Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries

I’ve created a batch of crispy, oven-baked sweet potato fries that deliver all the crispness I crave—without deep frying or hassle. With just a bit of oil and seasoning, these fries come out golden, flavorful, and satisfyingly crunchy.

Why I’ll Love This Recipe

I adore these fries because they strike the perfect balance between healthy and indulgent. Baking them in the oven means I get that ideal crisp texture with minimal oil. Plus, the natural sweetness of the potatoes pairs beautifully with simple spices, making them a hit as a snack, side dish, or party appetizer.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into sticks

• olive oil or avocado oil

• cornstarch (helps with crispiness)

• salt and black pepper

• paprika or smoked paprika

• garlic powder or onion powder (optional)

• fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (optional garnish)

directions

1. Preheat the oven:
   I preheat my oven to 425 °F (220 °C) and place a rack in the middle position.

2. Prep the sweet potatoes:
   I peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into evenly sized sticks—about ¼ to ½ inch thick. Consistency ensures even baking.

3. Coat with cornstarch:
   I sprinkle a light dusting of cornstarch over the fries and toss to coat thoroughly. This extra step gives them an irresistible crisp edge.

4. Season and oil:
   I drizzle olive oil over the fries, then sprinkle in salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic (if I’m using it). I toss everything together until every fry is nicely coated.

5. Arrange on baking sheet:
   I line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the fries in a single layer with a little space between each—crowding leads to steaming, not crisping.

6. Bake to crisp perfection:
   I bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping once halfway through. I keep an eye on them toward the end to hit that golden color without burning.

7. Garnish and serve:
   After they come out hot and crisp, I sprinkle chopped parsley or cilantro over the top for a fresh burst. I serve immediately for the best texture.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 3–4, depending on appetite

• Prep time: ~10 minutes

• Bake time: 25–30 minutes

• Total time: Around 35–40 minutes

Variations

• I add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder for spicy fries.

• I swap paprika for curry powder or cumin for an earthy, warm flavor.

• For cheesy fries, I sprinkle grated Parmesan over them right after they come out of the oven.

• I sometimes use sweet potato wedges instead of fries for a chunkier bite.

• To make them extra zesty, I toss baked fries in lime juice and chopped cilantro.

storage/reheating

• Refrigeration: I store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: I reheat them on a baking sheet in a 375 °F (190 °C) oven for about 8–10 minutes to restore crispness. Avoid the microwave, which makes them soggy.

• Freezing: I lay cooled fries on a tray to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. I reheat straight from frozen in a hot oven—it takes a bit longer but still comes out crispy.

FAQs

How do I make these gluten‑free?

They’re naturally gluten‑free when I use cornstarch or another gluten‑free starch and ensure my spices are certified gluten‑free.

Can I cut them ahead of time?

Yes—I cut the sweet potato sticks up to a day ahead, store them in cold water in the fridge, then pat dry before coating and baking. It keeps them fresh and prevents browning.

What if I don’t have cornstarch?

I’ve skipped it occasionally and still gotten good results—just continue with oil and seasoning. They’ll be slightly less crispy, but still tasty.

Can I bake them at a lower temp?

I stick with 425 °F (220 °C) for the best crisp. Baking lower (like 400 °F) works but takes longer (35–40 minutes), and they may not crisp up as well.

What dipping sauces go well?

I love serving them with garlic aioli, chipotle mayo, yogurt ranch, or even a simple squeeze of lime juice.

Conclusion

I love these crispy oven-baked sweet potato fries because they bring all the flavor and texture I want without deep frying. They’re easy to prepare, fun to customize, and perfect for any occasion—from weeknight dinners to game-day snacking. Give them a try, and I’m confident they’ll become a new favorite.