Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries Recipe

Looking for the ultimate healthy comfort food? These Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries are ridiculously easy, absolutely mouthwatering, and satisfy that French fry craving with a nutritious twist. Each bite delivers a perfect mix of crisp edges, soft centers, smoky spice, and natural sweetness—truly a go-to recipe you’ll crave again and again!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s nothing complicated here—just a few hardy pantry spices plus gorgeous sweet potatoes! Each ingredient brings a key pop of flavor or helps create that addictively crispy bite you expect from proper oven baked sweet potato fries.

• Sweet potatoes (3 large): The star of the show! Look for firm, smooth-skinned sweet potatoes for best texture and vibrant color.
• Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon): Infuses a gentle, smoky warmth that pairs beautifully with the natural sweetness.
• Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Adds savory depth without overpowering the sweet potato flavor.
• Onion powder (1 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and brings a subtle umami kick.
• Cayenne pepper (¼ teaspoon): Lends just the right touch of heat—feel free to use more or less based on your spice tolerance!
• Salt (½ teaspoon): Makes all those flavors pop and is essential for bringing out the fries’ natural sweetness.
• Black pepper (½ teaspoon): A fresh twist of pepper rounds out the seasoning and adds extra savory notes.

Variations

One of the best things about oven baked sweet potato fries? They’re endlessly customizable. You can easily tweak the flavors, boost the crunch, or make them fit just about any dietary preference.

• Parmesan Twist: Sprinkle shredded Parmesan on the fries in the last 5 minutes of baking for a bold, cheesy finish.
• Herby Fries: Toss with dried herbs (like rosemary, thyme, or Italian seasoning) either before or after baking for a garden-fresh aroma.
• Sweet & Spicy: Drizzle with a teaspoon of maple syrup along with the spices for a wonderful contrast of flavors.
• Extra Crispy: Dust fries lightly with cornstarch (about a tablespoon for this batch) before seasoning to help them crisp up even more.
• Oil-Free: Go completely oil-free (they’ll still brown nicely, but you can spritz with water or broth to help the spices stick if needed).

How to Make Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries

Step 1: Prep and Cut Your Sweet Potatoes

Start by giving your sweet potatoes a good scrub—leave the skins on for extra color, texture, and nutrition, or peel them if you prefer. Slice each sweet potato into long, even fries about ½ inch thick. Uniform pieces mean everything bakes at the same pace and you get perfect tender-on-the-inside, crispy-on-the-edges fries every time.

Step 2: Toss with Seasoning

Mix all your spices in a small bowl. Either place the sweet potato fries in a big bowl or a roomy zip-top bag, add the spice mix, and toss thoroughly. Coating every fry ensures each bite is loaded with flavor—don’t be shy, give them a good shake or stir!

Step 3: Arrange for Even Baking

Spread the fries out on a non-stick baking sheet—or use parchment if you like—evenly and in a single layer. Try not to crowd them (use two sheets if needed). This step is crucial! Space lets the hot oven air circulate, encouraging all those edges to crisp up instead of steam.

Step 4: Bake to Crispy Perfection

Slide the tray into your preheated 450°F oven and bake for 20 minutes. Check for deep golden edges—don’t be afraid of a little char! If needed, flip or toss halfway through for even browning. Once done, let them rest for a couple of minutes right on the hot tray (this helps lock in that crispiness), then dig in.

How to Serve Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries

Garnishes

Dressing up your sweet potato fries is half the fun! Try a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or cilantro for color, or a dusting of flaky sea salt right out of the oven for a mouthwatering finish. For even more flavor, a hint of grated lime zest creates a burst of brightness that pairs especially well with the smoky seasoning.

Side Dishes

Oven baked sweet potato fries pair well with so many dishes—from classic burgers or veggie burgers, to grilled chicken, barbecue, or even a hearty salad. They’re a friendly companion to pretty much any favorite main, bringing a pop of color and sweetness to every plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For casual dinners, serve the fries piled high in a basket lined with parchment or tucked into trendy paper cones for a party. Make a self-serve fry bar with lots of dips—garlic aioli, spicy ketchup, and chipotle mayo are favorites! Or, go for a loaded fry platter topped with black beans, avocado, salsa, and scallions for a sweet potato fry “nacho” night.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover oven baked sweet potato fries in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days, and while they do lose a bit of their initial crispness, they’re still absolutely delicious in wraps, bowls, or tossed on a salad.

Freezing

If you’ve made a big batch, freeze cooked fries in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Frozen sweet potato fries can be baked straight from the freezer—just add a few more minutes to the bake time for that oven-fresh texture.

Reheating

To bring back the crisp, reheat your sweet potato fries on a baking sheet in a hot oven (400°F) for 5–10 minutes. Avoid the microwave, which tends to make fries soggy—a toaster oven works well too if you’re doing a small batch!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you haven’t made oven baked sweet potato fries at home yet, you’re in for a treat! They’re easy, wholesome, and honestly addictive. Give this recipe a try next time you need a side or a late-night snack—you (and everyone else at the table) will be hooked from the very first crunchy, smoky bite!

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