These extra crispy sweet potato fries are a tasty treat! They are perfectly crunchy on the outside and soft inside, making them hard to resist. Plus, they’re super easy to whip up!
Honestly, I can eat these fries for any meal. They’re healthier than regular fries and just as fun to munch on. Dip them in your favorite sauce, and you’ll be smiling all day! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: These are the star of the dish! Go for firm, vibrant orange ones. If you can’t find sweet potatoes, you can use regular potatoes, but keep in mind that the flavor and sweetness will differ.
Cornstarch: This is crucial for achieving that crispy texture. If you don’t have cornstarch, try using arrowroot powder or tapioca flour, which work similarly.
Oil: Olive oil gives a nice flavor, but you can also use vegetable oil or avocado oil. Just avoid peanut oil if you’re preparing for a crowd, due to allergy concerns!
Paprika: It adds a hint of smokiness. You can swap it with garlic powder or onion powder for a different twist, or leave it out if you prefer.
How Do I Get My Sweet Potato Fries Extra Crispy?
Getting sweet potato fries crispy can be a challenge, but it’s all in the details! Here’s how to do it:
- Soak the cut sweet potatoes in cold water for at least 30 minutes. This removes excess starch, which helps them crisp up.
- Make sure to dry them thoroughly after soaking. Any moisture left will steam the fries instead of making them crispy.
- Coating with cornstarch is key! It creates a protective layer that crisps up beautifully in the oven.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet. This allows hot air to circulate around each fry, ensuring they all get crispy.
- Flipping the fries halfway through baking helps them brown evenly on all sides.
Following these steps will give you fries that are wonderfully crispy and delicious!
Extra Crispy Sweet Potato Fries
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 large sweet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional for extra flavor)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Time Estimate:
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 30-35 minutes to cook, with an additional 30 minutes for soaking the sweet potatoes. So, in total, you’re looking at around 1 hour and 10 minutes. Most of the time is just hands-off waiting while they soak!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature is key to getting those fries nice and crispy. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:
Next, wash and peel your sweet potatoes. Once they’re clean, cut them into fries that are about 1/4 inch thick. Keeping the size consistent helps them cook evenly.
3. Soak the Fries:
Put the cut sweet potato fries in a large bowl filled with cold water. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes. This step is important as it removes excess starch, which helps achieve that crispy texture.
4. Dry the Fries:
After soaking, drain the fries and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Getting them nice and dry is crucial for crispiness!
5. Coat with Cornstarch:
Transfer the fries to a dry bowl. Sprinkle the cornstarch over them and toss until all fries are lightly coated. The cornstarch creates a barrier that helps them crunch up in the oven.
6. Add Oil and Season:
Drizzle the olive oil over the coated fries and toss again to ensure they’re evenly covered. This helps them crisp up even more during baking.
7. Arrange on Baking Sheet:
Spread the fries out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure not to overcrowd them; each fry should have some space to breathe to achieve perfect crispiness.
8. Baking Time:
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes. After that, flip the fries over and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
9. Season to Taste:
Once the fries are done, remove them from the oven and sprinkle with salt, paprika, and black pepper while they’re still hot. Toss them lightly to make sure they’re well coated.
10. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your extra crispy sweet potato fries hot, alongside your favorite dipping sauce—ketchup, ranch, or even a spicy mayo. Enjoy your delicious, crunchy treat!
This method, especially the cornstarch coating and soaking step, ensures the fries turn out perfectly crispy on the outside and tender inside. Enjoy your delicious fries! 🍟
FAQ for Extra Crispy Sweet Potato Fries
Can I Use Regular Potatoes Instead of Sweet Potatoes?
Yes, you can! Regular potatoes will work well in this recipe, but keep in mind that the flavor and sweetness will be different. Follow the same steps for soaking and coating for the best results.
Can I Make These Fries in an Air Fryer?
Absolutely! For air frying, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and place the fries in a single layer in the basket. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even crispiness.
How Do I Store Leftover Sweet Potato Fries?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 10 minutes to help restore their crispiness.
Can I Use Other Seasonings and Spices?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment with different seasonings like garlic powder, cayenne pepper, or Italian herbs for added flavor. Just remember to adjust the salt accordingly!
