Crispy Sweet Potato Fries Recipe for Game Day

Imagine sinking your teeth into a batch of golden, crispy sweet potato fries, perfectly seasoned and ready to be dipped into your favorite sauce. This Sweet Potato Fries Recipe for Game Day is not just a side dish; it’s a celebration of flavor and texture that brings everyone together. I still remember the first time I made these for my family during a big game, and the joy on their faces was priceless!

Prep: 75 mins | Cook: 30 mins | Total: 105 mins | Serves: 4,4 servings | Difficulty: Easy

Why You’ll Love It

  • Benefit 1: Packed with nutrients, sweet potatoes are a great source of vitamins A and C.
  • Benefit 2: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it perfect for various dietary needs.
  • Benefit 3: Easy to prepare, these fries can be made ahead of time and baked just before serving.

What You Need (Ingredient Notes)

  • 3 medium Sweet Potatoes – Peeled and cut into 1/4” sticks; they provide natural sweetness and a vibrant color.
  • 1 tbsp (divided) Kosher Salt – Enhances flavor; you can use sea salt as a substitute.
  • 3 tbsp Cornstarch – Creates a crispy texture; can be replaced with arrowroot powder.
  • 2 teaspoons Paprika – Adds smokiness; smoked paprika can be used for a deeper flavor.
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder – Brings a savory depth; fresh minced garlic can be an alternative.
  • 1 tsp Ground Black Pepper – Adds a hint of heat; white pepper is a good substitute.
  • 1/8 tsp Cayenne Pepper – For a spicy kick; adjust to taste or omit for milder fries.
  • 1/8 tsp Coriander – Offers a citrusy note; cumin can be used for a different flavor profile.
  • 1/8 tsp Cumin – Adds warmth; can be omitted for a simpler taste.
  • 3 tbsp Vegetable Oil – Helps achieve crispiness; olive oil can be a healthier alternative.
  • to taste Sea Salt Flakes – Optional finishing touch for flavor and texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Step 1: Soak the Sweet Potatoes – Place the raw sweet potato sticks in a large bowl, cover with cold water, and sprinkle with 2 tsp. of salt. Let them soak for 1 hour to remove excess starch.
  2. Step 2: Preheat and Prepare – Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Place a rimmed cookie sheet in the oven to heat and prepare a piece of parchment paper to fit the sheet.
  3. Step 3: Coat the Fries – Drain the fries and place them in a large plastic bag with cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, cayenne, coriander, and cumin. Seal and shake until evenly coated. Then, toss in the same bowl with vegetable oil.
  4. Step 4: Bake – Carefully remove the hot sheet from the oven, place the parchment paper on top, and spread the fries evenly, ensuring space between them to avoid steaming. Bake for 20 minutes, toss, then bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until crisp and golden brown.
  5. Step 5: Serve – Remove from the oven, sprinkle with sea salt, and let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy immediately!
  6. (Image Suggestion: Close up of the crispy texture of the fries on a serving platter.)

Common Mistakes (And How to Fix Them)

  • Mistake: Overcrowding the baking sheet. Fix: Make sure fries are spaced apart for even cooking.
  • Tip 2: Experiment with different spices to find your favorite flavor combination.
  • 💡 Pro Tip: For extra crispiness, try soaking the sweet potatoes overnight in the fridge.

Mix It Up (Variations)

  • Add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese before serving.
  • Try a spicy sriracha mayo dip for an exciting twist.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve with homemade guacamole.
  • Pair with a zesty ranch dressing.

💡 For more recipes, follow me on Pinterest.

FAQs

Storage?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Freezing?

You can freeze uncooked fries for up to 3 months. Just bake them straight from frozen!

Reheating?

Reheat in the oven at 400°F (204°C) for about 10 minutes to regain crispiness.

Conclusion

This Sweet Potato Fries Recipe for Game Day is sure to be a hit at your next gathering, bringing joy and deliciousness to every bite.

Crispy sweet potato fries with a golden brown texture sprinkled with sea salt flakes.

Crispy Sweet Potato Fries Recipe for Game Day

Crispy sweet potato fries that are naturally gluten-free and packed with nutrients. This flavorful side dish is easy to make and perfect for any gathering.
Prep Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Course Side
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Large bowl
  • Rimmed cookie sheet
  • Parchment Paper
  • Plastic bag

Ingredients
  

Main

  • 3 medium Sweet Potatoes Peeled and cut into 1/4” sticks.
  • 1 tbsp Kosher Salt Divided; enhances flavor; you can use sea salt as a substitute.
  • 3 tbsp Cornstarch Creates a crispy texture; can be replaced with arrowroot powder.
  • 2 teaspoons Paprika Adds smokiness; smoked paprika can be used for a deeper flavor.
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder Brings a savory depth; fresh minced garlic can be an alternative.
  • 1 tsp Ground Black Pepper Adds a hint of heat; white pepper is a good substitute.
  • 1/8 tsp Cayenne Pepper For a spicy kick; adjust to taste or omit for milder fries.
  • 1/8 tsp Coriander Offers a citrusy note; cumin can be used for a different flavor profile.
  • 1/8 tsp Cumin Adds warmth; can be omitted for a simpler taste.
  • 3 tbsp Vegetable Oil Helps achieve crispiness; olive oil can be a healthier alternative.
  • to taste Sea Salt Flakes Optional finishing touch for flavor and texture.

Instructions
 

Instructions

  • Soak the sweet potatoes in cold water with salt for 1 hour to remove excess starch.
  • Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) and prepare a piece of parchment paper to fit the heated cookie sheet.
  • Coat the fries with cornstarch and spices in a bag, then toss with vegetable oil in a bowl.
  • Bake fries spaced apart on parchment paper for 20 minutes, toss, then bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until crisp and golden.
  • Remove from oven, sprinkle with sea salt, and let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Keyword Crispy, Fries, game day, Sweet Potatoes