Crispy Baked Sweet Potato (Printable Format)

Golden, crispy baked sweet potato sticks seasoned with smoky paprika and garlic for a flavorful side dish.

# What You Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled (approximately 28 oz)

→ Oils & Seasonings

02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 1½ teaspoons cornstarch (or arrowroot powder for gluten-free)
04 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
05 - ½ teaspoon garlic powder
06 - ½ teaspoon sea salt, plus additional for serving
07 - ¼ teaspoon black pepper

# How-To Steps:

01 - Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
02 - Cut the sweet potatoes into ⅜-inch thick sticks, ensuring uniform size for even baking.
03 - Place the sliced fries in a large bowl of cold water and soak for 30 minutes to enhance crispiness. Drain and pat completely dry with a clean towel.
04 - Toss the dried sweet potato sticks with cornstarch until evenly coated. Add olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper; toss again to combine thoroughly.
05 - Spread the fries in a single layer on the prepared baking sheets, making sure they do not overlap.
06 - Bake for 15 minutes, then flip the fries and rotate the trays to ensure even cooking. Continue baking for another 15 minutes or until golden and crispy.
07 - Remove from the oven and let the fries rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with additional sea salt if desired and serve immediately.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • They actually get crispy without a deep fryer, which felt like magic the first time I nailed it.
  • You can toss them with whatever spices you're craving, and they never taste boring.
  • They disappear fast, so make extra or someone will definitely steal yours.
02 -
  • Drying the fries completely after soaking is non negotiable, or the cornstarch won't stick and they'll steam instead of crisp.
  • Don't skip flipping halfway through, or you'll end up with one crispy side and one sad, pale side.
03 -
  • Use two baking sheets instead of crowding one, or they'll never get crispy no matter how long you bake them.
  • If your oven runs cool, bump the temperature up to 230°C (450°F) and keep a close eye on them.

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