Imagine sinking your teeth into the most irresistibly crispy, golden-brown sweet potato fries that are not just delicious, but also healthier than traditional french fries. These oven-baked shoestring fries are a game-changer for anyone craving a crunchy, satisfying side dish that doesn't compromise on flavor or nutrition. With just a few simple ingredients and some expert techniques, you'll transform ordinary sweet potatoes into a restaurant-worthy treat that will have everyone asking for your secret!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 large sweet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly under cool running water. Pat them completely dry using clean kitchen towels or paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve crispier fries.
- Using a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer, carefully cut the sweet potatoes into very thin, uniform shoestring-style strips, approximately 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. Consistency in cutting ensures even cooking.
- Place the cut sweet potato strips in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle olive oil over the strips and toss gently to ensure each piece is evenly coated with oil.
- Season the oiled sweet potato strips with salt and black pepper. Use your hands to mix and distribute the seasoning thoroughly.
- Spread the seasoned sweet potato strips in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding to allow proper air circulation and crispy results.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, turning the fries halfway through cooking to ensure even browning and crispiness.
- Check the fries during the last 10 minutes of cooking and adjust oven temperature if needed to prevent burning. The fries should be golden brown and crispy on the edges.
- Remove from the oven and let the fries cool on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes to allow them to crisp up further.
- Transfer to a serving plate and enjoy immediately while hot and crispy. Optional: Serve with your favorite dipping sauce like sriracha mayo or garlic aioli.
Tips
- Moisture is the enemy of crispiness! Always thoroughly pat your sweet potatoes dry before cutting to ensure maximum crunch.
- Invest in a sharp knife or mandoline slicer to create uniform, thin strips that cook evenly.
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet. Give your fries space to breathe, which helps them crisp up instead of steaming.
- Flip the fries halfway through cooking to ensure even browning and crispiness on all sides.
- Experiment with seasonings! While salt and pepper are classic, try adding smoked paprika, garlic powder, or even a sprinkle of parmesan for extra flavor.
- Serve immediately after cooking for the ultimate crispy texture. The fries tend to soften as they cool.
- For an extra crispy finish, consider using a wire rack on your baking sheet to allow air circulation underneath the fries.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 26g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
