crispy baked sweet potato fries

Insta-worthy Sweet Potato Fries

Heading into my mid 20s and living in Alberta. I became hyperaware of what I was fuelling my body with. Most dieting websites would tell you to cut out carbs, but I wasn’t so readily willing in giving up all the foods I enjoyed in reaching my health goals. And you shouldn’t have to! That’s when I started diving into the wonderful world of sweet potatoes fries. Sweet potato fries are more than just a tasty alternative to regular fries - whether you're a fan of their natural sweetness or their versatility with so many possible seasoning combinations, sweet potato fries offer a delicious and nutritious option for any meal.

A bunch of grown sweet potatoes newly harvested from the ground.

Cultivating Sweet Potato Delights in the Prairies

Growing your own sweet potato fry sides in Alberta requires some tender love and care. With shorter growing seasons and a cooler climate, these taters will require lots of attention. Start by planting the potato slips after the frosty season has passed. (Around late May or early June.) When growing these sweet potato babies, choosing the right location, soil and mulch is important. They prefer a sunny spot, with a well-drained, sandy soil. Preferably use black plastic mulch or raised beds to heat up that soil temperature to keep them warm and toasty. They also love water, so give them H2o on the daily, especially during those drier periods.

Raw sweet potatoes, whole and chopped up with other vegetables like rosemary and brocolli on a wooden chopping board.

Why Sweet Potato Fries?

Digging deeper into the world of sweet potato fries. I found out that they are like the healthier cousins in the potato family tree, the fact that they’re naturally sweet is just a bonus. These guys are nutrient-packed with Vitamin A and C to keep your skin, vision and immune system glowing! Their also fiber-rich, which helps keep your tummies happy and helps keep your blood sugar and energy levels in check. They’re packed with antioxidants that help keep those nasty free radicals from your body and help sooth inflammations. Unlike their more popular cousins, aka white potatoes, they’re easier on the tummies with their lower glycemic index. And because of how versatile they are, it’s an easy addition to your diet.

Crispy baked sweet potatoes with a side of ketchup sauce on brown paper with ketchup.

Your Guide to Crunchy, Sweet Perfection!

I’ve tried it all! So, you can keep your sweet potato fries from being soggy! First, make sure their evenly sliced wedges. Soak those bad boys in cold water for 30 minutes to remove that extra starch, then pat dry. Then, lightly coat them with some cornstarch to soak up that leftover moisture and adds that extra crunch that we’re all after. Toss them in a small amount of oil (well-coated not drenched). Spread them out on your baking sheet (don’t overcrowd them) and bake at 425°F and don’t forget to flip halfway through! For that extra crispiness, finish them up in the broiler for a couple of minutes. Then, Bon Appetit!

Crispy baked sweet potatoes sprinkled with seasonings with a side of white sauce.

Flavor Boosters for Sweet Potato Fries

I’m here to change up your sweet potato fry game! Start off with tossing them up in good old olive oil and seasoning with a blend of spices. Don’t be afraid to experiment! Try spices like smoked paprika for that smokiness and depth. For a savory punch, garlic powder and onion powder are your buddies. For more heat, cayenne pepper or chili powder is the way to go. For aromatic touches, rosemary and thyme will be a go to. If you’re looking to enhance that natural sweetness, cinnamon or nutmeg is a must try. For that razzle dazzle, add a dash of sea salt, lime or balsamic glaze for a tangy twist.

The Secret to Perfect Sweet Potato Fries: Cornstarch and a Key Technique

Lizzy Briskin’s article, "My Sweet Potato Fries Are the 'Crispiest EVER,' Thanks to this Key Technique” , really hits the nail on the head diving into the art of creating perfectly crispy sweet potato fries from home without the need for a deep fryer. Sharing her tried and true methods for turning those sweet potatoes into restaurant-quality snacks that makes you wonder why you’ve ever bought frozen sweet potatoes fries ever.

Her method of using cornstarch, which she says is her “key to crispy, golden fries.” Is a must try. Cornstarch does absorb all that extra moisture that you will not want from your potatoes, and this just ensures that crispy crust, avoiding that sogginess that none of us want with our homemade sweet potato fries. She drives home the importance of a blazing hot over (425°F) and that preheating the baking sheets to mimic the heat of a deep fryer.

She also gives you so many customization options that helps cater to any different flavor palette you might have! From that classic garlic and onion powder to that spicy cayenne or Parmesan-coated finish, there’s something for everybody with different flavor profiles. If you’re wondering about leftovers, she does note that while sweet potato fries can be stores, they are always enjoyed best when fresh for that maximum crispiness experience.

What sets this recipe apart from others, is its accessibility. Got no deep fryer? Not a problem. Lizzy says, and I quote, “these fries are so crispy, you’ll never guess they weren’t fried to begin with”, and she’s absolutely right! The cornstarch, olive oil and her technique are the perfect combo that makes this recipe super easy and achievable for any cooking level.

For sweet potato fry lovers, this article is a must-read. Not only does she give you an awesome fry recipe but a deep fryer hack that makes it so easy to achieve those crispy golden fries right at home. Check out the full recipe and her tips, read the whole article, Read the secrets here.

What's New & Exciting!

Fries with burgers and ketchup on a picnic table.

A plate of chicken nuggets and sweet potato fries on a wooden table.

A picnic spot perfect for Sweet Potato Fries

One of my favorite picnic spots is Hawrelak Park in Edmonton, Alberta. This park is perfect to just relax and enjoy a nice day outside, with plenty of playgrounds, and well-maintained picnic areas. Its a great place to enjoy a meal with your friends and family. To get there, head west on 87 Avenue NW, turn left onto Groat Road, and follow the signs for Hawrelak Park. Its easily accessible by car or a bike.

Baked sweet potato with salad stuffed inside it.

Sweet-tacular Potato Fry Combos

Life is too short to not be trying new and unconventional food pairings. If you have food pairing curiosities, give them a try! You never know when you’ll be discovering a new favorite you can be sharing with loved ones. Good thing at Crispy Baked we love trying new things. Taking your sweet potato fry game a couple notches more with unconventional pairings.

If you’ve never tried sweet potato fries alongside tacos, this could be a new dinner idea to try and have the family taste test! Especially with fish or shrimp tacos. Trust me when I say that sweet flavor against those spicy salsas and fresh toppings combined, they are a match made in heaven.

For a bit of a plot twist, try combining sweet potato fries with Asian-inspired dishes like teriyaki chicken or tofu stir-fry – the caramelized sweetness pairs well with these soy-based sauces.

Sweet potato fries with chorizo and a sunny side up egg.

Sweet Pairings

Sweet potato fries can definitely hold up just on their own when we’re talking about delicious meals. But pairing them with other savory meals just might make your taste buds jump for joy. Of course, for your classic pairings, serving sweet potato fries with burgers – whether that be with beef patties, turkey, or even veggie patties.

The combinations are endless and leaves you wanting to try more. You can also try adding them in next time you make a wrap or a sandwich. When I tell you, adding sweet potato fries with grilled chicken or pulled pork will change your life, I am not joking. Try them out now!

If you want a lighter meal, I gotchu. Pairing them with grilled or baked fish, like salmon or tilapia where the natural sweetness and the fish’s rich flavors will take your taste buds to new heights.