How to Make Crispy Sweet Potato Fries in Your Own Kitchen

Sweet potato fries make a great snack or side dish that is both tasty and healthy. If you have never made them before, you might be wondering where to start. Don’t worry, as it’s easy to make sweet potato fries at home, even if you’re not an experienced cook.

The first step is to choose your sweet potatoes. You want to look for ones that are firm and not too large or too small. Ideally, they’ll be about the size of your hand. If you’re not sure what kind to get, ask for advice at the supermarket or local farmer’s market. Then, follow these simple steps to make delicious sweet potato fries that you’ll be proud to serve to your family or friends.

10 Steps to Perfect Sweet Potato Fries

Sweet potato fries are a healthier option than standard french fries. Not only are they lower in calories, but they also provide extra fiber, vitamin A, and potassium. But, making sweet potato fries can be intimidating for those who have never done so before. Follow these 10 steps for the perfect sweet potato fries every time.

1. Selecting the Right Sweet Potato

Not all sweet potatoes are created equal when it comes to making fries. You want to look for sweet potatoes that have long and straight shapes as they make for the best fries. Avoid short and stubby sweet potatoes, as they tend to be difficult to cut into uniform shapes.

2. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheet

Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Make sure to evenly spread out the paper, as this will help to prevent the fries from sticking to the sheet.

3. Peel and Cut the Sweet Potatoes

Peel the sweet potatoes with a vegetable peeler. Cut them into French-fry-like shapes, around ⅓ inch thick and 3 inches long. Make sure to keep them uniform in size, which will lead to even cooking.

4. Soak the Fries

Soaking the sweet potato fries in cool water for 30-60 minutes before baking can help remove excess starch and make them crispy. Make sure to dry them well with a towel before proceeding to the next step.

5. Toss with Oil

Place the sweet potato fries in a large bowl and toss them with oil. You can use any oil of your choice, but I prefer to use avocado oil, as it has a high smoke point and won’t leave a weird taste.

6. Add Seasoning

Add the seasoning of your choice, such as a mixture of smoked paprika, garlic powder, and salt. Make sure to toss the fries well, so that the seasoning is evenly distributed.

7. Spread Them Out On The Baking Sheet

Place the fries onto the prepared baking sheet, making sure they have enough space between them. Overcrowding them can lead to soggy fries.

8. Bake in the Oven

Bake the sweet potato fries for about 25-30 minutes, depending on how thick you cut them. Flip them halfway through cooking to ensure they’re evenly cooked.

9. Let Them Cool

Once the fries are done cooking, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly on the baking sheet. This will allow them to crisp up even further.

10. Enjoy!

Serve the sweet potato fries hot with your favorite dipping sauce, or as a side to your favorite burger or sandwich. Enjoy the crispy and delicious snack guilt-free!

In conclusion, making the perfect sweet potato fries is achievable for everyone with the right steps. Just remember to select the right sweet potatoes, soak them, toss them well in oil and seasoning, and bake them in a preheated oven. These fries are easy to make, delicious to eat, and healthy to savor. Happy cooking!

Preparing the sweet potatoes

Once you have the sweet potatoes ready, you’ll need to prepare them before frying. Follow these steps to ensure that your fries come out crispy and delicious.

Choosing the Right Sweet Potatoes

When making sweet potato fries, it’s important to choose the right kind of sweet potato. Look for sweet potatoes that are firm to the touch, with smooth skin. Avoid sweet potatoes with bruises or soft spots, as they may be overripe and won’t fry well. Japanese sweet potatoes are a great option for making fries, as they have a slightly nutty flavor and crispy texture when fried.

Washing and Peeling

Before you start slicing your sweet potatoes, make sure to wash them thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris. Once washed, peel the sweet potatoes using a vegetable peeler or a sharp knife. Cut off the ends of the sweet potato and discard them.

Slicing the Sweet Potatoes

Slice the sweet potatoes into thin, even strips using a sharp knife or a mandoline. You can also use a food processor with a slicing blade. Try to make the fries as uniform in thickness as possible, to ensure even cooking.

Soaking the Fries

Soak the sliced sweet potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes to remove excess starch and help them cook evenly. After soaking, drain the sweet potatoes and pat them dry with a clean towel or paper towels. The drier the sweet potatoes are, the better they will fry.

