Crispy oven baked sweet potato fries are one of those side dishes that somehow feel indulgent and wholesome at the same time. Golden edges, tender middles, and just the right amount of salt.
I tested this recipe twelve times in 2019 after my niece asked why restaurant versions always turned out crispier than mineturns out the secret is cornstarch and giving them space on the pan. That small tweak changed everything, and now they come out perfectly every single time.
Joe Rooney
Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries Recipe Made Easy
These Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries deliver a tasty and healthier alternative to traditional fried fries. With simple seasoning and a baking method that ensures a golden, crispy finish, this recipe makes enjoying sweet potato fries both easy and delicious.
2 medium sweet potatoes peeled (optional) and cut into fries
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika smoked paprika is optional for extra flavor
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon cornstarch for extra crispiness
Method
Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) and slip a baking sheet inside to warm up.
Cut the sweet potatoes into evenly sized 1/4 inch thick strips, peeling them first if you choose.
Soak the fries in cold water for 30 minutes to draw out starch for better crisping.
Drain the fries and dry them thoroughly with paper towels, then toss in a large bowl with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and cornstarch if using.
Take out the hot baking sheet and spread the fries out in a single layer without crowding.
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, turning the fries halfway through until they turn crisp and golden.
Remove fries from the oven and allow them to rest for a few minutes before serving to enjoy maximum crispiness.
Notes
For extra crunchy fries, tossing them with cornstarch before baking really helps create a crisp coating while keeping the inside soft and tender. Make sure to dry the fries well after soaking to maximize crispiness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll get perfectly golden fries without a deep fryer or any complicated equipment. Just a baking sheet and your everyday oven.
Healthier than takeout: These use olive oil instead of gallons of frying oil, but still deliver that satisfying crunch.
Simple pantry ingredients: Sweet potatoes, olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and peppernothing fancy or hard to find.
Tested and reliable: After a dozen rounds of testing, I found the trick that makes them crispy every single time.
Family-friendly: Even picky eaters go back for seconds when these come out of the oven.
The Secret to Extra Crispy Fries
Here’s what I learned after all those test batches: soaking the sweet potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes pulls out the excess starch. That step alone makes a noticeable difference in texture.
The optional cornstarch coating takes things even further. When you toss the fries with a tablespoon of cornstarch after they’re dry, it creates a light shell that crisps beautifully in the oven. You’ll also want to preheat your baking sheetit mimics the effect of a hot skillet and helps the bottoms crisp up right away.
Key Ingredients & What They Do
Ingredient
Why It Matters
Sweet potatoes
Choose medium-sized ones for even cutting; uniform fries cook at the same rate
Olive oil
Helps everything crisp up and carry the seasonings evenly
Garlic powder & paprika
Adds warmth and a little smoky depth (smoked paprika is even better)
Salt & black pepper
Essential for flavordon’t skip the salt, it balances the natural sweetness
Cornstarch (optional)
Creates that restaurant-style crunch by absorbing surface moisture
How to Make Them (Step by Step)
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F and placing your baking sheet inside to heat up. While that’s warming, peel the sweet potatoes if you like (I usually do, but the skin is fine if you prefer it), then cut them into fries about 1/4 inch thick. Try to keep them similar in size so they bake evenly.
Soak the cut fries in cold water for 30 minutesthis is the step that removes the starch and makes them crispy. After soaking, drain them well and pat them completely dry with a paper towel. Toss them in a large bowl with the olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. If you’re using cornstarch, add it now and toss again.
Carefully pull the hot baking sheet out of the oven and spread the fries in a single layer, leaving space between each one. Bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they’re golden brown and crispy on the edges.
Tips for Perfect Results Every Time
Don’t overcrowd the pan: If the fries are too close together, they’ll steam instead of crisp. Use two baking sheets if you need to.
Dry them thoroughly: Any lingering moisture after soaking will work against the crispiness, so take an extra minute with the paper towel.
Flip halfway through: This ensures both sides get that golden color and crunch.
Let them rest a minute: They’ll firm up slightly as they cool, so don’t worry if they seem a little soft right out of the oven.
How to Serve and Store
Serving Ideas
Storage Tips
Serve hot with a sprinkle of extra salt
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
Pair with burgers, grilled chicken, or a simple salad
Reheat in a 400°F oven for 8–10 minutes to restore crispiness
Great as a snack with your favorite dipping sauce
Avoid microwavingthey’ll turn soft and soggy
Common Questions and Quick Fixes
Why are my fries still soft? Usually it’s one of three things: the pan was overcrowded, they weren’t dried well enough after soaking, or the oven temperature wasn’t quite hot enough. Make sure your oven is fully preheated and give each fry a little breathing room.
Can I skip the soaking step? Technically yes, but you’ll notice a big difference in texture. The soak is what removes the starch that can make them gummy instead of crispy.
What if I don’t have cornstarch? You’ll still get good results without itthe soaking and hot pan do most of the work. The cornstarch just gives you that extra crunch if you want it.
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FAQs ( Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries )
What temperature should I bake sweet potato fries?
Bake at 425°F for the best results. This high heat creates the perfect balance between crispy exteriors and tender interiors. Lower temperatures will make them soggy, while higher temps can burn the outsides before the insides cook through.
How long do sweet potato fries take to bake?
They typically take 25-30 minutes, depending on thickness. Flip them halfway through for even browning. Thinner cuts will be done closer to 20 minutes, while thicker wedges may need up to 35 minutes.
Should I soak sweet potatoes before baking?
Yes, soaking for 30 minutes removes excess starch and helps achieve crispiness. Pat them completely dry after soaking and before adding oil. This extra step makes a noticeable difference in texture.
Why are my baked fries not crispy?
Common issues include overcrowding the pan, not using enough oil, or skipping the soaking step. Make sure fries are in a single layer with space between them. Use about 2 tablespoons of oil for optimal crispiness.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can cut and soak the sweet potatoes up to 4 hours ahead, storing them in water in the fridge. For best results, bake them fresh since they lose crispiness when reheated. Prep work saves time on busy weeknights.
You’ll love how these crispy oven baked sweet potato fries turn outgolden edges, tender insides, and that satisfying crunch in every bite. They take about 30 minutes start to finish, and the payoff is absolutely worth it. The smell alone will have everyone gathering in the kitchen before they’re even done.
Try sprinkling smoked paprika or a pinch of cayenne if you want a little kick. These are perfect alongside burgers, grilled chicken, or even tucked into grain bowls. A trick I learned from testing this recipe so many times: reheat leftovers in a hot oven, never the microwave, and they’ll crisp right back up. Pair them with your favorite dipping saucespicy mayo or a simple garlic aioli work beautifully.
I’d love to know how yours turn out, so snap a photo and tag me if you make them. Did you grow up eating sweet potato fries, or is this a new favorite for your family? Either way, save this recipe and share it with someone who could use a delicious side dish that feels like a treat but keeps things balanced and nourishing.
