How to Make Crispy Sweet Potato Fries

Sweet potato fries are a popular and healthier alternative to regular French fries. They are a great snack or side dish and can be enjoyed with a variety of dips and sauces. The best part? Making crispy sweet potato fries is easy to do from the comfort of your own kitchen!

To start, you’ll need to gather your ingredients. You’ll need sweet potatoes (of course!), oil, salt, and any additional seasonings you’d like to use. It’s important to choose sweet potatoes that are firm and not too large, as they will cook more quickly and evenly. Once you have your ingredients, preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. From here, let’s get crisping!

How to Make Crispy Sweet Potato Fries

Now that we’ve covered the basics of sweet potato fries, it’s time to delve deeper into the matter. In this section, we’ll provide you with detailed instructions on how to make crispy sweet potato fries that are sure to impress your taste buds!

1. Choose the Right Sweet Potato

The first step to making great sweet potato fries is choosing the right sweet potato. When selecting the sweet potato, go for the ones that are firm, smooth, and without blemishes. When cut, the inside of the potato should be bright orange and not too starchy. Yams, although similar, are not sweet potatoes, so make sure you select the right one.

2. Cut Your Sweet Potatoes Properly

The cutting process is crucial to ensure that your sweet potato fries come out crispy and delicious. Cut them into even slices, about ¼ inch thick, using a sharp knife or mandolin. Try to make them as even as possible, so they cook evenly.

3. Soak Your Sweet Potatoes

After you’ve sliced your sweet potato, soak them in cold water for at least 30 minutes. This step removes excess starch and helps your fries become crispier when cooked.

4. Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 425°F. It’s important to have a preheated oven to ensure that your fries cook evenly.

5. Dry Your Sweet Potatoes

Before you bake your sweet potato fries, make sure you dry them thoroughly. Pat them dry with a kitchen towel or paper towel, making sure to remove any excess water.

6. Season Your Sweet Potato Fries

Time to add some flavor! Toss your sweet potato fries with a tablespoon of olive oil and your preferred seasonings. We suggest using a pinch of salt and black pepper, but feel free to experiment with other seasonings like garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cumin.

7. Line Your Baking Sheet

For even cooking, line your baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread your sweet potato fries in a single layer on your baking sheet. This ensures that your fries are crispy on all sides.

8. Bake Your Sweet Potato Fries

Put your baking sheet in the oven and bake your sweet potatoes for 25-30 minutes. Flip your sweet potato fries halfway through to ensure even cooking. Keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t burn.

9. Serve Your Sweet Potato Fries

Enjoy your sweet potato fries straight out of the oven! Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ketchup, ranch, or garlic aioli.

10. Storage Tips

Sweet potato fries are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, but if you need to store them, transfer them to an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator. They can be reheated in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. Note that they will not be as crispy as they were fresh out of the oven.

Now that you know how to make crispy sweet potato fries, give it a try! Don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings and dipping sauces to find your perfect combination. Happy cooking!

Section 2: Tips for Making Perfect Crispy Sweet Potato Fries

1. Choose the Right Sweet Potato

When making crispy sweet potato fries, you’ll want to choose the right kind of sweet potato. Not all sweet potatoes are created equal when it comes to producing crispy fries. To get the perfect texture, you’ll want to go for sweet potatoes that are high in starch, such as the white and purple-skinned varieties. These types of sweet potatoes contain less moisture and are better for frying, making them the perfect choice for crispy fries.

2. Cut Your Fries into Uniform Sizes

Another important aspect of making crispy sweet potato fries is to cut your fries into uniform sizes. This ensures that your fries cook evenly and have a consistent texture throughout. Use a mandoline slicer to get perfectly even slices, or cut your fries by hand, making sure to cut them into the same thickness.

3. Soak Your Potatoes

Soaking your potatoes is an important step in making crispy sweet potato fries. Soaking removes excess starch and moisture, allowing your fries to crisp up properly during frying. Soak your fries for at least 30 minutes, and up to two hours, in cold water before frying to achieve the perfect texture.

