Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet and Spicy Sweet Potato Fries make for a delicious and simple snack! An easy trick guarantees that they are crispy, so you can focus on eating them!
When I was younger, Disney was a big thing in my family. Summer holidays meant trips either back to Jamaica (I didn’t grow up here) or trips to Disney, and as a Disney fanatic, this was a very big deal to me. I can remember being young with my brother meeting Aladdin and Chip & Dale for the first time, and being unable to contain my excitement, while also meeting Jafar and coming close to running out of there because why would I want to associate with this bad guy??
In case you’re wondering, yes, Toy Story has caused me to STILL believe that stuffed animals are real. And at 23 years old, I am still very much of that belief. Just kidding.
Kinda.
I think Disney not only reflected all my favourite characters, princesses (Ariel is basically the coolest princess ever in my eyes), and crazy fun summer and Christmas vacations, but an opportunity for happiness, hope and a bit of magic, things are still essential in my life today. I still have my hopes, my dreams, my Prince Charming and my happiness.
Mr. Jessiker Bakes and I went to Disney for our first anniversary (PRINCE Charming!) and to say I had a blast would be an understatement. Even if it’s just for a week, or a weekend, it’s a chance to break out of the normal order of life and have a lot of magic in your life. And perhaps these things are not an excuse for me belting Frozen songs at the top of my voice, but I would love to pretend it is. I mean, isn’t that a part of my dreams, dreaming and hoping that one day my singing voice won’t be mistaken for someone croaking?
Anyway, time to tie this trip down memory lane to these sweet potato fries. Sweet potato fries have a lot of magic in them, allowing you to enjoy everyone’s favourite side order in a different way, both with the potato used and the method of baking them, and without any loss of taste or flavour.
When I say these fries are loaded with flavour, I mean it. You can add any seasonings that you want to these naturally delicious and sweet fries and they would compliment it perfectly. I’ve also found the trick to making these beauties crisp. There’s no going back now.
Cornstarch. Now, here me out. Instead of soggy fries, or fries dried up beyond belief for leaving them in longer in an attempt of them crisping up, you get perfect, crisp-but-soft-on-the-inside and evenly cooked sweet potato fries. I could not stop eating these, and perhaps ate half of someone’s share because they are that addictive. The crunch factor alone will mean you won’t be able to get your hands off of these.
Didn’t I tell you everyday life is filled with a bit of Disney magic?
If you enjoyed these sweet potato fries, you’ll also enjoy these Sweet Potato Chips!
If you like these chips, you may also enjoy these Warm Cinnamon Apple Chips.
Or these Kale Chips, Three Different Ways!
Check out all my side dish recipes!
Crispy Baked Sweet Potato Fries
Ingredients
- 2 large sweet potatoes, washed, scrubbed, and dried (I used an American sweet potato)
- 2-3 tablespoons coconut oil, melted or any other oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch or arrowroot powder, for extra crunch, mix with ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Optional: Cinnamon, add after baking for a touch of sweetness
- Optional Ingredient Variation: For a twist, you can swap American sweet potatoes with Jamaican or Japanese sweet potatoes (yellow/white flesh). These varieties yield a starchier, firmer texture, making them naturally crispier!
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). If you have a convection (fan) setting, use it for crispier fries. Place your baking sheet (or sheets) in the oven while it preheats. This helps the fries start crisping as soon as they hit the pan.
- Cut the sweet potato into even fries (not too thin to avoid burning), about ¼ inch thick by 3 inches long.
- In a large bowl, toss the fries with cornstarch (or arrowroot mixture) until evenly coated. Add the coconut oil and toss again to coat evenly. In a small dish, combine the salt, pepper, and garlic powder (save the cinnamon for later). Add the seasoning mix to the fries and toss until well coated.
- Carefully remove the hot baking sheet(s) from the oven and arrange the fries in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch or overlap. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through (around the 15-minute mark) to ensure even browning. If the fries aren’t crisp enough, turn on the broiler for the last 1-2 minutes. Watch closely around the 20 minute mark to avoid burning!
- Let the fries rest for 3-5 minutes on the baking sheet to crisp up further. If desired, sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon over the fries for a hint of sweetness. Serve hot with your favorite dips—like vegan mayo or ketchup—and enjoy!
Notes
These varieties are starchier and naturally crisp up better in the oven. You can skip the cornstarch step if using them, but follow the same cooking method for delicious, golden fries every time!
Disclaimer: Although jessicainthekitchen.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, kindly note that these are only estimates. Nutritional information may be affected based on the product type, the brand that was purchased, and in other unforeseeable ways. Jessicainthekitchen.com will not be held liable for any loss or damage resulting for your reliance on nutritional information. If you need to follow a specific caloric regimen, please consult your doctor first.
I’m new to your blog and what too me so long to find it! This recipe looks amazing and your food pictures are so beautiful. I can’t wait to try to make it!
Aw thank you Elizabeth! I’m glad you like my blog!
We are planning a trip to Disney next year and staying with my best friend from high school who moved to Florida. My son made sweet potato fries from a recipe he got at his new job at the local deli. He loves trying new recipes and I can’t wait to share this one with him – and try a few of those fries!
Thanks Meghan, that sounds exciting!!I hope you all enjoy Disney so much and your friend’s company!
Homemade fries? Fabulous! These look so crisp and crunchy!
Thanks Jess!!
Can you use tapioca starch? I dont eat corn in any form.
I haven’t tried it in this specific recipe but based on my experience, it should work!
IMHO you’ve got the right anrwse!
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