These Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries have shattering edges, tender centers, and just the right kiss of spice. With a few smart techniques, you can get restaurant-level fries using only your oven and pantry staples.
Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries (Perfectly Crispy)
Equipment
- 2 Rimmed baking sheet preheated
- 2 Parchment Paper or lightly grease pans
- 1 Large bowl
- 1 Clean kitchen towel or paper towels, for drying
- 1 Spatula or tongs for flipping
Ingredients
Fries
- 2 lb sweet potatoes scrubbed and peeled if desired
- 2 tbsp cornstarch or arrowroot for grain free
- 2 tbsp avocado oil or olive oil
- 1 tsp kosher salt divided
- 0.5 tsp smoked paprika or regular paprika
- 0.5 tsp garlic powder
- 0.25 tsp black pepper freshly ground
- 1 pinch cayenne optional
- Cold water and ice for soaking
Instructions
Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries
- Place 2 rimmed baking sheets in the oven and preheat to 450°F. If using convection, 425°F works well. Preheating the pans helps jump-start crisping.
- Slice sweet potatoes into 1/4 inch matchsticks. Consistent thickness ensures even cooking and maximum crunch.
- Add the cut fries to a bowl of ice-cold water and soak 20 to 30 minutes. This helps reduce sogginess and promotes crisp edges.
- Drain, then spread the fries on a clean towel and pat very dry. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness, so take your time here.
- Add fries to a large bowl and sprinkle with cornstarch. Toss until every fry has a thin, even coating. The cornstarch forms a delicate crust.
- Drizzle in the oil and toss to coat. Season with smoked paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Reserve the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt for after baking.
- Carefully remove hot pans. Line with parchment or lightly grease. Spread fries in a single layer with plenty of space. Bake 15 minutes without stirring.
- Flip fries, rotate pans, and bake 10 to 15 minutes more, until deep golden in spots and crisp at the tips. Sprinkle with remaining salt right out of the oven. Let rest 2 minutes to set their crunch.
Storage & Reheating
- Cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- 425°F on a bare sheet pan for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping once.
- 375°F for 5 to 7 minutes, shaking once.
- Par-bake 10 minutes, cool, freeze on a tray, then store in a freezer bag up to 2 months. Bake from frozen at 425°F for 15 to 20 minutes.
Notes
Why You’ll Love This Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries
- Seriously crispy without deep frying, using a simple cornstarch trick.
- Golden, caramelized edges with soft, fluffy middles.
- Easy weeknight side that pairs with everything from burgers to salmon.
- Naturally gluten free and easily vegan with pantry-friendly swaps.
Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries Ingredients & Substitutions
- 2 pounds sweet potatoes, scrubbed and peeled if desired
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (or arrowroot for grain free)
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil or olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Pinch of cayenne, optional
- Cold water and ice for soaking
Substitutions: Use arrowroot if avoiding cornstarch. Swap the spices for 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning or a mix of chili powder and cumin. For a sweet version, skip paprika and toss hot fries with cinnamon and a little sugar.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries
Step 1: Preheat and prep the pans
Place 2 rimmed baking sheets in the oven and preheat to 450°F. If using convection, 425°F works well. Preheating the pans helps jump-start crisping.
Step 2: Cut evenly
Slice sweet potatoes into 1/4 inch matchsticks. Consistent thickness ensures even cooking and maximum crunch.
Step 3: Soak to remove surface starch
Add the cut fries to a bowl of ice-cold water and soak 20 to 30 minutes. This helps reduce sogginess and promotes crisp edges.
Step 4: Drain and dry completely
Drain, then spread the fries on a clean towel and pat very dry. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness, so take your time here.
Step 5: Toss with cornstarch
Add fries to a large bowl and sprinkle with cornstarch. Toss until every fry has a thin, even coating. The cornstarch forms a delicate crust.
Step 6: Add oil and light seasoning
Drizzle in the oil and toss to coat. Season with smoked paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Reserve the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt for after baking.
Step 7: Arrange and bake
Carefully remove hot pans. Line with parchment or lightly grease. Spread fries in a single layer with plenty of space. Bake 15 minutes without stirring.
Step 8: Flip, finish, and season
Flip fries, rotate pans, and bake 10 to 15 minutes more, until deep golden in spots and crisp at the tips. Sprinkle with remaining salt right out of the oven. Let rest 2 minutes to set their crunch.
Tips for Success
- Dry thoroughly after soaking. Any leftover moisture steams the fries.
- Coat with cornstarch before oil so the starch adheres evenly.
- Do not overcrowd. If needed, bake in batches for best airflow.
- Use two preheated, light-colored aluminum sheets for even browning.
- Flip once only. Constant stirring knocks off the crisp coating.
- Season most of the salt after baking to keep fries crisp.
Variations of Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries
- Spicy Cajun: Toss with Cajun seasoning and a pinch of cayenne.
- Garlic Herb: Add 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning and finish with minced parsley.
- Parmesan Rosemary: Grate 1/4 cup Parmesan and toss on hot fries with chopped rosemary.
- Cinnamon Sugar: For a sweet twist, finish hot fries with 1 tablespoon sugar and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon plus a pinch of salt.
- Lemon Pepper: Finish with lemon zest and extra cracked pepper for brightness.
Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries
- Dips: Chipotle mayo, garlic aioli, honey mustard, creamy feta dip, or yogurt ranch.
- Mains: Turkey burgers, grilled salmon, roasted chicken, veggie black bean burgers, or BBQ pulled pork.
- Fresh sides: Simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or crunchy slaw.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Fridge: Cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat oven: 425°F on a bare sheet pan for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping once.
- Air fryer: 375°F for 5 to 7 minutes, shaking once.
- Freeze: Par-bake 10 minutes, cool, freeze on a tray, then store in a freezer bag up to 2 months. Bake from frozen at 425°F for 15 to 20 minutes.
Memories Made Around the Table
When I catered my first backyard cookout, these fries vanished before the burgers hit the buns. The secret soak and starch trick turned skeptics into believers, and I have made them the same way ever since.
FAQs
Why are my sweet potato fries soggy? Usually overcrowding or excess moisture. Dry thoroughly, give plenty of space, and preheat the pans.
Do I have to soak the fries? Soaking is optional but recommended. It draws out surface starch and helps the edges crisp while keeping the centers tender.
Can I make them without cornstarch? Yes. They will still be tasty but a bit less crispy. Arrowroot is the best substitute if you skip cornstarch.
Parchment or bare pan? Parchment prevents sticking. For maximum browning, lightly oil a preheated bare aluminum sheet and watch closely.
Are these vegan and gluten free? Yes, as written they are naturally vegan and gluten free. Choose vegan dips to keep the meal fully plant based.
Final Thoughts
With a quick soak, a dusting of cornstarch, and hot pans, you can make truly crispy oven baked sweet potato fries any night of the week. Keep the batches small, the cuts even, and the dips ready.