These Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries are a healthy, flavorful alternative to traditional deep-fried fries. Lightly seasoned with garlic, paprika, and a hint of salt, they come out golden and crispy without frying. Perfect as a side dish or a guilt-free snack!
2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled (optional) and cut into fries
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp paprika (smoked paprika optional for extra flavor)
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
Optional: 1 tbsp cornstarch for extra crispiness
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a baking sheet inside to get it hot while you prepare the fries.
Peel the sweet potatoes if desired and cut into ¼-inch thick fries. Try to keep them uniform so they cook evenly.
Place the cut fries in a bowl of cold water for 30 minutes to remove excess starch—this step helps make them extra crispy.
Drain and pat the fries dry with a paper towel. In a large bowl, toss with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. If using cornstarch, add it now and toss to coat evenly.
Carefully remove the hot baking sheet from the oven. Spread the fries in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding. Bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
Let the fries cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy as a snack or side dish!
Crispier fries: Make sure the fries are completely dry before tossing with oil and seasoning.
Even cooking: Try to keep all fries the same thickness for uniform crispiness.
Extra flavor: Sprinkle with smoked paprika, cayenne, or Parmesan cheese after baking.
Batch cooking: Bake in batches if your sheet pan is small to avoid steaming the fries.