Ingredients
Scale
For Fried Sweet Potato Fries:
- 4 medium sweet potatoes (orange or red variety)
- 2/3 cup cornstarch
- 6 cups vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons salt (plus extra for seasoning)
- 3/4 teaspoon pepper (plus extra for seasoning)
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
For Baked Sweet Potato Fries:
- 4 medium sweet potatoes (orange or red variety)
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (plus extra for seasoning)
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper (plus extra for seasoning)
- Cooking spray
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Fried Sweet Potato Fries Method:
- Prep the Potatoes. Wash and peel your 4 medium sweet potatoes. Cut them into 3/8 inch wide sticks, trying to keep them as uniform as possible for even cooking.
- Rinse and Boil. Rinse the cut fries in cold water twice, discarding the water between each rinse. This removes excess starch. Boil the fries in water for 4 minutes until they’re slightly tender but not mushy. Immediately transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process.
- Make the Batter. In a bowl, mix 2/3 cup cornstarch with an equal amount of water to create a smooth batter. Season this batter with 2 teaspoons salt and 3/4 teaspoon pepper, stirring well to combine.
- Coat the Fries. Dip each fry into the batter, making sure it’s well coated. Let them rest on paper towels for 2 minutes to allow the batter to set slightly.
- Heat the Oil. Heat your vegetable oil to 350°F in a heavy pot or deep fryer. Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature accurately.
- Fry in Batches. Fry the sweet potato fries in small batches of 7-15 pieces, depending on your pot size. Break up any clusters and prevent sticking by gently moving them around. Cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain and Season. Remove the fries and place them in a single layer on paper towels to drain excess oil. Season immediately with additional salt and pepper while they’re still hot. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Baked Sweet Potato Fries Method:
- Prepare Potatoes. Wash, peel, and cut your sweet potatoes into 3/8 inch wide sticks, keeping them uniform for even baking.
- Season and Coat. Mix the salt, pepper, and cornstarch in a bowl. Dredge each fry in this mixture until well coated, then toss everything with olive oil until evenly coated.
- Arrange for Baking. Place the coated fries in a single layer on a foil-lined baking sheet that’s been sprayed with cooking spray. Make sure the fries don’t overlap.
- Bake and Flip. Bake at 400°F for 15 minutes until golden. Using tongs, flip each fry and bake for another 10 minutes until crispy and golden brown.
- Final Seasoning. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste while hot. Add chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
- Choose the right potatoes – medium-sized orange or red sweet potatoes work best for frying and baking
- Keep cuts uniform – similar-sized fries cook evenly and look more appealing
- Don’t skip the cornstarch – it creates the crispy coating that makes these fries special
- Maintain oil temperature – use a thermometer to keep oil at 350°F for consistent results
- Work in batches – overcrowding the pan lowers oil temperature and creates soggy fries
- Season while hot – salt and seasonings stick better to warm fries
- Serve immediately – sweet potato fries are best enjoyed fresh and hot
- Use parchment paper – for baked fries, parchment prevents sticking better than foil alone
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg