Sweet potato fries SHOULD be crispy—not soggy, limp, or disappointing.
But let’s be real, baking them at home often leads to a mushy mess. Not anymore!
This foolproof recipe delivers perfectly crispy, golden-brown sweet potato fries with no deep frying required.
The SECRET? A light cornstarch coating, just the right amount of seasoning, and high-heat baking for that irresistible crunch.
Whether you’re serving them as a healthy snack, a side dish, or something to dip into your favorite sauce, these fries are guaranteed to disappear fast.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’ve ever made sweet potato fries at home and ended up with a pile of limp, soggy disappointment—don’t worry, we’ve all been there.
But not this time. These crispy oven-baked sweet potato fries are everything you want—golden, crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside, and full of flavor.
And the best part? No deep frying, no mess, just pure crispy goodness.
- They actually get crispy. (Yes, really.) The cornstarch trick + high-heat roasting = crunchy, golden fries that don’t turn into mush.
- Super easy, no fuss. You don’t need a deep fryer or fancy ingredients—just a baking sheet, some seasoning, and about 30 minutes of your time.
- Packed with flavor. A little smoked paprika, garlic, and a pinch of cayenne takes these fries from good to “why have I never made these before?”
- Perfect for dipping. Whether you’re a ketchup purist, a garlic aioli fan, or that person who mixes mayo with hot sauce (respect)—these fries were made for dunking.
- Great for meal prep. (Or late-night snacking. No judgment 😊) Just reheat them in the oven or air fryer, and they’re good as new.
Ingredients
To get crispy, flavorful sweet potato fries, you’ll need fresh sweet potatoes and a few pantry staples. Here’s everything you need:
For the fries:
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into fries
- 2 tbsp cornstarch (the secret to extra crispiness!)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
For serving:
- Fresh chopped parsley (for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan (optional, but highly recommended!)
- Your favorite dipping sauce (chipotle mayo, garlic aioli, or classic ketchup)
How to Make Crispy Oven-Baked Sweet Potato Fries
Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
This helps prevent sticking and ensures the fries crisp up beautifully.
Start by cutting the sweet potatoes into thin, even fries, about ¼-inch thick.
The more uniform they are, the better they’ll cook.
In a large bowl, toss the fries with cornstarch, making sure they get a light, even coating.
This step is the secret to a crispy texture, so don’t skip it!
Drizzle the fries with olive oil, then sprinkle on smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne (if using).
Use your hands or tongs to mix everything together until the fries are well coated.
Spread them out in a single layer on the baking sheet, making sure they aren’t touching—this helps them crisp up instead of steaming.
Bake for 20 minutes, then take them out and flip each fry with tongs.
Return them to the oven for another 10-15 minutes, until they’re golden brown, crispy, and slightly caramelized on the edges.
If you want even more crunch, you can broil them for the last 1-2 minutes, but keep a close eye on them so they don’t burn.
Once they’re done, sprinkle them with fresh parsley and Parmesan (if using) for extra flavor.
Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce! Don’t forget to check the full recipe card at the end.
Tips for Extra Crispy Fries
- Don’t skip the cornstarch. Seriously, this is the game-changer. A light coating helps pull moisture from the fries and gives them that golden, crunchy exterior (without frying).
- Cut them evenly. If some fries are thick and others are thin, they won’t cook at the same rate. Uniform size = evenly crispy fries (plus, no sad burnt stragglers).
- Give them space. If the fries are piled on top of each other, they’ll steam instead of crisping up. Spread them out in a single layer, and if needed, use two baking sheets instead of overcrowding one.
- Roast at high heat. 425°F is the sweet spot—hot enough to crisp them up, but not so hot they burn before cooking through.
- Flip halfway through. This helps them crisp up evenly on both sides (and gives you that perfect golden color).
- Want even more crunch? Turn on the broiler for the last 1-2 minutes—but watch them like a hawk. Sweet potatoes can go from crispy to burnt in a heartbeat.
- Eat them ASAP. Like all fries, these are best fresh out of the oven. If you have leftovers, the oven or air fryer will bring them back to life (but let’s be real, there probably won’t be any left).
Crispy Oven-Baked Sweet Potato Fries
Ingredients
For the fries:
- 2 large sweet potatoes peeled & cut into thin fries
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp cayenne optional, for heat
For serving:
- Fresh chopped parsley garnish
- Grated Parmesan optional
- Your favorite dipping sauce
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cut sweet potatoes into thin fries, about ¼-inch thick, ensuring they’re evenly sized.
- Toss the fries with cornstarch in a large bowl until lightly coated, shaking off excess.
- Drizzle with olive oil, then season with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne. Toss to coat evenly.
- Spread in a single layer on the baking sheet, making sure the fries aren’t touching.
- Bake for 20 minutes, then flip and bake for another 10-15 minutes until golden brown and crispy. For extra crunch, broil for 1-2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Garnish with parsley and Parmesan (if using).
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- Calories may vary slightly depending on portion size and additional toppings like dipping sauces.