Baked Sweet Potato Fries

Golden brown baked sweet potato fries, seasoned with paprika, ready for dipping on a plate. Save to Pinterest
Golden brown baked sweet potato fries, seasoned with paprika, ready for dipping on a plate. | speakingfood.com

These baked sweet potato fries are crisped to perfection with olive oil and smoky paprika. Simply toss peeled fries in seasoning, spread them evenly, and bake until golden and crunchy. For extra crispiness, soak before baking and garnish with fresh parsley to enhance flavor. Ideal as a healthy, gluten-free side that pairs well with a variety of meals.

I still remember the first time I made these baked sweet potato fries—how the kitchen instantly filled with smoky, warm aromas that made waiting surprisingly easy.

One evening, unexpected guests arrived just as I was pulling these golden fries from the oven; the crunch and spice saved the night instantly.

Ingredients

  • Sweet Potatoes: I go for large, firm sweet potatoes because they slice evenly and get perfectly crispy edges
  • Olive Oil: Use good quality for that rich flavor and to help the spices stick
  • Smoked Paprika: This is the star spice that gives a gentle smoky kick
  • Garlic Powder: Adds subtle savory notes without overpowering
  • Sea Salt: Brings out all the natural sweetness
  • Black Pepper: Just enough for a little background warmth
  • Fresh Parsley (optional): A bright garnish that freshens each bite

Instructions

Get Everything Ready:
Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. The smell as the oven heats sets the mood.
Seasoning Magic:
Toss your cut sweet potatoes with olive oil and spices until each fry is coated like a tiny flavorful jacket.
Lay Them Out:
Arrange the fries in a single layer, giving each a little breathing room to crisp up beautifully instead of steaming.
Bake and Flip:
Slide them into the oven for 15 minutes until the edges start to turn golden, then flip each piece to ensure even crispiness all around.
The Final Touch:
After the last bake, sprinkle fresh parsley on top for that pop of color and freshness before serving.
Save to Pinterest
| speakingfood.com

This dish became more than just a side once it was the peace offering that turned a stressful dinner into laughter and togetherness.

Keeping It Fresh

Leftover fries can lose their crunch quickly, so to revive them, pop them back into a hot oven for a few minutes rather than microwaving.

When You're Missing Something

If you’re out of smoked paprika, chili powder is a fantastic swap that adds a different kind of spicy warmth you might enjoy just as much.

Serving Ideas That Clicked

Try serving these fries as a side with homemade aioli or even sprinkle with a handful of grated Parmesan for a little savory twist

  • Don’t forget to save some for yourself before guests arrive
  • A quick squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens them up wonderfully
  • Store leftovers in a paper bag to keep them from getting soggy
Smoky paprika coats these crispy baked sweet potato fries, a delicious and healthy side dish. Save to Pinterest
Smoky paprika coats these crispy baked sweet potato fries, a delicious and healthy side dish. | speakingfood.com

Thanks for hanging out in the kitchen with me—here’s to many crispy fries and cozy moments ahead.

Recipe Help & Support

Soaking the cut sweet potato fries in cold water for 30 minutes before baking helps remove excess starch, resulting in a crispier texture. Also, ensure fries are spread out in a single layer with no crowding.

Yes, chili powder or regular paprika can be used for a different flavor profile. Adjust the amount based on your preferred heat and taste.

Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F) for the best results, allowing the fries to crisp up while cooking evenly.

Yes, all ingredients used are naturally gluten-free, making these fries a safe choice for gluten-sensitive diets.

Bake for a total of 27 to 30 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even browning and crispiness.

Baked Sweet Potato Fries

Oven-baked sweet potato fries seasoned with smoked paprika for a crispy, flavorful, and healthy side.

Prep 10m
Cook 30m
Total 40m
Servings 4
Difficulty Easy

Ingredients

Sweet Potatoes

  • 2 large sweet potatoes (approximately 1.3 pounds), peeled and cut into fries

Seasonings

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Optional Garnish

  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1
Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2
Season Sweet Potatoes: In a large bowl, toss the sweet potato fries with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
3
Arrange on Baking Sheet: Spread the fries in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced to avoid crowding.
4
Bake Fries: Bake for 15 minutes, then flip the fries and continue baking for an additional 12 to 15 minutes, or until edges are golden and crisp.
5
Add Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and, if desired, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
Additional Information

Equipment Needed

  • Large bowl
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Knife
  • Cutting board

Nutrition (Per Serving)

Calories 170
Protein 2g
Carbs 26g
Fat 7g

Allergy Information

  • Allergen-free as listed; verify spice blends and oil labels if sensitive.
Heather Collins