# Crispy Baked Sweet Potato Fries

Baked sweet potato fries have caramelized edges and a soft, sweet center. They are easier than frying and, with two small tricks, they actually turn out crisp.

A cornstarch coating and a hot, roomy pan are the keys. Serve them with burgers, sandwiches or as a snack with a spicy dipping sauce.

- Total time: 50 min (prep 15 min, cook 35 min)
- Serves: 4
- Per serving (estimated): 200 kcal, 3 g protein
- Cuisine: American. Category: Side dish. Diet: vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free.

## Ingredients

- 900 g sweet potatoes (about 3 medium)
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3/4 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper

## Method

1. Heat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Place two rimmed baking sheets in the oven to preheat, or line them with parchment.
2. Peel the sweet potatoes if you like, and cut them into sticks about 1 cm (3/8 inch) thick and 8 cm (3 inches) long. Keep them all the same thickness.
3. Soak the sticks in a bowl of cold water for 30 minutes. Drain and dry very well with a clean towel.
4. In a large bowl, toss the dry sticks with the cornstarch until lightly coated, then add the olive oil, salt, paprika, garlic powder and pepper and toss again.
5. Spread the fries in a single layer with space between them on the two sheets. Do not crowd the pans.
6. Bake 15 minutes, flip each fry, rotate the pans, and bake 15 to 20 minutes more.
7. They are done when the edges are deep golden and the fries feel crisp at the ends. They firm up as they cool for 3 minutes.
8. Sprinkle with a pinch more salt and serve with ketchup, garlic aioli or a spicy mayo.

## Why it works

- Soaking the cut fries removes surface starch and sugar, which helps them dry and crisp.
- Cornstarch forms a thin, dry coating that fries up into a crunchy shell in the oven.
- A 425°F (220°C) oven browns the outside before the inside turns to mush.
- Spreading the fries on two pans keeps steam from collecting and softening them.
- Flipping once ensures even color on both sides.

## The science

- **Why sweet potatoes get soggy.** Sweet potatoes hold more water and sugar than regular potatoes, and they have less starch to form a crust. Their sugar also browns fast, so the outside can darken before the inside dries. A thin starch coating helps.
- **Cornstarch makes a crust.** Cornstarch is pure starch. Tossed on the fries with oil, it forms a thin layer that dries and hardens in the oven heat. That dry layer gives crunch that the sweet potato flesh alone cannot form on its own.
- **Crowding steams.** As the fries bake, they release water vapor. If they touch or sit in a thick pile, the steam gets trapped between them and softens the surface. A single layer with gaps lets the vapor escape quickly.

## Tips

- Cut the fries to the same thickness so they cook evenly; thinner ones crisp better.
- Do not skip drying them; any water on the surface makes the cornstarch gummy.
- Eat them right away, since they soften as they sit.

## Mistakes to avoid

- Piling fries on one pan, which steams them; use two pans.
- Skipping the cornstarch, which means softer fries; add it for a crispier result.
- Cutting them too thick, which leaves a soft center and pale outside; keep them about 1 cm.

## Variations and swaps

- Swap the paprika for 1 tsp chili powder and 1/2 tsp cumin for a smoky Tex-Mex flavor.
- Toss with 1 tbsp grated Parmesan and 1 tsp dried rosemary right out of the oven.
- Serve with a dip of 1/2 cup Greek yogurt, 1 tbsp lime juice and 1 tsp sriracha.
- Swap olive oil for avocado oil for a more neutral taste at high heat.
- Swap cornstarch for arrowroot or potato starch with the same results.
- Swap smoked paprika for cinnamon and a pinch of salt for a sweet version.

## Storage

Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours and eat within 3 to 4 days. Reheat in a 425°F (220°C) oven or air fryer for 5 to 8 minutes until hot and crisp, at least 165°F (74°C).

## FAQ

**How do you make baked sweet potato fries crispy?**

Cut them thin, soak and dry them, toss with cornstarch and oil, and bake at 425°F (220°C) in a single layer with space between each fry.

**What temperature should I bake sweet potato fries?**

Bake them at 425°F (220°C). That temperature browns the outside while the middle turns soft and sweet.

**Why are my sweet potato fries soggy?**

They are usually crowded, cut too thick, or still wet. Dry them well, use two pans and leave space between them.

**Do you need to soak sweet potato fries?**

Soaking is optional but helps. It rinses off surface starch and sugar so the fries crisp better. Dry them well afterward.

**Can I make sweet potato fries in an air fryer?**

Yes. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 15 to 18 minutes, shaking halfway. Cook in batches so they do not overlap.

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Source: https://cookingscientist.com/recipes/baked-sweet-potato-fries (Cooking Scientist). Learn the science of cooking in the Cooking Scientist app for iPhone and iPad: https://apps.apple.com/app/id6830326846