4. Dry Your Fries Thoroughly

After soaking your potatoes, the next step is to dry them thoroughly before frying. Use a paper towel or a clean kitchen towel to pat your fries dry. You want to remove as much excess moisture as possible before frying to get that perfect crispy texture.

5. Use the Right Oil

The type of oil you use to fry your sweet potato fries can make a big difference in their texture and flavor. Choose an oil with a high smoke point, such as canola oil or peanut oil, to fry your fries. These oils can handle high temperatures and will create a crispy, golden exterior on your fries.

6. Don’t Overcrowd Your Frying Pan

When frying sweet potato fries, it’s important not to overcrowd your frying pan. Fries need enough room to cook evenly and crisp up properly. Fry your fries in batches, making sure to leave enough space between each one.

7. Use a Deep Fryer

Using a deep fryer is a great way to achieve perfect crispy sweet potato fries. A deep fryer allows you to fry your potatoes at a consistent temperature, ensuring that they cook evenly and crisp up properly. If you don’t have a deep fryer, use a large, heavy-bottomed pot to fry your fries.

8. Season Your Fries After Frying

Season your sweet potato fries with salt and any other desired seasonings after they’ve finished frying. This will ensure that your fries remain crispy and don’t become soggy due to excess moisture from the seasoning.

9. Serve Your Fries Right Away

Sweet potato fries are at their best when served right away. Don’t let them sit for too long after frying, or they’ll start to lose their crispiness. Transfer your fries to a paper towel-lined plate and serve them immediately for maximum crispiness.

10. Experiment with Different Seasonings

Sweet potato fries are versatile and can be seasoned with a variety of spices and seasonings. Experiment with different combinations to find the perfect flavor profile for your taste buds. Some popular options include garlic powder, smoked paprika, cumin, and chili powder.

Choosing the Right Sweet Potato

When it comes to making crispy sweet potato fries, the type of sweet potato you use is just as crucial as the cooking technique. Here are some things to consider:

Variety

Not all sweet potatoes are created equal. In fact, there are several varieties, each with its unique flavor, texture, and appearance. When shopping for sweet potatoes, it’s essential to choose the right type for your fries.

The most common sweet potato varieties are:

• Jewel: This variety has a vibrant orange color and a sweet, moist flesh that caramelizes beautifully when roasted or fried.
• Garnet: Garnet sweet potatoes have a deep red skin and a slightly drier flesh than Jewel. They’re slightly less sweet but still delicious.
• Hannah: Hannah sweet potatoes have a light yellow skin and a dry, starchy flesh that’s perfect for fries.
• Japanese: This variety has a purple skin and a white, mildly sweet flesh that crisp up beautifully when fried.

Size and Shape

When it comes to sweet potato fries, size and shape matter. Ideally, you want your fries to be uniformly cut to ensure even cooking. We recommend cutting sweet potatoes into thin, even sticks, approximately 1/4 inch thick.

Freshness

As with any vegetable, freshness is key. When shopping for sweet potatoes, choose firm, smooth ones without any signs of damage, such as cracks, soft spots, or bruises. Also, check the “best by” dates and buy ones with the latest expiration date.

Storing Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are best stored in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated place such as a pantry, cabinet, or cellar. Avoid storing them in the refrigerator as the lower temperature can alter their taste and texture. When properly stored, sweet potatoes can last for several weeks, giving you more time to enjoy delicious fries.

Conclusion

Selecting the right sweet potato can make all the difference when it comes to crispy sweet potato fries. Take the time to choose the variety, size, and shape that works best for your recipe. By doing so, you’ll be well on your way to making mouth-watering fries that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Enjoy Your Delicious Sweet Potato Fries!

Now that you’ve learned how to make crispy sweet potato fries, you can enjoy them anytime you like! Experiment with different herbs and spices to make them as spicy or flavorful as you want. Don’t forget to serve them with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy the delicious taste. Thanks for reading, and be sure to visit again for more fun and easy-to-follow recipes that you can try at home!