Crispy Sweet Potato Fries

Why is it so tough to get Crispy Sweet Potato Fries? Avoid the limp mess with our easy, fast recipe. The secret is in cooking them twice!

First off, we need to discuss that these photos are actually of sweet potatoes, which are all that is available in our grocery store, as well as many stores around the country. But some places have yams too. And they call them both yams and sweet potatoes.

What’s the difference?

So, what’s the difference between a sweet potato and a yam? At most grocery stores, absolutely nothing. It’s all a facade! “Most of the so-called yams you see in American grocery stores are actually orange-fleshed sweet potatoes,” explains Mary-Frances Heck, author of new cookbook Sweet Potatoes (and former BA staffer). The reason for the name mix-up, she explains, is because Louisiana sweet potato growers marketed their orange-fleshed as “yams” to distinguish from other states’ produce in the 1930s—and it stuck.

Bon Appetite

The article sited above has pictures of each – in case you don’t know for sure what you’re eating. (Hands up here!)

I love sweet potatoes, but I do NOT like them when they are sweet. Clear as mud? I am not a fan of added sugar on sweet potatoes of any kind. I love savory side dishes. And the sweet potato is so good for you, adding sugar is an abomination. One of our favorite recipes using this beloved tuber is our Twice Baked Savory Sweet Potato Casserole. Also not sweet.

Sweet Potato Fries are a little less formal than that casserole.

And super fast and easy for weeknight dinners because we microwave them before “frying” them in the oven!

Wash your sweet potatoes and pierce with a fork or paring knife. (Affiliate links follow – see disclaimer page for details.)

Pop them in the microwave, and cook on high for 5 minutes or so, until the potatoes give slightly when pressed. Let the sweet potatoes cool for a few minutes. Then, using your paring knife, peel away the skin.

And cut them into thick fry shapes. Put the pieces in a bowl, and toss well with oil. Toss the sweet potatoes around a bit – this is why they get so crispy! Place the fries onto a sprayed, foil wrapped sheet pan and sprinkle with salt, pepper and paprika.

Bake at 450 degrees F until browned and crispy, about 25 minutes. Toss occasionally during baking.

Serve them immediately, but be careful – they’ll be scalding hot!!

Crispy Sweet Potato Fries

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Sweet Potato Fries

Prep Time: 1 minute minute

Cook Time: 30 minutes minutes

Total Time: 31 minutes minutes

Servings: 6 servings

Crispy Sweet Potato Fries are fast because you microwave them before “frying” them inthe oven. This healthy recipe is ready in less than 30 minutes with five ingredients. Seasoned fries tonight!

Print Recipe

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Ingredients

• 1- 1/2 pounds Sweet Potatoes (about 3 medium)
• 2 tbsp Olive Oil
• 1 tsp Kosher Salt
• 1 tsp Paprika
• 1/2 tsp Ground Black or Red Pepper
• Cooking Spray

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.
• Wash sweet potatoes and pierce with a fork or paring knife. Cook on high in microwave for about 5 minutes, until the flesh gives when pressed.
• Allow sweet potatoes to cool until they can be handled. Peel skin with paring knife, and cut potatoes into thick fries.
• Toss sweet potatoes with olive oil in a bowl. Spread evenly on a sprayed, foil covered sheet pan.
• Sprinkle on salt, paprika and pepper.
• Bake sweet potatoes until crispy, tossing occasionaly. This should take about 25 minutes.
• Eat immediately!

These go great with burgers – but are an excellent side with grilled pork chops or chicken too!