
• Winter: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon and nutmeg for a cozy seasonal twist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make these oil-free?
A: Yes, but they won’t be as crispy. Use a light spray of cooking oil or skip it entirely for a softer texture.

Q: How do I ensure even cooking?
A: Cut the wedges uniformly and flip them halfway through baking.

Q: Can I air-fry these?
A: Absolutely! Cook at 400°F for about 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

With these tips and tricks, your crispy baked sweet potato wedges will be irresistible every time. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this simple yet crowd-pleasing dish!

Print Pin

Baked Sweet Potatoes Fries

These baked sweet potato fries are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. They're lightly seasoned, allowing the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes to shine through. Each bite offers a satisfying texture and a hint of savory goodness.

Course Side Dish, Snack

Cuisine American

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes minutes

Total Time 40 minutes minutes

Ingredients

• 2 large sweet potatoes peeled and cut into fries
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional for heat
• Fresh parsley for garnish optional

Instructions

• Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Prepare the Fries: In a large bowl, toss the sweet potato fries with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper until evenly coated.
• Arrange on Baking Sheet: Spread the fries in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they aren’t overcrowded for optimal crispiness.
• Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the fries are golden brown and crispy.
• Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories: 180kcal
• Fat: 6g
• Protein: 2g
• Carbohydrates: 30g