How to Make Crispy Baked Sweet Potato Fries (No Soggy Edges!)
If you’ve ever tried making sweet potato fries at home, you know the struggle is real—sometimes they come out soggy instead of crispy. But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! With the right tips, seasonings, and techniques, you can make crispy baked sweet potato fries that taste like restaurant quality—without the deep frying.
This recipe is not only healthier but also easy to whip up for a snack, side dish, or even a party appetizer. Let’s dive into the secrets behind perfectly crispy fries every single time.
Why Baked Sweet Potato Fries Are Better Than Fried
Sweet potato fries are naturally packed with fiber, vitamins A and C, potassium, and antioxidants, making them a smarter choice than regular fries. Baking them instead of deep frying saves on unnecessary oil and calories—yet still gives you that golden, crunchy edge when done right.
Another bonus? You can season them however you like—classic salty, smoky paprika, or even spicy chili-lime.
Key Tips for Crispy Sweet Potato Fries
The secret to avoiding soggy fries is in the preparation and baking method. Here are some game-changing tricks:
• Cut evenly: Slice the sweet potatoes into thin, uniform strips (¼-inch thick). Uneven pieces cook unevenly, leading to some burnt and some soggy fries.
• Soak in cold water: Soaking the fries for at least 30 minutes removes excess starch. This is the number one step for extra crispiness.
• Dry completely: Moisture is the enemy of crisp fries. After soaking, pat them bone dry with a clean towel.
• Cornstarch coating: Tossing the fries lightly in cornstarch before oiling creates a crispy outer shell.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Spread fries in a single layer with space between them. Overlapping leads to steaming, not crisping.
• Flip halfway: For even browning, flip the fries halfway through baking.
• Bake hot: A high oven temperature (425°F / 220°C) is essential for golden results.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make a batch of these crispy baked sweet potato fries, gather:
• 2 large sweet potatoes
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 tbsp olive oil (or avocado oil)
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp salt (or more to taste)
Optional: a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat, or cinnamon for a sweet twist.
PLEASE TAP HERE TO GET ACCESS TO YOUR NONSTICK FRYING PAN
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep Your Sweet Potatoes
Wash and peel (optional) your sweet potatoes. Cut them into thin, even sticks—about ¼-inch thick. The thinner they are, the crispier they’ll get.
2. Soak and Dry
Place the cut fries in a bowl of cold water for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight if you plan ahead). Drain, then pat completely dry. This step helps remove starch and ensures maximum crispiness.
3. Toss with Cornstarch
Add the fries to a large bowl and sprinkle with cornstarch. Toss until evenly coated—this forms that crunchy shell we’re after.
4. Add Oil and Seasonings
Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle in smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss again until every fry is coated.
5. Arrange on a Baking Sheet
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread fries in a single layer without overlapping. If needed, use two baking sheets.
6. Bake Until Crispy
Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 15 minutes, flip fries, then bake another 12–15 minutes. Watch carefully in the last 5 minutes—they can go from golden to burnt quickly.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Remove from the oven and let them rest for 2 minutes (they crisp up as they cool slightly). Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce!
Delicious Dipping Sauce Ideas
Crispy baked sweet potato fries pair well with so many dips. Try these:
• Garlic aioli (creamy and savory)
• Chipotle mayo (smoky with a kick)
• Greek yogurt ranch (light and tangy)
• Honey mustard (sweet and sharp)
• Spicy sriracha ketchup (classic with heat)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Skipping the soak: Fries will be limp if you don’t remove excess starch.
• Too much oil: Just a light coating is enough—too much leads to sogginess.
• Overcrowding the pan: Always leave breathing room. Use multiple trays if needed.
• Not flipping halfway: This ensures even crisping on all sides.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These crispy baked sweet potato fries are:
✔️ Healthier than fried
✔️ Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside
✔️ Easy to customize with seasonings
✔️ A family-friendly snack or side dish
✔️ 100% addictive!
Whether you’re meal-prepping, entertaining friends, or just craving comfort food, this recipe is your new go-to.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know how to make crispy baked sweet potato fries without soggy edges, you’ll never have to settle for limp fries again. The secret is all in the prep—soak, dry, cornstarch, and bake hot.
Next time you’re looking for a guilt-free side dish or snack, grab some sweet potatoes and whip up a batch of these irresistible fries. Trust me, they’ll disappear fast
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep Your Sweet Potatoes
Wash and peel (optional) your sweet potatoes. Cut them into thin, even sticks—about ¼-inch thick. The thinner they are, the crispier they’ll get.
2. Soak and Dry
Place the cut fries in a bowl of cold water for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight if you plan ahead). Drain, then pat completely dry. This step helps remove starch and ensures maximum crispiness.
3. Toss with Cornstarch
Add the fries to a large bowl and sprinkle with cornstarch. Toss until evenly coated—this forms that crunchy shell we’re after.
4. Add Oil and Seasonings
Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle in smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss again until every fry is coated.
5. Arrange on a Baking Sheet
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread fries in a single layer without overlapping. If needed, use two baking sheets.
6. Bake Until Crispy
Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 15 minutes, flip fries, then bake another 12–15 minutes. Watch carefully in the last 5 minutes—they can go from golden to burnt quickly.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Remove from the oven and let them rest for 2 minutes (they crisp up as they cool slightly). Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce!
Delicious Dipping Sauce Ideas
Crispy baked sweet potato fries pair well with so many dips. Try these:
• Garlic aioli (creamy and savory)
• Chipotle mayo (smoky with a kick)
• Greek yogurt ranch (light and tangy)
• Honey mustard (sweet and sharp)
• Spicy sriracha ketchup (classic with heat)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Skipping the soak: Fries will be limp if you don’t remove excess starch.
• Too much oil: Just a light coating is enough—too much leads to sogginess.
• Overcrowding the pan: Always leave breathing room. Use multiple trays if needed.
• Not flipping halfway: This ensures even crisping on all sides.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These crispy baked sweet potato fries are:
✔️ Healthier than fried
✔️ Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside
✔️ Easy to customize with seasonings
✔️ A family-friendly snack or side dish
✔️ 100% addictive!
Whether you’re meal-prepping, entertaining friends, or just craving comfort food, this recipe is your new go-to.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know how to make crispy baked sweet potato fries without soggy edges, you’ll never have to settle for limp fries again. The secret is all in the prep—soak, dry, cornstarch, and bake hot.
Next time you’re looking for a guilt-free side dish or snack, grab some sweet potatoes and whip up a batch of these irresistible fries. Trust me, they’ll disappear fast
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