I love sweet potato fries, but most of us want to avoid the heavy oil and cleanup that comes with deep-frying. Oven-baked sweet potato fries are a healthier, easy alternative that still delivers crisp edges and tender centers. A simple mix of garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper gives these fries big flavor and a satisfyingly savory kick.
The real secret to great homemade sweet potato fries is bold seasoning. Don’t be shy — the spices are what make these fries memorable. Garlic powder and paprika create a warm, garlicky-smoky profile that pairs perfectly with the natural sweetness of the potatoes.
Sweet potatoes are extremely versatile. Try them diced into a breakfast hash under fried eggs, stuffed with bacon and pesto, or swapped in for white potatoes in roasted or smashed preparations.
Tips & Tricks
- Cut the fries as evenly as possible so they cook uniformly. Aim for strips about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Toss the cut fries with olive oil and the seasonings in a bowl so each piece is well coated. Leaving the skin on adds texture, but you can peel them if you prefer.
- Bake at 450°F for about 25–30 minutes, flipping the fries halfway through so one side doesn’t burn. Sweet potatoes have higher sugar and moisture content than white potatoes, so they can brown quickly — watch them closely toward the end of baking.
- Fries often continue to crisp as they cool. Let baked sweet potato fries rest 3–5 minutes after removing them from the oven before serving to firm up.
- If you’d rather use an air fryer, set it to 400°F and air-fry for 18–22 minutes, shaking or tossing the basket 2–3 times to ensure even cooking and crisping.
- Swap the basic seasoning for Cajun spice or a touch of Old Bay for a different, delicious flavor profile.
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Baked Sweet Potato Fries Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 large sweet potatoes
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C).
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Cut the sweet potatoes lengthwise into restaurant-style fries about 1/4–1/2 inch thick. You can leave the skin on.
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In a medium bowl, combine the cut fries with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Toss until evenly coated.
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Spread the fries in a single layer on a greased baking sheet. Bake 25–30 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until edges are browned and fries are tender. Let rest for 3–5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.