Crispy Perfection: A Recipe for Baked Sweet Potato Fries
Are you craving a tasty snack or a side dish that’s both satisfying and nutritious? Look no further than baked sweet potato fries! These crispy delights are a fantastic alternative to traditional French fries, and they offer a host of health benefits. Packed with vitamins, fiber, and natural sweetness, sweet potatoes are not only delicious but also promote a balanced diet. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through a simple recipe that will result in perfectly baked sweet potato fries. Get ready to indulge guilt-free!
Ingredients
To prepare your mouthwatering baked sweet potato fries, gather the following ingredients:
- 2 large sweet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons Butter olive oil (choose Vanilla for extra sweetness for just plain sweet potato fries, Rosemary to pair with a Parmesan cheese sprinkle, or our everyday Arbequina for a plain olive oil)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (adjust to taste)
- Optional: spices or seasonings of your choice
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature will help achieve that desired crispiness.
- Prepare the sweet potatoes: Scrub the sweet potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris. Peel them if desired, although leaving the skin on adds extra fiber and nutrients. Slice the sweet potatoes into evenly sized matchsticks, approximately 1/4-inch thick. Try to keep the sizes consistent to ensure even cooking.
- Soak the sweet potatoes: Place the sweet potato sticks in a large bowl of cold water and let them soak for about 30 minutes. This step helps remove excess starch, resulting in crispier fries.
- Drain and dry: After soaking, drain the sweet potatoes and pat them dry using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Ensuring they are thoroughly dry will prevent sogginess.
- Season the sweet potatoes: In a separate bowl, combine the olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss the sweet potato sticks in the mixture, making sure they are well coated. Feel free to add any additional spices or seasonings according to your taste preferences.
- Arrange on a baking sheet: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil to prevent sticking. Arrange the seasoned sweet potato sticks in a single layer, leaving space between each fry for optimal crispness.
- Bake the sweet potato fries: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the fries are golden brown and crispy. Halfway through the cooking time, flip the fries using tongs or a spatula to ensure even browning.
- Serve and enjoy: Once baked, remove the sweet potato fries from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve them alongside your favorite dipping sauce, such as spicy mayo, garlic aioli, whipped maple butter or ketchup. Enjoy the delicious combination of crispy exterior and tender interior!
Tips for Perfect Sweet Potato Fries:
- Cut the sweet potatoes into uniform shapes and sizes to ensure even cooking.
- Soaking the sweet potato sticks in cold water helps remove starch and results in crispier fries.
- Ensure the fries are thoroughly dry before seasoning to avoid sogginess.
- Use a high oven temperature for that perfect crunch.
- Flip the fries halfway through the cooking time to promote even browning.
- Experiment with different seasonings or spices to customize the flavor to your
