First of all—thank you for being here! Every visit, every reader, every home cook who tries one of my recipes means the world to me. Truly. And today, I’m beyond excited to share one of my all-time favorite feel-good sides: Crispy Oven-Baked Sweet Potato Fries.
They’re sweet, savory, crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and loaded with flavor. And best of all? You don’t need a deep fryer or anything fancy. Just a few pantry staples, your oven, and a little patience.
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What Are Crispy Oven-Baked Sweet Potato Fries?
These aren’t your average mushy oven fries. These are lightly seasoned, ultra-crispy sweet potato fries, roasted to golden perfection without any frying involved. Tossed in cornstarch and seasoned with a savory blend of spices, they’re baked until the edges are irresistibly crisp—and they still let the natural sweetness of the potatoes shine.
Perfect as a side, a snack, or something to dip into while binge-watching your latest Netflix obsession!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy—not soggy! The cornstarch trick works every time.
- Baked, not fried. Healthier, easier, and less mess.
- Naturally gluten-free and vegan. Just whole ingredients, big flavor.
- Customizable seasonings. You can go smoky, spicy, sweet—whatever you’re craving.
What Do They Taste Like?
Heavenly. No, seriously.
You get the slightly caramelized sweetness from the roasted sweet potatoes, a hint of smokiness from paprika, and a crispy texture that’ll have you reaching for “just one more” (okay, 10 more). These are the kind of fries that make you do a little happy dance at the oven.
Benefits of This Recipe
- Sweet potatoes are rich in fiber, vitamins A & C, and antioxidants
- No deep fryer or fancy equipment needed
- Can be made ahead and reheated
- Crowd-pleasing for adults and kiddos alike
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a tray (or two!) of these beauties:
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled
- 1½ tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt (plus more to taste)
- Optional: pinch of cayenne pepper for a little kick
Tools You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl
- Sharp knife or mandoline
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
- Tongs or spatula for flipping
Additions and Substitutions
✨ Want to mix it up?
- No cornstarch? Arrowroot or tapioca starch will work too.
- Different oil? Avocado oil is a great high-heat alternative.
- Try cinnamon and sugar for a sweet twist (skip the paprika/garlic).
- Add rosemary or thyme for an herby vibe.
How to Make Crispy Oven-Baked Sweet Potato Fries (Step-by-Step)
1. Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Slice
Cut sweet potatoes into thin, even matchsticks (about ¼ inch thick). The more uniform, the better they’ll bake!
3. Soak (optional but helpful!)
Soak the fries in cold water for at least 30 minutes to remove excess starch. Drain and dry thoroughly with paper towels.
4. Toss in Cornstarch
In a large bowl, toss sweet potato sticks with cornstarch until evenly coated.
5. Add Oil & Spices
Add olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, and salt. Toss again until evenly coated.
6. Bake
Spread fries in a single layer on the baking sheets. Don’t overcrowd! Bake for 15 minutes, flip each fry, then bake another 10–15 minutes until golden and crispy.
7. Cool & Serve
Let cool for 5 minutes—they crisp up more as they rest. Serve immediately with your favorite dip!
What to Serve with Sweet Potato Fries
These are so good on their own, but here are a few ideas to level up:
- Dips: Garlic aioli, chipotle mayo, ranch, spicy ketchup
- Main dishes: Serve alongside burgers, grilled chicken, or your favorite pasta bowls
🍝 Need an easy, cozy dinner to go with your fries? Try one of these recipes:
- This creamy, dreamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta—a flavor bomb that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of these fries.
- For something heartier, you’ve got to check out Philly Cheese Steak Pasta—comfort food to the max.
- Or go lighter and zesty with Lemon Garlic Shrimp Orzo—seriously, chef’s kiss. 👨🍳
Tips for the Crispiest Results
- Don’t skip the cornstarch—it’s key to that crunch.
- Soak the fries if you have time—it removes excess starch and helps crispiness.
- Spread them out on the pan! If they’re touching, they’ll steam.
- Flip halfway and rotate your pans if your oven has hot spots.
- Let them cool for a few minutes before serving—this firms them up.
Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Best in a 375°F oven or air fryer until hot and crisp—avoid microwaving!
- Freeze: You can freeze before baking, but they’ll be softer after reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I skip the cornstarch?
Technically, yes—but you’ll miss out on the extra crisp! If needed, swap with arrowroot or tapioca starch.
Why soak the fries?
It helps remove surface starch, which makes the fries crispier when baked. Totally worth it if you have the time.
Can I make these in the air fryer?
Yes! Cook at 375°F for 12–15 minutes, shaking halfway through.
Are these gluten-free?
They sure are! Just check that your cornstarch is certified gluten-free if you’re sensitive.
Final Thoughts: Why You’ll Make These Again and Again
These Crispy Oven-Baked Sweet Potato Fries are the perfect blend of wholesome and totally addictive. They go with everything, feel just indulgent enough, and hit that sweet-savory spot like a pro.
Once you master them, you’ll be making them on repeat—I’m already kicking myself for not doubling the last batch I made!
Still hungry? I’ve got more comfort food classics you’ll love:
Show Off Your Sweet Potato Fry Game 🍟🍠
If you make this recipe, I’d love to see your batch!
📸 Tag your photos and save it for later on Pinterest: TheKitchenJoyy on Pinterest
📌 Pin it to your Foods To Try board and spread the sweet potato fry joy!
Nutritional Info (Per Serving – Approx.)
- Calories: 180
- Carbs: 25g
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Crispy Oven Sweet Potato Fries
These Crispy Oven Sweet Potato Fries are golden, crunchy on the outside, and perfectly tender on the inside—all without frying! A quick, healthy, and gluten-free side dish that’s just as good with burgers as it is on its own. These are home made sweet potato fries oven baked to absolute perfection!
- 2 large sweet potatoes (peeled)
- 1½ tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt (plus more to taste)
- Optional: pinch of cayenne for a spicy kick
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Slice sweet potatoes into even matchsticks, about ¼-inch thick.
- Optional but helpful: Soak fries in cold water for 30 minutes, then drain and pat dry.
- In a large bowl, toss fries with cornstarch until evenly coated.
- Add olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, and salt. Toss again.
- Spread fries on baking sheets in a single layer without overcrowding.
- Bake for 15 minutes. Flip fries and rotate pans.
- Bake another 10–15 minutes until edges are crisp and golden.
- Cool for 5 minutes before serving—this helps them crisp even more!
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Cornstarch is key for that signature crisp—don’t skip it!
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For extra crispiness, make sure fries aren’t touching on the baking sheet.
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Air fryer option: Cook at 375°F for 12–15 minutes, shaking halfway.
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Great with dipping sauces like garlic aioli, chipotle mayo, or honey mustard.
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Want a sweet version? Swap the spices for cinnamon and a little brown sugar!