These extra crispy sweet potato fries are a yummy twist on a classic favorite! They’re crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, perfect for snacking.
Honestly, I can never eat just one—they vanish so quickly! I love serving them with a tasty dip or just enjoying them plain. Trust me, you’ll want to make a double batch! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: These are the star of the dish! Look for larger, firm sweet potatoes with smooth skin. If you’re out of sweet potatoes, regular potatoes can work too, but they offer a different flavor.
Cornstarch: This is the secret ingredient for extra crispiness. If you’re out, you can use potato starch or even rice flour as a substitute, which works similarly to create that crunch.
Olive Oil: Any neutral oil works well, like canola or vegetable oil. I prefer olive oil for its flavor, but you can also use avocado oil if you want a higher smoke point.
Seasonings: The smoked paprika gives a nice depth, but you can skip it or replace it with regular paprika. If you like a bit of spice, try adding cayenne or chili powder!
How Can You Achieve Perfectly Crispy Fries?
To get those crispy fries everyone loves, follow these steps closely! The key lies in preparation and cooking technique.
- Make sure to cut the sweet potatoes into even-sized fries. This ensures they cook uniformly.
- Toss the fries in cornstarch before adding oil. This creates a coating that crisps up nicely in the oven.
- Spread the fries out on the baking sheet without overlapping. This is crucial for crispiness as it allows hot air to circulate around each fry.
- Don’t skip the flipping midway through baking. It ensures all sides crisp up well!
Once you pull them out, let them sit for a minute to cool and crisp up even more. Enjoy your homemade fries!
Extra Crispy Sweet Potato Fries
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 large sweet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (or vegetable oil)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to bake. So, in total, you’ll spend around 40 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick and delicious side dish or snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). To keep the fries from sticking, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or give it a light spray of oil.
2. Chop the Sweet Potatoes:
Take your sweet potatoes, peel them, and cut them into evenly sized fries. Aim for about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick pieces so they all cook the same. It’s important to keep them consistent!
3. Coat with Cornstarch:
Put the cut fries in a large bowl and sprinkle the cornstarch over them. Take a moment to toss everything together, ensuring each fry gets coated. This is the secret to them being extra crispy!
4. Add Oil and Seasoning:
Now, drizzle your olive oil over the fries and give them another toss until they’re nicely coated. Add in the salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder if you’re using it. Toss again to mix all the spices evenly.
5. Arrange on the Baking Sheet:
Spread the fries out on your prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Make sure they’re not touching; this helps them crisp up instead of steaming!
6. Bake and Flip:
Put the fries in your preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes. At this point, gently flip each fry with a spatula to help them cook evenly on both sides.
7. Continue Baking:
After flipping, bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the fries are golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them toward the end to ensure they don’t brown too much.
8. Cool and Serve:
Once they are done, take the fries out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes to firm up. This is when they get that delicious crunch!
9. Enjoy:
Serve your extra crispy sweet potato fries hot with your favorite dipping sauce, like ketchup, ranch, or aioli. Enjoy every bite!
FAQs for Extra Crispy Sweet Potato Fries
Can I Use Frozen Sweet Potatoes for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! However, it’s best to thaw them completely and pat them dry before proceeding, as excess moisture can prevent them from getting crispy. You can bake them straight from the oven, but add a few extra minutes of cooking time to ensure they crisp up.
What If I Don’t Have Cornstarch?
No worries! You can substitute cornstarch with potato starch or rice flour to help achieve that crispy texture. Both options work similarly to create a delicious crunch!
How to Store Leftover Sweet Potato Fries?
Store any leftover fries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, spread them out on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-15 minutes to help regain their crispiness.
Can I Make Them Spicy?
Absolutely! If you like some heat, consider adding cayenne pepper, chili powder, or even a dash of hot sauce to the oil before tossing it with the fries. Adjust the amount according to your heat preference!
