Crispy Oven-Baked Sweet Fries (Printable Version)
Oven-baked sweet potato sticks, seasoned and crisped to golden perfection with smoky and spicy notes.
# What You Need:
→ Sweet Potatoes
01 - 2 large sweet potatoes (about 21 oz), peeled
→ Oil & Seasonings
02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 1 teaspoon sea salt
04 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
05 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
06 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
07 - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
→ For Serving (optional)
08 - Fresh chopped parsley
09 - Ketchup or aioli
# How to Make It:
01 - Set the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - Cut sweet potatoes into uniform sticks approximately 1/2 inch thick.
03 - In a large bowl, combine sweet potato sticks with olive oil, sea salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper if desired. Toss well to ensure even coating.
04 - Lay the fries in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet without overlapping or touching.
05 - Bake fries for 15 minutes until edges begin to crisp.
06 - Remove fries from oven and carefully flip each stick to promote even baking.
07 - Return fries to oven and bake an additional 10 to 12 minutes until golden and crisp around the edges.
08 - Allow fries to cool 2 to 3 minutes. Optionally, sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve with preferred condiments.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- They actually taste like dessert, but you can eat them guilt-free as a side dish or snack.
- The smoked paprika and garlic powder give you that restaurant-quality flavor without any complicated technique.
- Once you nail the timing, you'll have crispy edges and a soft center every single time.
02 -
- Water-soaked fries stay crisper—if you have time, soak cut fries in cold water for 30 minutes, pat them completely dry, then season; the difference is real.
- Don't crowd the pan; give each fry breathing room or you'll end up with steamed potatoes instead of crispy fries.
- Serve immediately after they cool, because sitting around makes them lose their texture no matter how well you made them.
03 -
- Parchment paper is your friend here—it prevents sticking and guarantees no scrubbing afterward.
- If you're making these for a crowd, prep and season the fries ahead of time, then bake them fresh right before serving so they're hot and crispy for everyone.