These Spicy Garlic Sweet Potato Fries are a yummy blend of flavors! They’re crispy, sweet, and kick it up a notch with a touch of spice and garlic that makes your taste buds dance.
Who knew fries could be this good for you? I love to pair them with a cool dipping sauce, or enjoy them right out of the oven. Trust me, you’ll want to make extra! 🍟😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: Using large sweet potatoes gives a wonderful sweetness and texture. If you can’t find them, yam or even regular potatoes can work, though they’ll taste a bit different.
Olive Oil: I prefer extra virgin olive oil for its flavor, but you can use any oil like avocado or canola oil. Just avoid oils with strong flavors that might overpower the spices.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is amazing here, but feel free to use garlic powder if you’re in a pinch. Start with 1 teaspoon if using powder.
Spices: I love smoked paprika for depth, but regular paprika is fine too. Adjust the cayenne pepper based on your spice tolerance; you can even leave it out if you prefer less heat.
How Do I Make Sure My Sweet Potato Fries Are Crispy?
Getting those fries perfectly crispy is all about moisture and heat. Here are some tips:
- Cut the fries evenly, about 1/2 inch thick. Thinner fries get crispier!
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet. Spread them out to allow steam to escape.
- Flipping halfway through helps them brown evenly. Use a spatula to turn them gently.
- Let them cool slightly on a wire rack after baking. This keeps the steam from making them soggy.
Keep an eye on them in the last few minutes of baking, as they can go from golden to burnt quickly!
How to Make Spicy Garlic Sweet Potato Fries
Ingredients:
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into fries
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste for spiciness)
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp kosher salt, plus more for sprinkling
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- Sea salt flakes, for finishing
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and 40-50 minutes to bake. In total, you will need about 1 hour for deliciously crispy sweet potato fries!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This is key to getting those fries nice and crispy. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:
Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into evenly sized fries, about 1/2 inch thick. This ensures they all cook at the same rate and come out perfectly crispy.
3. Make the Spicy Garlic Oil:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, chili powder, black pepper, and kosher salt. Mix everything together until you have a lovely spicy garlic oil.
4. Coat the Sweet Potato Fries:
Add the sweet potato fries to the bowl and toss them thoroughly with the spicy garlic oil. Make sure every fry is coated so they burst with flavor.
5. Arrange on the Baking Sheet:
Spread the fries out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Be careful not to crowd them, as this can prevent them from crisping up properly.
6. Bake the Fries:
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then, using a spatula, flip the fries to ensure even cooking. Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the fries are tender on the inside and crispy on the edges.
7. Finishing Touches:
Once done, remove the fries from the oven and transfer them to a serving dish lined with parchment paper to absorb any excess oil. Sprinkle sea salt flakes and chopped parsley over the fries while they’re still warm to enhance the flavor and presentation.
8. Serve & Enjoy:
Serve your spicy garlic sweet potato fries immediately, ideally with a cool dipping sauce like garlic aioli or your favorite ranch. Enjoy this delightful and tasty dish!
Happy cooking and enjoy your crispy, spicy, garlicky sweet potato fries!
Can I Use Other Types of Potatoes?
Yes! While sweet potatoes are the star of this recipe, you can substitute regular russet or Yukon gold potatoes. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture will be different, but they will still make delicious fries!
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you’re sensitive to spice, you can omit the cayenne pepper or reduce it to 1/4 teaspoon. Alternatively, if you love heat, feel free to add more cayenne or even a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an extra kick!
What Dipping Sauces Pair Well with These Fries?
These fries are fantastic with garlic aioli, ranch dressing, or even a spicy ketchup. You could also try a tangy yogurt sauce or a cool tzatziki for a refreshing contrast.
Can I Make These Fries Ahead of Time?
For the best texture, it’s recommended to bake them fresh. However, you can prep the sweet potatoes and coat them in the oil and spices up to a day in advance. Just store them in the refrigerator and bake when you’re ready!
