Perfectly Crispy Baked Sweet Potato Fries with Irresistible Garlic Aioli

Crispy baked sweet potato fries with garlic aioli – a comforting and flavorful appetizer or snack that brings warmth and joy to any occasion. Discover the secrets to achieving restaurant-quality crispiness right from your oven!

This post is proudly brought to you by Safest Choice eggs.

In our busy lives, finding moments of comfort and connection can be a challenge. Sometimes, the simplest pleasures, like sharing a delicious meal or a satisfying snack, can bring us together and offer a much-needed escape from daily stresses. This space is dedicated to celebrating that – to creating a community where food fosters joy, comfort, and shared experiences. While we may have different opinions on many things, we can surely agree on one universal truth: good food has a way of uniting us. We can all appreciate a perfectly roasted Brussels sprout, the versatility of avocados on practically anything, and, without a doubt, that sweet potato fries should always be gloriously crispy.

There’s something incredibly satisfying about a well-made batch of fries. They are the quintessential comfort food, capable of turning any ordinary moment into a delightful one. And when it comes to sweet potato fries, the stakes are even higher. We crave that perfect balance of natural sweetness and savory spice, encased in a texture that delivers an audible crunch with every bite. This recipe is designed to help you achieve exactly that – a batch (or two!) of expertly baked sweet potato fries that will become your new go-to for a comforting snack or a crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Baked Sweet Potato Fries: A Healthier, Easier Alternative

Let’s talk about the star of the show: sweet potato fries. While deep-fried versions are undoubtedly delicious, they can be heavy and messy to prepare at home. The good news is that these sweet potato fries are baked, not fried, allowing you to enjoy all the flavor and crispiness without the guilt or the hassle. Baking is a significantly easier, healthier, and more practical method for home cooks. You get that golden-brown exterior and tender interior, all while using less oil and creating less cleanup. It’s a win-win!

Sweet potatoes themselves are nutritional powerhouses, packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. They offer a natural sweetness that pairs wonderfully with a variety of seasonings. For this recipe, we’re infusing them with a blend of fall warming spices. Imagine the aromatic notes of earthy cumin, the vibrant hue and mild heat of paprika, and the subtle kick of chili powder. These spices not only enhance the inherent sweetness of the potatoes but also add a depth of flavor that is truly irresistible. Each bite is a harmonious blend of sweet, savory, and slightly smoky notes, making these spiced sweet potato fries a comforting treat that’s perfect for any season.

Homemade Garlic Aioli: The Perfect Dipping Companion

No batch of fries is complete without a stellar dipping sauce, and our homemade garlic aioli is simply divine. Aioli, often referred to as a Mediterranean mayonnaise, is an exquisite emulsion crafted from raw egg yolks, rich olive oil, bright lemon juice, and pungent garlic. While aioli can be customized with various herbs and spices, we’ve opted for a simple, classic approach here, allowing the pure flavors of garlic and lemon to shine through. This creamy, tangy, and deeply flavorful aioli creates a perfect counterpoint to the spiced sweetness of the sweet potato fries.

When preparing any dish that calls for raw or lightly cooked eggs – such as this luscious aioli, a creamy mayonnaise, a homemade Caesar salad dressing, or even a decadent egg-based ice cream – safety is paramount. That’s why I consistently turn to Davidson’s Safest Choice pasteurized eggs. These aren’t just any eggs; they undergo a unique, all-natural pasteurization process. Within hours of being laid, Safest Choice eggs are gently submerged in a warm water bath. This precise combination of time and temperature heats the eggs in their shells to the exact point needed to eliminate potential bacteria like Salmonella, all without actually cooking the egg inside. This innovative process is truly remarkable and provides invaluable peace of mind, especially when serving dishes to larger groups or during holiday gatherings. Knowing that the eggs are safe allows you to focus purely on the joy of cooking and sharing delicious food.

The Secret to Unbelievably Crispy Baked Sweet Potato Fries

Achieving truly crispy baked fries, especially with sweet potatoes, can be a culinary quest. Unlike regular potatoes, sweet potatoes have a different starch and sugar content, which can make them prone to becoming soft or soggy when baked. Several factors influence the final texture, including the starch levels, how crowded your baking sheet is, and the moisture content of the potatoes themselves.

After years of making batches of less-than-crispy baked fries and experimenting with various methods – some effective, many not so much (endless soaking, no soaking at all, different oil types) – I discovered a game-changing technique. Inspired by a recipe from Foodie with Family, the key lies in a powerful combination:

• Soaking the Sweet Potatoes: This crucial first step helps to draw out excess starch from the cut sweet potato matchsticks. Excess starch can lead to a gummy texture, so a good soak (at least an hour, or even overnight) in cold water is essential for that coveted crispiness.
• The Magic of Cornstarch: After soaking and thoroughly drying the potatoes, a light toss in cornstarch makes all the difference. Cornstarch acts as a powerful moisture absorber and creates a delicate, crispy coating when baked, preventing the fries from steaming instead of crisping.
• Proper Spacing and Temperature: Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet. Give your fries space to breathe! If the pan is too full, the moisture released by the potatoes will create steam, resulting in soggy fries. Use two sheet pans if necessary, ensuring an even, single layer. Baking at a relatively high temperature (425°F/218°C) is also key to achieving a golden, crispy exterior quickly.
• The Post-Bake Cool-Down: This often-overlooked step is critical for locking in crispiness for all types of baked fries. Turning off the oven and allowing the fries to cool slightly with the oven door propped open helps them to firm up and reach their peak crispiness. Don’t skip it!

By following these steps, you’ll transform humble sweet potatoes into a glorious plate of perfectly seasoned, golden-brown, and audibly crispy baked fries that will rival any restaurant version. The slightly charred edges and tender interior, combined with the warming spices, make for an unforgettable experience.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

These crispy sweet potato fries are incredibly versatile. Serve them as an irresistible appetizer at your next gathering, pair them alongside your favorite burgers or sandwiches for an elevated side dish, or simply enjoy them as a satisfying snack any time of day. For an extra touch, a sprinkle of fresh chopped flat-leaf parsley adds a pop of color and freshness. You can also experiment with other spice blends: try a touch of smoked paprika for deeper flavor, or add a pinch of chili flakes if you love a bit more heat.

The homemade garlic aioli is the ideal complement, but don’t hesitate to get creative with your dipping sauces. A sriracha aioli, a cilantro-lime crema, or even a simple tangy ketchup can also be delicious options, though the classic garlic aioli truly shines here. Regardless of how you serve them, these crispy baked sweet potato fries are destined to become a staple in your kitchen.

Happy dipping!

This post was created in partnership with Safest Choice eggs.