Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love that these fries are baked, not fried, but still come out golden and crisp. The seasoning—garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper—adds a smoky-salty edge that works perfectly with the natural sweetness of the potatoes. Whether I’m making a weeknight dinner or serving them at a gathering, these fries are always a hit.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into fries or wedges
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Olive oil
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Garlic powder
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Paprika
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Salt
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Black pepper
Directions
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I preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
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I peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into evenly sized fries or wedges.
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In a large bowl, I toss the sweet potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper until well coated.
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I spread the fries out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they’re not overcrowded so they crisp up properly.
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I bake for about 25–30 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until the fries are tender inside and lightly browned on the edges.
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I let them cool for a minute or two before serving—they crisp up even more as they rest.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Calories per serving: Approximately 180 kcal
Variations
I sometimes add a pinch of cayenne for heat or toss the fries with grated Parmesan and chopped parsley after baking. For a sweeter twist, I swap the savory spices for cinnamon and a touch of brown sugar.
storage/reheating
Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 2 days. I reheat them in a 400°F oven or toaster oven for about 10 minutes until warmed through and crisped up again. I don’t recommend microwaving them—they’ll go soggy.
FAQs
How do I make the fries crispier?
I make sure the fries are evenly cut and not overcrowded on the pan. Using parchment paper and baking at a high temperature also helps.
Can I leave the skin on?
Yes, I often do for extra texture and nutrients. Just scrub the sweet potatoes well before cutting.
Can I use other oils?
Absolutely. While I usually go with olive oil, avocado oil or grapeseed oil also work great for high-heat roasting.
Do I need to soak the sweet potatoes?
No soaking is needed for this recipe. The fries come out crisp and delicious without that extra step.
Can I make these in an air fryer?
Yes! I air fry them at 400°F for about 15–18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. They get extra crispy that way.
Conclusion
These baked sweet potato fries are a simple, flavorful side dish that I come back to again and again. With a crisp outside and soft, sweet center, they pair with just about anything—and they’re easy enough to whip up on a weeknight. Once I tried them, I never looked at frozen fries the same way again.
PrintSweet Potato Fries
These baked sweet potato fries are a healthy, flavorful alternative to traditional fries—crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and seasoned with a perfectly balanced spice blend. They make an easy and irresistible side dish for any meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into thin fries
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Optional: 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch (for extra crispiness)
Instructions
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare Sweet Potatoes: Peel and cut sweet potatoes into even-sized thin fries. Try to keep them uniform for even baking.
Season: In a large bowl, toss fries with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. For added crispiness, sprinkle in cornstarch and toss again until evenly coated.
Arrange on Baking Sheet: Spread fries in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure they aren’t touching—use two pans if needed.
Bake: Bake for 15 minutes, then flip the fries and bake for another 10–15 minutes, until crisp and browned on the edges.
Serve: Let cool slightly, then serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
Don’t overcrowd the pan; spacing the fries helps them crisp up.
Adding cornstarch creates a light, crispy coating.
For extra flavor, sprinkle with chopped parsley or grated Parmesan after baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg