Name: Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: PT-490296H40M51S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 large sweet potatoes; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp cornstarch; ½ tsp salt; ¼ tsp black pepper; ½ tsp garlic powder (optional); ½ tsp smoked paprika or chili powder (optional)

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries are a crispy, golden, and naturally sweet side dish that I never get tired of. They’re healthier than traditional fries, easy to prepare, and packed with flavor. I love serving them with a dipping sauce, alongside a burger, or even just as a snack. Best of all, they get that perfect crispy edge without needing a deep fryer.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it delivers all the crunch and comfort of fries — but with less oil and more nutrients. Sweet potatoes are rich in fiber and vitamins, and when I roast them just right, they turn beautifully golden and crispy on the outside while staying soft inside. They’re also super versatile — I can season them however I like and pair them with endless sauces. It’s one of those recipes I come back to week after week.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Sweet potatoes
Olive oil
Cornstarch (for crispiness)
Salt
Black pepper
Garlic powder (optional)
Smoked paprika or chili powder (optional, for a little kick)

Directions

I preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
I peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into ¼-inch thick matchsticks — as evenly as possible so they bake uniformly.
I soak the fries in cold water for 30 minutes to help remove excess starch and make them crispier. Then I drain and pat them completely dry.
In a large bowl, I toss the sweet potato sticks with cornstarch until they’re lightly coated.
I drizzle in the olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and any optional spices I’m using, tossing until evenly coated.
I spread the fries out in a single layer on the baking sheet, making sure none are overlapping.
I bake for 15 minutes, flip each fry, then bake another 10–15 minutes until the edges are golden and crisp.
I let them cool slightly on the pan before serving — this helps them firm up even more.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 3 to 4 people. It takes about 10 minutes to prep (plus 30 minutes soaking time) and 25–30 minutes to bake, so I plan for about 45–50 minutes total.

Variations

Sometimes I toss the fries in Cajun seasoning or everything bagel spice before baking. For a sweeter version, I skip the savory spices and dust them with cinnamon and a bit of brown sugar after baking. I’ve also served them with truffle oil and Parmesan for a gourmet twist.

Storage/Reheating

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I pop them in the oven or air fryer at 400°F (200°C) until hot and crispy again. I avoid the microwave — it makes them too soft.

FAQs

How do I get sweet potato fries crispy in the oven?

The keys are slicing them evenly, soaking and drying them well, tossing with cornstarch, and not overcrowding the pan.

Do I need to peel the sweet potatoes?

No, peeling is optional. I often leave the skin on for extra texture and fiber — I just scrub them well first.

Can I make these in an air fryer?

Yes! I air fry them at 400°F for 12–15 minutes, shaking halfway through. They come out super crisp.

Why do my fries burn or stay soggy?

They might be cut too thin, baked at too high a temperature, or overcrowded on the pan. I make sure to spread them out and watch closely during the last 5 minutes.

What dips go well with sweet potato fries?

I love serving them with garlic aioli, spicy mayo, honey mustard, chipotle ketchup, or even a maple yogurt dip for a sweet-savory combo.

Conclusion

Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries are my go-to when I want something wholesome but still indulgent. They’re easy, customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether I’m serving them as a side, a snack, or piling them next to a sandwich, these fries deliver that crispy, sweet, savory balance I can never resist.