Sweet Potato Fries Recipe

Preheat and prepare

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or lightly oil them. Arrange a wire rack on one sheet if you want extra crisping (optional).

Cut the sweet potatoes

If not already measured, peel and cut sweet potatoes into even fries about 1/4–1/2 inch thick. Aim for uniform thickness so they cook evenly. Place cut fries in a large bowl of cold water.

Soak and drain

Soak the fries in cold water for at least 20 minutes (up to 1 hour) to remove excess starch — this helps them crisp. After soaking, drain and pat the fries very dry with clean kitchen towels or paper towels.

Coat with cornstarch and oil

Toss the dried fries with cornstarch until evenly coated. Drizzle the olive oil over the fries and toss to coat completely. The cornstarch-plus-oil layer helps create a crisp exterior.

Season

In a small bowl, combine kosher salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and cayenne (if using). Sprinkle the seasoning evenly over the fries and toss to distribute.

Arrange for baking

Spread the fries in a single layer on the prepared baking sheets or on the wire rack-coated sheet. Do not overcrowd; leave small gaps between fries for air circulation. Use two sheets and roast one at a time in the oven if necessary.

Bake and flip

Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the pan and use a spatula to flip each fry. Rotate the pans between oven racks (top to bottom) if using two. Return to the oven and bake another 12–15 minutes until edges are browned and fries are tender and crisp. Total time will be about 27–30 minutes, depending on thickness and oven.

Final crisp (optional)

If you want extra crispness, broil on high for 1–2 minutes while watching closely to avoid burning. Remove immediately when edges darken.

Finish

Transfer fries to a serving bowl or tray lined with paper towels. Immediately taste and adjust seasoning with a pinch more salt if needed. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley if using.

Whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, hot sauce, and lemon juice in a small bowl until smooth. Taste and adjust heat or acidity as desired. Chill briefly or serve immediately alongside fries.