Baked Sweet Potato Fries – just scrape them

Fancy some crispy baked sweet potato fries? You are in the right place! I’m sharing a few of my tips and tricks so you too can have perfectly crispy, oven-baked sweet potato fries. Served 4

Unfortunately, but fortunately, I’m the only one in my family who likes sweet potato fries. I know right? What’s not to love? They’re slightly sweet, packed with vitamins and nutritious goodness, and so versatile! Well so sad for her but yay because more for me!

Making crispy baked sweet potato fries can be a challenge.

I’ve tried making crispy sweet potato fries so many times only to end up with mushy and limp. That was until about 10 years ago when I started snooping around the internet and making notes on how to get crispy sweet potato fries. So I combined them with a few of my own tricks and put together a list for you.

How to get crispy fries:

• Use medium-sized sweet potatoes that are similar in shape. Nothing big, long or big in scope. They want shorter and thinner fries.
• Soak your uncooked sweet potato fries in cold water. (more on that below)
• Toss in seasoned cornstarch (or arrowroot) before baking. (also more on that below)
• Preheat your pan in the oven while it preheats. This will get the pan hot and (with the help of oil) prevent the fries from sticking.
• Serve immediately. Baked fries lose some of their crispiness when they sit, but they’re still delicious!

To make these Baked Sweet Potato Fries you will need:

• sweet potatoes – Medium sized and similar in size and shape.
• cornstarch – Helps crisp up the fries while baking.
• garlic powder – Adds flavor that’s sweeter yet milder than fresh garlic.
• paprika – Adds color and subtle flavor.
• onion powder – Adds a strong onion flavor.
• kosher salt – Enhances the flavor of the fries.
• freshly ground black pepper – Adds some subtle bite and flavor.
• Avocado Oil Spray (or extra light olive oil spray)- For spraying your preheated pan. Prevents the fries from sticking.
• avocado oil (or extra light olive oil) – Helps keep the seasoned cornstarch sticking while preventing the fries from sticking to the pan. You will need both the oil and the nonstick spray.

Feel free to play with the spices! Try adding some chipotle powder or cayenne pepper for a flavorful kick!

Start by scrubbing 2-3 medium sized sweet potatoes that are similar in size and shape. Avoid huge, fatty sweet potatoes.

Peel the sweet potatoes and cut off the ends. Cut into flat boards and then cut them into 1/4 inch sticks or chips.

Soak the fries in a bowl of cold water for 30 minutes or up to 24 hours. If I soaked for more than 2 hours I would personally refrigerate.

Why is it important to soak potatoes in water?

Believe it or not, soaking in water removes the starch from the potatoes/fries. This, in turn, helps the fries crisp up in the oven. I’ve read that it’s the starch in the potatoes that hangs on moisture/water and why sweet potatoes (or really any potato) are mushy when baked! I also notice that my fries don’t burn as easily when I soak them as I assume they have less starch. If you drain the potatoes/chips you will see that the water looks cloudy and starchy.

Meanwhile, in a small bowl, measure 2 tablespoons cornstarch (or arrowroot), 1-1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon paprika powder, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon onion powder, and 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper.

Why toss potatoes in cornstarch?

Using cornstarch (or arrowroot) is optional. However, it gives the fries a light coating and helps them brown and crisp up in the oven.

Stir this together until thoroughly combined. Step aside.

Place an empty, rimmed (half sheet pan) baking sheet in the oven, then preheat your oven (with the pan) to 425°

Meanwhile, drain the sweet potato fries in a colander and rinse well under water.

Place on a clean kitchen towel and towel dry thoroughly.

While they were in the colander, I quickly wash the bowl they were soaked in and towel dry them. Then I tossed them back into the clean bowl and added 2 tablespoons of avocado oil.

Toss to coat it evenly.

Add the seasoned cornstarch.

Toss again until evenly coated.

Once the oven has preheated, use oven mitts to remove the hot pan and set it on a heat-safe surface. Spray the preheated/hot pan generously with avocado oil. Then add the sweet potato fries and spread in an even layer. Bake 15 minutes.

After 15 minutes, remove the pan and use tongs to gently turn each roast. If they get stuck, just give her a minute and get back to it. Once they have a chance to cool down a bit, they should come loose.

Rotate the pan and continue baking in 5-minute increments until the fries are crispy — or about 10 to 15 minutes total.

Once golden brown, taste and add more salt to taste, otherwise serve immediately. Baked fries always lose some of their crispiness when they sit.

Serve with your favorite dipping sauce. I like ketchup, gravy and sometimes maple syrup 🤭.

Enjoy! And if you try this Baked Sweet Potatoes recipe, let me know! Take a picture and tag me chirp or instagram!