Sweet potato fries are a popular and healthy alternative to regular fries, but they can be tricky to make at home. Many people end up with soggy, bland, or burnt fries that don’t live up to their expectations. However, with some simple tips and tricks, you can achieve crispy and flavorful sweet potato fries in your own oven, without any frying or soaking. Here’s how.
Choose the Right Sweet Potatoes
Not all sweet potatoes are created equal. Some varieties are more starchy, dry, or sweet than others, which can affect the texture and flavor of your fries. For the best results, look for orange-fleshed sweet potatoes that are firm and smooth. Avoid any that have bruises, cracks, or sprouts, as they may be old or rotten.
Cut Them Evenly
The way you cut your sweet potatoes can make a big difference in how they cook and crisp up. You want to cut them into thin and uniform matchsticks, about 1/4 inch thick. This will ensure that they cook evenly and get a nice crust on the outside. If you cut them too thick, they will be mushy on the inside and not crispy enough on the outside. If you cut them too thin, they will burn easily and lose their shape.
Coat Them with Cornstarch and Seasonings
One of the secrets to making crispy sweet potato fries is to coat them with cornstarch before baking. Cornstarch absorbs some of the moisture from the sweet potatoes and forms a thin layer of batter that crisps up in the oven. It also helps the seasonings stick to the fries better.
You can season your fries however you like, but some common spices that go well with sweet potatoes are salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. You can also add some herbs, such as rosemary or thyme, for extra flavor. Toss the fries with some olive oil and the cornstarch-spice mixture in a large bowl until they are well coated.
Bake Them on a Hot and Greased Baking Sheet
The final step to making crispy sweet potato fries is to bake them on a hot and greased baking sheet. Preheat your oven to 425°F and spray two large baking sheets with cooking spray. You want to use two baking sheets to avoid overcrowding the fries, which can cause them to steam instead of crisp. Spread the fries in a single layer on the baking sheets, leaving some space between them.
Bake the fries for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping them halfway through.
One of the best things about sweet potato fries is that they go well with a variety of dips and sauces. You can enjoy them plain, or spice them up with some of these options:
- Fry sauce: This is a classic dip for fries, made with mayonnaise, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and paprika. It has a tangy and slightly smoky flavor that complements the sweetness of the fries.
- Honey mustard: This is a simple and delicious dip, made with mayonnaise, honey, mustard, and vinegar. It has a sweet and sour taste that balances the richness of the fries.
- Spicy aioli: This is a creamy and spicy dip, made with mayonnaise, garlic, lemon juice, and sriracha. It has a zesty and fiery kick that adds some heat to the fries.
- BBQ sauce: This is a savory and sweet dip, made with ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and spices. It has a bold and smoky flavor that pairs well with the fries.
Enjoy Your Crispy and Delicious Sweet Potato Fries
You have just learned how to make crispy and delicious sweet potato fries at home, without any frying or soaking. These fries are a healthy and tasty alternative to regular fries, and you can customize them with your favorite seasonings and dips. They are perfect for snacking, appetizing, or as a side dish for any meal. Try them today and see for yourself how easy and satisfying they are!
