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Rustic Baked Sweet Potato Fries

These baked sweet potato fries celebrate their natural imperfections, featuring jagged edges and uneven thickness that give them a rustic, homemade charm. Baking them preserves their sweet, earthy flavor and results in a tender interior with a caramelized, crispy exterior, perfect for an easy, healthier snack or side dish. The final texture is crispy on the outside and soft inside, with a beautifully irregular appearance that feels cozy and inviting.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Comfort Food
Calories: 150

Ingredients
  

  • 2 large sweet potatoes washed and scrubbed
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil light drizzle
  • 1 pinch salt adjust to taste
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika optional, for smoky depth
  • optional additional spices cayenne, garlic powder, or cumin as desired

Equipment

  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Spatula
  • Cooling rack

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  2. Wash and scrub the sweet potatoes thoroughly until clean. No need to peel unless you prefer them that way.
  3. Cut the sweet potatoes into rustic, uneven fries about 1/2 inch thick—you don’t need perfect shapes, just aim for even thickness for consistent baking.
  4. Place the cut fries into a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with a pinch of salt and smoked paprika. Toss everything together with a spatula until the fries are evenly coated and glistening.
  5. Spread the fries out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, giving each piece enough space to get crispy and avoiding overcrowding.
  6. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, then flip the fries with a spatula to promote even browning. Continue baking for another 10-15 minutes until they are golden-brown at the edges and fragrant.
  7. Once baked, transfer the fries to a cooling rack and let them rest for 2-3 minutes—this helps them stay crispy and prevents sogginess from steam.
  8. Serve the sweet potato fries hot, sprinkled with additional salt if needed. Enjoy them on their own or with your favorite dipping sauce for a cozy, rustic treat.

Notes

Feel free to experiment with different spices like garlic powder or cumin to customize the flavor. For extra crispiness, bake a few extra minutes, but watch closely to prevent burning.