Sweet Potato Fries

Crispy Sweet Potato Fries baked in the oven with olive oil, garlic powder, and chili seasoning for a perfect golden crunch. This easy homemade recipe makes healthy fries that are crispy outside and tender inside, ideal for weeknight dinners or snacking. Serve with a creamy dipping sauce made from mayo, ketchup, and spices for the best sweet and savory flavor combination.

Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside — these homemade Sweet Potato Fries are perfectly seasoned and baked to golden perfection. Paired with a creamy, tangy dipping sauce, they make a healthy and delicious side dish or snack that’s easy to love.

Ingredients

• 1 lb sweet potatoes (about 2 medium)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, avocado oil, or coconut oil
• 2 ½ teaspoons cornstarch
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon ground pepper
• 1–2 teaspoons sea salt (or seasoned salt, such as Lawry’s)
• 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley (optional)

For the Dipping Sauce:

• ⅓ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup ketchup
• ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• ¼ teaspoon paprika

Instructions

1. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
   Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into thin “matchsticks” about ¼ inch thick. Try to keep the pieces uniform in size for even cooking.
2. Soak the Fries
   Place the cut sweet potatoes in a large bowl and cover with cold water. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight. Drain and pat completely dry with paper towels before baking.
3. Preheat the Oven
   Heat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
4. Season the Fries
   In a small bowl, mix together the cornstarch, garlic powder, chili powder, and ground pepper.
   Place the fries in a large resealable bag, drizzle with oil, and toss to coat. Add the seasoning mix and shake until evenly coated.
5. Arrange and Bake
   Spread the fries in a single layer on the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each fry. (If needed, bake in batches to avoid overcrowding.)
   Bake for 15 minutes, then flip the fries and bake another 12–15 minutes or until crisp and golden.
6. Make the Dipping Sauce
   While the fries bake, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and paprika in a small bowl. Stir until smooth and creamy.
7. Serve
   Remove fries from the oven and season with salt and chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately with the dipping sauce.

Tips

• Soaking the fries removes excess starch, helping them bake up crispier.
• Pat them completely dry before seasoning to prevent sogginess.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan — space between fries allows them to roast instead of steam.
• Flip halfway through baking for even browning on all sides.

Variations and Substitutions

• Air Fryer Method: Cook at 400°F for 12–15 minutes, shaking halfway through.
• Spicy Fries: Add cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for extra heat.
• Sweet Version: Toss with cinnamon and a sprinkle of brown sugar before baking.
• Oil Alternatives: Substitute olive oil with avocado oil or grapeseed oil for higher heat tolerance.

FAQs

Why soak the sweet potatoes?
Soaking helps remove starch, which results in crispier fries once baked.

Can I skip the cornstarch?
You can, but the fries will be slightly softer. Cornstarch adds a light, crisp coating.

How do I make them extra crispy?
Bake on convection mode if available and ensure the fries are evenly spaced. You can also broil for 1–2 minutes at the end.

Can I store leftovers?
Yes. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best texture.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve as a side with burgers, grilled chicken, or sandwiches.
• Pair with dips like ranch, chipotle mayo, or garlic aioli.
• Add to buddha bowls or salads for a sweet and savory crunch.
• Great for parties or game nights as a lighter alternative to fries.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy, golden fries without deep frying.
• Perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.
• Simple ingredients, big flavor.
• Versatile — great as a side, snack, or appetizer.
• Easy to bake or air fry with delicious results every time.

Sweet Potato Fries

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

30

minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb sweet potatoes (about 2 medium)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil, avocado oil, or coconut oil

• 2 ½ teaspoons cornstarch

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ¼ teaspoon chili powder

• ½ teaspoon ground pepper

• 1–2 teaspoons sea salt (or seasoned salt, such as Lawry’s)

• 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley (optional)

• For the Dipping Sauce:

• ⅓ cup mayonnaise

• ¼ cup ketchup

• ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

• ¼ teaspoon paprika

Directions

• Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
• Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into thin “matchsticks” about ¼ inch thick. Try to keep the pieces uniform in size for even cooking.
• Soak the Fries
• Place the cut sweet potatoes in a large bowl and cover with cold water. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight. Drain and pat completely dry with paper towels before baking.
• Preheat the Oven
• Heat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
• Season the Fries
• In a small bowl, mix together the cornstarch, garlic powder, chili powder, and ground pepper.
• Place the fries in a large resealable bag, drizzle with oil, and toss to coat. Add the seasoning mix and shake until evenly coated.
• Arrange and Bake
• Spread the fries in a single layer on the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each fry. (If needed, bake in batches to avoid overcrowding.)
• Bake for 15 minutes, then flip the fries and bake another 12–15 minutes or until crisp and golden.
• Make the Dipping Sauce
• While the fries bake, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and paprika in a small bowl. Stir until smooth and creamy.
• Serve
• Remove fries from the oven and season with salt and chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately with the dipping sauce.