Sweet Potato Fries Recipe
Make Sweet Potato Fries Recipe in just 1h 5m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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potatoes (prep & soak)
seasoning & oil
optional dipping sauce
Method
potatoes (prep & soak)
- 1
Preheat and prepare
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Position a rack in the upper-middle third of the oven. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper (or use a lightly oiled baking sheet) and set aside.
- 2
Trim and cut
Wash the sweet potatoes. If you prefer, peel them; leaving the skin on adds texture. Trim the ends and cut each potato into uniform sticks about 1/2 inch (1.2 cm) thick — aim for even size so they cook consistently.
- 3
Soak to remove starch
Place the cut fries into a large bowl and cover with the cold water (about 4 cups). Soak for 30 minutes to remove excess surface starch (if short on time, soak at least 15 minutes). This step improves crispness.
- 4
Dry thoroughly
Drain the fries in a colander and spread them on a clean kitchen towel or multiple paper towels. Pat completely dry — any surface moisture will create steam and prevent crisping.
seasoning & oil
- 5
Combine dry seasoning
In a small bowl combine the cornstarch, smoked paprika, garlic powder, black pepper and cayenne (if using). The cornstarch forms a light dry coating that crisps in the oven.
- 6
Coat the fries
Place the thoroughly dried sweet potato sticks in a large dry bowl. Sprinkle the cornstarch-spice mix over them and toss gently until each piece has a light, even dusting.
- 7
Add oil and salt
Drizzle the olive oil over the coated fries and toss again to distribute. Add 1 tsp kosher salt and toss lightly to combine. (Reserve a small pinch of extra salt to finish the fries after baking if you like.)
- 8
Arrange on baking sheet
Spread the fries in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet with space between sticks — do not crowd. For best results use two sheets and bake one at a time if necessary so fries are not overlapping.
- 9
Bake
Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20–25 minutes. After 15–18 minutes, flip the fries gently with a spatula so they brown evenly. Continue baking until edges are golden and fries are tender inside (total baking time ~25–30 minutes depending on thickness).
- 10
Finish for extra crispness
If you want extra crunch, switch the oven to broil for 1–3 minutes at the end — watch closely to avoid burning. Remove from oven, sprinkle with any reserved salt and the chopped fresh parsley (if using), and let rest 2 minutes before serving so they crisp up slightly as they cool.
- 11
Air-fryer alternative
To air-fry: preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Work in a single layer (you may need batches). Air-fry 12–16 minutes, shaking or turning halfway, until crisp and browned. Times vary by model.
optional dipping sauce
- 12
Mix the sauce
In a small bowl whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lime juice, honey, smoked paprika, 1/8 tsp kosher salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper until smooth.
- 13
Adjust and chill
Taste and adjust seasoning (add more lime, honey, or salt if desired). Refrigerate the sauce for at least 10 minutes to meld flavors. Serve chilled alongside the fries.
