Crispy Sweet Potato Fries Recipe – Oven-Baked & Garlic Flavored

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Crispy Sweet Potato Fries Recipe – Oven-Baked & Garlic Flavored

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you love fries. But sometimes, you want something a little healthier, a little more exciting than regular potato fries. That’s where these oven-baked sweet potato fries come in! They’re crispy, flavorful, and honestly, so addictive. I first made these when I was trying to find a snack that my kids would actually enjoy – and they’ve been a hit ever since!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These aren’t your average sweet potato fries. We’re talking seriously crispy edges, a lovely hint of garlic, and just the right amount of spice. Plus, baking them means less oil and a guilt-free treat! They’re super easy to make, even on a busy weeknight, and they’re a fantastic way to get a little extra veggie goodness into your diet.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of these golden delights:

• 1 big sized sweet potato
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper powder
• 1/2 teaspoon chilli flakes (adjust to your spice preference!)
• 1 teaspoon crushed garlic
• 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt to taste

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients for a sec, because a few little things can make a big difference.

Sweet Potato Varieties
Did you know there are different kinds of sweet potatoes? I usually go for the orange-fleshed ones – they get beautifully caramelized when baked. But you can also use the paler, more floury varieties if you prefer.

Olive Oil Choices & Their Impact
I prefer using extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor, but any olive oil will work. Just make sure it’s good quality!

Spice Level Customization – Chili Flakes
Don’t be shy with the chili flakes if you like a kick! But if you’re sensitive to spice, start with a pinch and add more to taste. My friend, Priya, actually uses Kashmiri chili powder for a vibrant color and mild heat – a great idea!

Garlic – Fresh vs. Powder
I love using crushed fresh garlic for the most intense flavor. But if you’re short on time, garlic powder works just fine – use about 1/2 teaspoon.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First things first, let’s prep the sweet potato. Trim off the ends, peel the skin, and cut it into fry-shaped sticks. Don’t worry about making them perfectly uniform – a little rustic charm is perfectly fine!
2. Now, give those sweet potato sticks a good rinse under cold water. This helps remove some of the starch, which will make them extra crispy. Drain them well and pat them completely dry with a clean cloth or paper towel. Seriously, dry is key here.
3. In a bowl, season the sweet potato sticks with salt, pepper powder, chili flakes, and crushed garlic. Give it a good toss to make sure everything is evenly coated.
4. Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F).
5. Drizzle the olive oil over the seasoned sweet potato sticks and toss again until they’re nicely coated.
6. Line a baking tray with aluminum foil (trust me, cleanup will be so much easier!). Arrange the sweet potato sticks in a single layer on the tray. Don’t overcrowd them, or they’ll steam instead of crisping up.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they’re golden brown and beautifully crispy. Keep a close eye on them towards the end to prevent burning!
8. Remove from the oven, let them cool slightly, and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.

Expert Tips

Want to take your sweet potato fries to the next level? Here are a few of my go-to tricks:

Achieving Maximum Crispiness
The secret to truly crispy fries is all about removing moisture. Make sure the sweet potatoes are thoroughly dried before seasoning and baking.

Preventing Sticking – Foil & Oil
The aluminum foil is your friend! It prevents the fries from sticking to the baking tray. And don’t skimp on the olive oil – it helps them crisp up and adds flavor.

Sweet Potato Prep for Even Cooking
Try to cut the sweet potato sticks to a similar size. This ensures they cook evenly and get crispy at the same time.

Variations

Let’s get creative!

Vegan Sweet Potato Fries
This recipe is already naturally vegan! Just double-check your ketchup or mayo if you’re serving with a dip.

Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Fries
Yep, these are gluten-free too! Perfect for anyone avoiding gluten.

Spice Level Adjustments – Mild to Hot
As mentioned before, adjust the chili flakes to your liking. For a milder flavor, omit them altogether. For a real kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper!

Festival Adaptations – Diwali/Holi Snack
These make a fantastic snack for festivals like Diwali or Holi! You could even sprinkle a little chaat masala on them after baking for an extra burst of flavor.

Serving Suggestions

These fries are amazing on their own, but they’re even better with a delicious dipping sauce. Here are a few ideas:

• Ketchup (a classic!)
• Garlic mayo
• Spicy sriracha mayo
• Yogurt dip (raita)
• Sweet chili sauce

Storage Instructions

Leftover fries? (If there are any!) Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. They won’t be as crispy when reheated, but they’ll still be tasty. You can try reheating them in the oven or air fryer to crisp them up a bit.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

What’s the best way to cut sweet potatoes for fries?
About 1/2 inch thick is ideal. You want them thick enough to hold their shape, but not so thick that they don’t cook through.

Can I air fry these sweet potato fries instead of baking?
Absolutely! Air fry at 180°C (350°F) for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway through.

How do I make these fries extra crispy?
Make sure the sweet potatoes are completely dry before seasoning and baking. Don’t overcrowd the baking tray, and flip them halfway through.

What dipping sauces pair well with sweet potato fries?
So many! Ketchup, mayo, sriracha mayo, raita, and sweet chili sauce are all great options.

Can I prepare the sweet potatoes ahead of time?
You can cut and rinse the sweet potatoes a few hours in advance. Store them in a bowl of cold water to prevent them from browning. Just make sure to drain and dry them thoroughly before seasoning and baking.

Enjoy! Let me know in the comments how yours turn out. I love hearing from you all!