These spicy garlic sweet potato fries are crispy, savory, and packed with flavor! The perfect blend of spicy and sweet makes them a tasty snack or side dish.
Honestly, who can resist hot, crunchy fries? I love dipping them in my favorite sauce. They’re not just yummy, but a fun twist on regular fries, making them a hit at my dinner table!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: These are the star of the dish! Look for firm, unblemished sweet potatoes. If you can’t find them, you can use regular potatoes or even butternut squash for a twist.
Olive Oil: Olive oil helps achieve a crispy texture. If you’re looking for a different flavor, feel free to substitute with avocado oil or coconut oil.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic brings a strong flavor. If you’re short on time, garlic powder works in a pinch—just use about 1 teaspoon instead.
Spices: Smoked paprika adds a nice smokiness. If you don’t have it, regular paprika is fine, but it won’t bring the smoky flavor. Adjust cayenne pepper to your spice preference. You can skip it for less heat.
How Can You Get the Fries Extra Crispy?
Craving crispier fries? Here are a few tricks to make sure your sweet potato fries turn out wonderfully crunchy.
- Soak the cut sweet potatoes in cold water for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This helps remove excess starch.
- Make sure they are completely dry before tossing with oil. Moisture will prevent crisping.
- Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet. Use two sheets if needed so the fries have room to fry evenly.
- For an extra crisp, you can broil them for the last 2 minutes of baking—watch closely to prevent burning!
Enjoy these tips for deliciously crispy spicy garlic sweet potato fries!
How to Make Spicy Garlic Sweet Potato Fries
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Fries:
- 3 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch thick fries
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste for spiciness)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and about 40-45 minutes of baking time, totaling around 55-60 minutes. You’ll spend a few minutes chopping the sweet potatoes and mixing the spices, then just let them roast in the oven until they’re golden and crispy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Baking Sheet:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature is key to getting those fries crispy! Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or give it a light greasing to prevent sticking.
2. Coat the Sweet Potatoes:
In a large bowl, toss the sweet potato fries with olive oil until they’re evenly coated. Make sure every fry gets some oil—it helps them crisp up nicely in the oven.
3. Add Spices:
Now it’s time to add flavor! Add the minced garlic, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, chili powder, salt, and black pepper to the bowl. Toss everything together once more until the fries are covered in those spicy flavors.
4. Arrange the Fries:
Spread the seasoned fries out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Remember, giving them space is essential for getting that crispy texture, so avoid crowding the pan. If you need more space, use a second baking sheet!
5. Bake to Perfection:
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. After that, flip the fries over for even cooking and bake for another 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on them towards the end until they’re crispy and golden brown.
6. Season and Garnish:
Once your fries are done baking, remove them from the oven. If you’d like, sprinkle on a little extra salt while they’re hot. Then, garnish with fresh chopped parsley and a pinch of red pepper flakes, if you want an extra kick!
7. Serve & Enjoy:
These spicy garlic sweet potato fries are best served hot! Pair them with your favorite dipping sauce, like garlic aioli or spicy mayo, and enjoy every crunchy bite!
Now, dig in and relish your creation! It’s a delicious snack or side dish everyone will love!
Can I Use Regular Potatoes Instead of Sweet Potatoes?
Absolutely! Regular potatoes can be substituted, but keep in mind that they may need slightly different cooking times, so keep an eye on them for doneness and crispiness.
How Can I Store Leftover Fries?
Store any leftover fries in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to regain their crispiness!
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan! Just ensure that the dipping sauce you choose is also vegan-friendly to keep the entire meal plant-based!
What Should I Do If My Fries Are Soggy?
If your fries come out soggy, it might be due to overcrowding on the baking sheet or not enough oil. For next time, ensure they’re spread out and consider increasing the oven temperature a little for a crispier finish.