Meet your newest obsession: Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries! These are pure comfort, easy to make, and every bite is loaded with that signature sweet-and-savory flavor combo. Tossed in olive oil, your favorite spices, and roasted to crispy golden perfection—no deep-frying required, just downright deliciousness in every wedge!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy Outsides, Tender Middles: Each fry has irresistible crunch with a creamy, sweet interior thanks to high-temp roasting.
- Customizable Spice Blends: You get to play with seasonings—go smoky, spicy, or sweet, and make every batch unique!
- Healthy Comfort Food: These Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries satisfy fry cravings while keeping things wholesome—naturally gluten-free and loaded with vitamins.
- Simple and Quick to Prep: From pantry to table in just about 30 minutes with only a handful of ingredients and easy steps.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What truly makes great Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries is how these everyday ingredients join forces to create the ultimate side dish. It’s all about the balance of earthy sweetness, a touch of bold spice, and that irresistible golden crispiness.
- Sweet Potatoes (about 2 pounds): Look for firm, orange-fleshed sweet potatoes for the best color and taste. They roast up sweet and caramelized every time.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: This is what gives your fries that stunning crispy edge. It also adds a subtle richness and helps your spices stick.
- Kosher Salt: Don’t skimp! This unlocks the sweet potatoes’ natural flavor and adds that classic fry-like savoriness.
- Spice Blend (chipotle, smoked paprika, Cajun, or any favorite): Here’s where the fun begins—add whatever makes your taste buds happy, from smoky heat to autumn warmth.
Variations
Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries are made to play with! Whether you’re spicing things up, tweaking the oil, or skipping the salt, this recipe adapts beautifully to any preference or dietary need—just let your cravings lead the way!
- Spice it International: Swap Cajun for garam masala or Chinese five-spice to put a global spin on your fries.
- No-Oil Version: Lightly spray the wedges with olive oil cooking spray for a lower fat option that’s still satisfyingly crisp.
- Sweet Finish: Dust baked fries with cinnamon and coconut sugar for a dessert-worthy treat the kids (and adults) will love.
- Parmesan Crusted: Toss hot fries with freshly grated parmesan for a salty, cheesy finish.
How to Make Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Pan
The secret to crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries begins before you even slice a potato—preheat your oven to 450°F (or crank it to 500°F if you prefer extra crispiness). Pop your baking sheet or roasting pan in the oven as it heats, so when those fries hit the pan, they start caramelizing right away!
Step 2: Peel, Slice, and Prep the Sweet Potatoes
Peel your sweet potatoes (or leave the skin on for rustic bites) and trim the ends. Slice them into 1/4 to 1/2-inch thick wedges—consistent size means they’ll bake evenly and crisp up just right. You can also make thin disks instead of wedges for a fun shape twist!
Step 3: Toss with Oil, Salt, and Spices
In a big bowl, coat the sweet potatoes with olive oil, making sure every piece gets a glossy hug. Sprinkle in kosher salt and your spice blend of choice, then mix (hands work best!) until each wedge is beautifully seasoned.
Step 4: Spread on Hot Pan
Carefully remove the hot pan from the oven. Arrange your sweet potato fries in a single layer—don’t crowd them, give them space to crisp! The sizzle as they hit the pan means you’re on the path to caramelized perfection.
Step 5: Roast and Flip
Bake for 15–25 minutes, flipping the fries halfway through to ensure even browning. Start checking after 10 minutes—smaller or thinner fries will cook more quickly at higher heat. You’re aiming for deep golden brown with crispy edges (but don’t worry, even the darker ones will be sweet from natural caramelization!).
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Let your Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries rest on the pan for 5 minutes before serving—this helps them keep their crispness and makes them easier to handle (if you can wait that long!).
Pro Tips for Making Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries
- Pan Sizzle Technique: Always preheat your pan—this is the key to instant caramelization and those legendary crispy edges.
- Uniform Sizing Makes Perfection: Cut your fries into even-sized wedges or disks so they cook at the same rate and don’t leave anyone soggy.
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: Give each fry room to breathe for better browning (and, honestly, tastier end results)—use two pans if needed!
- Best Spice Timing: Add your spices right after tossing in the oil so the seasoning sticks to every bit for big flavor in each bite.
How to Serve Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries
Garnishes
Shower your fries with a little fresh chopped cilantro or parsley for color, or a final pinch of flaky sea salt for extra sparkle and crunch—sometimes even a squeeze of lime can liven things up!
Side Dishes
Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries play well with juicy grilled burgers, herby roast chicken, or fresh salads. They’re also a fabulous partner for veggie wraps and grain bowls—anything that welcomes a bold, sweet-savory bite on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
Pile your fries high in paper cones, line a basket for family-style sharing, or arrange fries in a fun spiral on a platter—don’t forget small bowls of dipping sauces for crowd-pleasing flair!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries will keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They’ll lose a little crispness but stay deliciously flavorful.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze your fries in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. They reheat beautifully for quick snacking or last-minute sides.
Reheating
To revive maximum crispiness, reheat fries in a super-hot oven (425°F) or a toaster oven for just a few minutes, shaking the pan halfway through. Avoid the microwave—they tend to soften up.
FAQs
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Why aren’t my Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries crispy?
This usually happens if the pan is too crowded or wasn’t preheated first. Make sure to give your fries plenty of space and use a screaming-hot pan for best crisping results.
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Can I leave the skin on sweet potato fries?
Absolutely! The skin adds extra fiber and rustic flair. Just scrub your potatoes really well before slicing, then proceed as usual for a heartier, homey texture.
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What spices go best with Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries?
Smoked paprika, garlic powder, chipotle, or Cajun blends are always crowd-pleasers. Feeling adventurous? Try pumpkin pie spice or Chinese five-spice for sweet or exotic flavor twists!
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How do I cut sweet potatoes easily for fries?
Use a sharp, sturdy chef’s knife and cut your potatoes in half lengthwise first for a flat, stable base. Then slice into even wedges or disks for consistent baking and easy handling.
Final Thoughts
If you haven’t fallen in love with Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries yet, just wait until you taste your first batch—spiced, caramelized, and fresh from the oven. I hope you try them soon, and that they become a staple in your kitchen too. Happy snacking!
PrintOven Baked Sweet Potato Fries Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make delicious and crispy oven-baked sweet potato fries with this easy recipe. These fries are seasoned to perfection and make a fantastic side dish or snack.
Ingredients
Sweet Potato Fries:
- 2 pounds orange-fleshed sweet potatoes (about 3 large)
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 to 2 tablespoons spice or spice combination of your choice: chipotle powder, smoked paprika, Chinese five-spice, pumpkin pie spice, garam masala, Cajun seasoning, etc.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 450°F (for more crispiness, preheat to 500°F). Place a roasting pan or heavy-duty baking sheet in the oven to preheat.
- Peel and cut the sweet potatoes: Peel the sweet potatoes, cut them into wedges, or slice them into disks.
- Toss with oil, salt, spices: In a large bowl, combine sweet potatoes, oil, salt, and spices. Mix well to coat all pieces.
- Spread onto preheated pan: Carefully spread the sweet potatoes on the preheated baking sheet in a single layer.
- Bake: Bake for 15 to 25 minutes, turning the sweet potatoes halfway through until well browned.
- Serve: Let the fries cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 203
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 446mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg