Need an easy and nutritious side to round out any meal? Quick sweet potato oven fries to the rescue! They're irresistibly delicious, they require just four ingredients, and they're on the table in less than 30 minutes. What are you waiting for?
How to Cut Sweet Potato Fries
Homemade oven fries couldn't be simpler. The only semi-complicated part is cutting the sweet potatoes into uniform ½-inch-thick sticks so they're all done roasting at the same time. Here are the steps, written out in as much detail as I could muster. Or, if you're more of a visual learner, check out the video demo below.
- Scrub the sweet potatoes.
When they're clean, pat them dry with paper towels. If the potatoes are wet or even a little damp, they won't brown as nicely in the oven.
- Cut each potato in half.
Slice the tips off both ends of each sweet potato, then cut the potatoes in half lengthwise.
- Cut each half in half again, then into sticks.
Cut the potato halves in half, lengthwise. Next, take one of the potato quarters, cut-side down, and cut downward to make long, ½-inch-thick slices. Finally, hold the sliced potato quarter tightly and flop it onto its other cut side; cut downward to make long, ½-inch-thick sticks. See the video below for a step-by-step demo.
FAQs
Sure! Instead of cutting the sweet potatoes into ½-inch-thick sticks, cut them into smaller, ¼-inch-thick sticks. The smaller sticks will roast up in 15 to 20 minutes tops.
Technically, yes. However, white and yellow potatoes will probably take longer to roast. Cut them the same way I've instructed in this recipe, check on them after 20 minutes of roasting, and then keep roasting until they're tender and browned on the outside (up to 20 minutes longer).
Yep. I love mixing it up with a combo of purple, orange, and white sweet potato fries all on one baking sheet. The only issue is that some sweet potatoes have denser flesh than others and might need more time in the oven. If you are using multicolored sweet potatoes, use a fork or paring knife to check the tenderness of each different color before you take them out of the oven.
The possibilities are endless! If you want extra flavor, add a dusting of garlic powder and your favorite dried herbs when you season the sweet potato sticks in step 4. I also love seasoning my sweet potato oven fries with paprika, za'atar seasoning, ground cumin, or ground sumac.
Though the world won't end if you microwave them, that method will make them extra soft. If you have the patience, I highly recommend spreading them out on a baking sheet and heating them up in the oven at 375°F until they're hot and browned at the edges.
Quick Sweet Potato Oven Fries
Equipment
- Cutting board and knife
- Large rimmed baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Ingredients
- 2 medium sweet potatoes
- Extra-virgin olive oil
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 450°F. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Scrub the sweet potatoes, then pat them dry with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel.
- Cut the potatoes into long, thin (½-inch-thick) sticks. To do this, first slice off the ends. Then, cut the potatoes in half lengthwise. Place one potato half in front of you, cut-side down. Cut it in half, lengthwise, then cut both quarters into long, ½-inch-thick slices. Finally, flop the sliced potato quarter onto its other cut side and cut it lengthwise into ½-inch-thick sticks. (See the video for a step-by-step demo.)
- Spread out the sweet potato sticks on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and use your hands to mix the sweet potato sticks with the seasonings until they're evenly coated.
- Put the baking sheet on the middle rack of the oven. Roast for 20 to 25 minutes, until the sweet potato fries are tender in the middle and beginning to brown on the outside.
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Serve the sweet potato oven fries with ketchup, mayo, honey mustard dressing, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Video
Notes
- To make them even quicker, cut the sweet potatoes into thinner, ¼-inch-thick sticks. Check them after 15 minutes; they should brown up nicely in 15 to 20 minutes.
- To add extra flavor, feel free to toss the sweet potato sticks with your favorite spice or dried herb blend before roasting. I especially like them with herbes de Provence, paprika, ground sumac, or za'atar seasoning.
Looking for more side dishes and staples? Check out the Every Night Meals recipe archive.
Van Chambers says
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