Sweet Potato Fries Recipe

Preheat and prepare

Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or lightly grease them. Position oven racks so the sheets fit without overcrowding.

Wash and cut

Wash and scrub the sweet potatoes; peel them if you prefer (peel optional). Cut each sweet potato into 1/4- to 1/2-inch thick sticks: first slice into 1/2-inch slabs lengthwise, then cut each slab into even sticks. Aim for uniform size for even cooking.

Dry and coat with cornstarch

Place the cut fries in a large bowl or clean kitchen towel and pat thoroughly dry. Transfer to a large bowl and sprinkle the cornstarch over them. Toss gently until the fries are evenly dusted — the cornstarch helps crisp the exterior.

Season and oil

Add the olive oil to the cornstarch-coated fries and toss to coat evenly. In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, ground cumin, kosher salt, black pepper, and cayenne (if using). Sprinkle the spice mix over the oiled fries and toss until evenly seasoned.

Arrange for baking

Spread the seasoned fries in a single layer across the prepared baking sheets, making sure they do not overlap. Use two sheets if necessary to avoid crowding — overcrowded fries steam instead of crisp.

Bake and flip

Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the top rack and flip each fry using a spatula to promote even browning. Rotate the baking sheets between racks if using both. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until edges are crisp and fries are tender inside. Total bake time ~30-32 minutes depending on thickness and oven.

Final crisp (optional)

If you want extra crispness, switch the oven to broil for 1-2 minutes, watching closely so the fries don’t burn. Remove immediately when the edges are nicely browned.

Finish and serve

Transfer fries to a serving platter, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and an extra pinch of salt to taste. Serve hot with the prepared dipping sauce or your preferred condiments.

In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, hot sauce, lemon juice, and salt. Stir until smooth and taste; adjust seasoning or hot sauce to preference. Chill briefly or serve immediately alongside the fries.