Seasoning the Fries

Sweet potato fries are delicious on their own, but you can also season them with a variety of spices and herbs to add extra flavor. Some popular seasoning options include garlic powder, smoked paprika, cumin, and chili powder. Toss the sweet potato fries in the seasoning mixture to coat them evenly.

Using Cornstarch

If you want extra crispy sweet potato fries, you can toss them in a mixture of cornstarch and seasoning before frying. The cornstarch creates a crispy coating on the outside of the fries, while the seasoning adds flavor.

Using Oil

To fry sweet potato fries, you’ll need to use a high smoke point oil. Avocado oil, peanut oil, or vegetable oil are all good options. Heat the oil in a deep fryer or a heavy-bottomed pot until it reaches 375°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, you can test the temperature by dipping a wooden spoon into the oil. If bubbles form around the spoon, the oil is hot enough.

Frying the Fries

Carefully add the sweet potato fries to the hot oil in small batches. Fry the sweet potatoes for 3-4 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon or a spider skimmer to remove the fries from the oil and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate. Season with salt and any other desired seasonings.

Draining the Fries

After frying, it’s important to drain the sweet potato fries to remove any excess oil. Transfer the fries to a clean paper towel-lined plate and let them cool for a few minutes. Excess oil can make the fries soggy and unappetizing, so be sure to remove as much as possible.

Serving the Fries

Sweet potato fries are best served hot and crispy. You can serve them as a side dish with burgers or sandwiches, or enjoy them as a snack on their own. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ketchup, aioli, or ranch dressing. Enjoy your homemade sweet potato fries!

Ways of Seasoning Sweet Potato Fries

Sweet potato fries are a delightful side dish that complements various dishes such as grilled chicken, burgers, and sandwiches. However, the seasoning of sweet potato fries can be a little tricky due to the natural sweetness of the potatoes. In this section, we will discuss different ways to season sweet potato fries to ensure they’re crispy and delicious.

1. Salt and Pepper

Salt and pepper are the most common seasonings for any dish. These two add a simple but delicious flavor to sweet potato fries. To achieve the perfect seasoning, sprinkle salt and pepper on the fries immediately after they’re removed from the oven. This will ensure that the seasoning sticks to the fries.

2. Cajun Seasoning

Adding a spicy kick to sweet potato fries can bring out the sweetness in them. Cajun seasoning is perfect for those who love spicy dishes. It’s a combination of different spices such as garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper. To make Cajun sweet potato fries, sprinkle a generous amount of seasoning on the fries after they’ve been baked.

3. Rosemary and Thyme

Fresh herbs such as rosemary and thyme can elevate the taste of sweet potato fries. These herbs add a fragrant aroma and earthy flavor to the fries. Chopped fresh herbs work best when it comes to seasoning sweet potato fries. You can add them before or after baking the fries depending on your preference.

4. Garlic and Parmesan

Garlic adds a unique flavor to sweet potato fries. Paired with parmesan, garlic can turn sweet potato fries into a gourmet dish. To make garlic parmesan sweet potato fries, sprinkle minced garlic and grated parmesan cheese on top of the fries after they’ve been baked.

5. Honey and Cinnamon

Sweet potato fries are already sweet, but adding honey and cinnamon can turn them into a dessert. Honey and cinnamon are a match made in heaven, and when mixed with sweet potato fries, they make a delightful dish. Drizzle honey on the fries immediately after they’ve been removed from the oven and then sprinkle cinnamon on top.

In conclusion, sweet potato fries are a delicious and healthy side dish that can be seasoned in various ways. Choosing the right seasoning can turn this simple dish into a gourmet one. Experiment with different seasonings and find what works for you!

Enjoy your Sweet Potato Fries!

Thanks for taking the time to read how to make Sweet Potato Fries. In no time, you’ll be noshing on tasty, crispy fries that won’t leave you feeling guilty. Of course, there’s no reason you can’t experiment with your recipe by using different spices and dipping sauces. At the end of the day, it’s all about making delicious and healthy food that fits your lifestyle. Be sure to visit our blog again for more recipes and fun food ideas!