Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes and Coating
- 1 pound sweet potatoes, peeled
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
Seasonings
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly-cracked black pepper
- Fine sea salt, to taste
Instructions
- Slice and Soak: Slice your sweet potatoes into long, thin strips about 1/4-inch wide ensuring uniform size for even cooking. Place the fries in a large bowl of cold water and soak for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight, to remove excess starch and help achieve crispiness.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet or two medium baking sheets with parchment paper or lightly mist them with cooking spray. Set aside for later.
- Drain and Dry Fries: Drain the soaked fries, rinse out and dry your bowl, then blot the fries thoroughly with a clean towel to remove excess moisture, which helps them crisp better in the oven.
- Coat with Oil: Return the fries to the clean, dry bowl. Drizzle evenly with the olive oil and toss thoroughly until all fries are coated uniformly.
- Mix and Add Seasoning: In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper until combined. Sprinkle this seasoning mixture evenly over the fries and toss again so the cornstarch and spices stick to the oiled fries.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Spread the fries out in an even layer on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they do not overlap to promote even baking and crispiness.
- Bake and Flip: Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the pan from the oven and flip each fry carefully with a spatula. Rearrange them as needed so they remain spaced apart without overlapping.
- Continue Baking: Return the fries to the oven and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until they are golden, crispy, and starting to brown slightly at the tips.
- Rest and Season: Transfer the baked fries to a cooling rack, sprinkle with fine sea salt to taste, and allow them to rest for about 5 minutes before serving warm.
Notes
- Soaking the fries in cold water is crucial to remove excess starch which helps in achieving crispier fries.
- Make sure to dry the fries thoroughly before coating with oil and seasoning to avoid sogginess.
- Do not overcrowd the baking sheet; fries need space to crisp up properly.
- Flipping the fries halfway through baking ensures even cooking and browning.
- Use parchment paper or cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Prep Time: 50 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
