Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries Crispy Secret
Forget soggy sweet potato fries forever. This foolproof recipe uses a simple soaking technique and a secret cornstarch coating to deliver shatteringly crisp, golden fries straight from the oven. A perfect, healthy side dish that rivals any deep-fried version.
Equipment
- Large bowl
- Chef's knife
- Cutting board
- Vegetable peeler (optional)
- Clean kitchen towel or paper towels
- Large rimmed baking sheet (or two)
- Parchment paper
- Spatula
Ingredients
- 2 large sweet potatoes about 1.5 lbs / 680g total
- 3 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for finishing
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder optional
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Peel the sweet potatoes (or leave the skin on for extra fiber and texture). Cut them into uniform sticks, about 1/4-inch to 1/2-inch thick.
- Place the cut fries in a large bowl and cover with cold water. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes. This removes excess starch, which is the primary cause of sogginess.
- Drain the water and dump the fries onto a clean kitchen towel. Pat them completely dry. Any remaining moisture will steam the fries instead of roasting them.
- Transfer the dry fries back to the bowl. Drizzle with the oil and toss to coat evenly.
- In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Sprinkle this mixture over the oiled fries and toss again until every fry is evenly coated.
- Spread the fries in a single, even layer on the prepared baking sheet. Do not overcrowd the pan; use two baking sheets if necessary. For extra crispiness, flip the fries so a flat side is down.
- Roast for 15 minutes. Carefully flip each fry using a spatula. Return to the oven and roast for another 10-15 minutes, until the fries are deep golden brown, crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside.
- Remove from the oven and, while still hot, sprinkle with a little extra salt if desired. Serve immediately for maximum crispiness.
Notes
The key to crispiness is not skipping the soak and ensuring the fries are bone-dry before adding oil. For variations, try tossing the cooked fries with chipotle powder and lime juice, Parmesan and rosemary, or cinnamon and brown sugar. These fries are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, as they lose crispiness as they cool. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat in a hot oven or air fryer to restore some crunch.