Making crispy sweet potato fries at home is a delicious way to enjoy a healthier alternative to traditional French fries. You may have encountered a common issue: the struggle to achieve that sought-after crispiness without relying on cornstarch, which is often used to coat the fries for extra crunch. The good news is that crispy sweet potato fries are attainable without this common ingredient.
In this guide, you’ll learn the tips and tricks to create sweet potato fries that are perfectly crispy on the outside while remaining soft and tender on the inside. By exploring different cooking techniques and making small adjustments to your preparation process, you can enjoy crispy sweet potato fries that don’t rely on cornstarch or other additives. Whether you’re avoiding cornstarch due to dietary restrictions or simply looking for a simpler approach, the methods outlined here will help you achieve the texture and flavor you love.
Preparing the Sweet Potatoes
Before you begin slicing and dicing, it’s important to select the best sweet potatoes and cut them properly to ensure your fries turn out crispy.
Choosing the Right Potatoes
When you’re in search of the perfect sweet potatoes for your fries, aim for ones that are firm and free of blemishes. The skin should be tight and smooth with no signs of sprouting. Ideally, you’ll want to look for medium-sized sweet potatoes that are uniform in shape; this will make them easier to cut into evenly-sized fries, which contributes to uniform cooking.
Cutting the Potatoes
To cut the sweet potatoes into fries, start by washing them thoroughly. You can choose to leave the skin on for added nutrition and texture. Then:
- Trim the Ends: Slice off the very ends of each sweet potato for stability.
- Slice into Planks: Cut the potato into 1/4 inch thick slices lengthwise.
- Cut into Fries: Take each plank and cut it into fries of even thickness, about 1/4 inch wide.
Keeping your fries of uniform thickness is crucial as it helps them cook evenly and get crispy. After cutting, submerge the fries in cold water for about an hour to remove excess starch, which helps in achieving crispness. Dry them thoroughly with a clean towel before proceeding to the next step of seasoning and baking.
Seasoning and Oil Coating
To achieve crispy sweet potato fries without cornstarch, proper seasoning and oil coating are essential. You’ll enhance flavor while aiding the crisping process.
Mixing the Seasonings
First, prepare your seasoning blend. Grab a small bowl and combine the following ingredients for a flavorful kick:
- 1 tsp of salt
- 1/2 tsp of garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp of paprika
- 1/4 tsp of black pepper
- A pinch of cayenne pepper (optional for added heat)
Mix these spices thoroughly to ensure a uniform flavor profile.
Coating with Oil
Next, it’s time to coat your sweet potato slices with oil. Follow these simple steps for an even application:
- In a large bowl, place your cut sweet potato fries.
- Drizzle 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil over the fries. Olive oil is a great choice as it can withstand high roasting temperatures while adding a subtle flavor.
- Toss the fries until they’re lightly and evenly coated with the olive oil.
- Sprinkle your pre-mixed seasonings over the fries.
- Toss the fries once more to ensure that each piece is evenly coated with your seasoning blend.
This process will help your sweet potato fries achieve maximum crispiness while being baked in the oven.
Baking the Sweet Potato Fries
Crispy sweet potato fries are within reach when you bake them correctly. Be methodical with arranging them on your baking sheet and precise with your oven settings to maximize crispness.
Arranging on Baking Sheet
To achieve crisp sweet potato fries without cornstarch, you need to spread them in an even layer on the baking sheet. Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easier cleanup. Place your cut sweet potatoes on the baking sheet, but here’s the crucial part: avoid overcrowding. Your fries should be in a single layer with some space between each one to allow heat to circulate properly and deliver that desirable crispy exterior.
Oven Settings and Baking Time
Preheat your oven to a high temperature of around 425°F to ensure a crispy outcome. When you arrange the fries in a single layer on your baking sheet, the high heat will work to your advantage, cooking them quickly and evenly.
Cook time will typically be around 25-30 minutes, but it’s a good idea to check your fries halfway through. At the 15-minute mark, flip your fries to ensure they cook evenly on both sides. This also helps achieve the perfect crispy texture throughout. Keep an eye on them as ovens may vary and adjust the time as necessary to prevent burning.
Serving and Storing
Once your sweet potato fries are crispy and delicious, you’ll want to enjoy them while they’re fresh. Here’s how to serve them at their best and store any leftovers properly.
Serving Tips
- For Appetizers: Present your fries on a platter or in a basket lined with parchment paper for an appealing look.
- Enhancing Flavor: Consider serving with a variety of sauces and dips such as ketchup, mayo, or a spicy aioli for added zest.
- As a Side Dish: Pair your crispy sweet potato fries with your main course, be it a juicy burger or a hearty salad, right after cooking for optimal taste.
Storage and Reheating
To store, allow your fries to cool completely, then:
- Place them in an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat and preserve crispiness:
- Oven Method:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- Spread the fries on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Reheat for 5-10 minutes, or until hot and crispy.
- Air Fryer Method:
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F.
- Reheat the fries in a single layer for 2-3 minutes.
Avoid using the microwave as it will make the fries soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions
To achieve the utmost crispiness for your sweet potato fries without relying on cornstarch, the section below offers guidance, covering cutting techniques, air frying instructions, seasoning suggestions, ideal baking times, and alternative ingredients for crispiness, as well as troubleshooting for common issues.
What is the best way to cut sweet potatoes for making crispy fries?
For crispy sweet potato fries, cut your potatoes into even sticks about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. This size ensures they cook through and get crisp edges without burning.
Can I make crispy sweet potato fries in an air fryer without using cornstarch?
Absolutely, you can make crispy sweet potato fries in an air fryer. Preheat your air fryer, toss the fries in a bit of oil, and cook them in a single layer, shaking the basket occasionally to promote even crisping.
What are some flavorful seasoning options for sweet potato fries?
Before baking or air frying, toss your fries with olive oil and your choice of spices like garlic powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, or a touch of cinnamon to enhance their natural sweetness.
How long should I bake sweet potato fries to get the perfect crispiness?
Bake sweet potato fries at 425°F for about 25-30 minutes, flipping them halfway through the baking time to ensure they crisp up evenly on all sides.
What alternatives to cornstarch can be used to make sweet potato fries crispy?
Try using a light dusting of rice flour or tapioca starch. They provide a similar textural effect as cornstarch, giving the fries a crispy outer layer without altering the taste.
Why are my sweet potato fries not turning out crispy and how can I fix this?
Make sure to cut your fries evenly, avoid overcrowding on the baking sheet, and flip them halfway through cooking. Also, ensure your oven is fully preheated before baking for the best crispiness. If they’re still not crispy, extend the baking time by a few minutes, and consider using a wire rack to promote air circulation.
