These baked sweet potato fries are crispy and full of flavor! Tossed in a bit of oil and spices, they make a tasty snack or side dish that everyone will love.
And let’s not forget the garlic aioli—it’s creamy and just the right amount of zingy! I could dip everything in it, honestly. It’s like a party for your taste buds! 🎉
Making these is super easy! Just slice the sweet potatoes, bake them until golden, and whip up the aioli. Perfect for a cozy night in or a fun gathering with friends!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: These should be fresh and firm, as they create flavorful fries. If you can’t find sweet potatoes, regular potatoes will work too, but the taste will differ. Yukon Gold potatoes have a nice creaminess, making them a decent substitute.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil adds a nice flavor but feel free to use vegetable oil or canola oil if you prefer a more neutral taste. You can even use coconut oil for a unique twist!
Garlic Powder: This gives a lovely flavor, but if you don’t have it, finely minced fresh garlic can be used instead for a fresher taste. Just be cautious with the amount since fresh garlic is stronger.
Smoked Paprika: This adds a smoky depth. If you don’t have it, regular paprika or even chili powder can give it a nice kick—but this will change the flavor profile a bit!
Mayonnaise: A base for the aioli, if you want a healthier option, try plain Greek yogurt. It has a similar creaminess and adds a bit of tang.
How Can I Ensure My Sweet Potato Fries are Crispy?
Getting perfectly crispy sweet potato fries can be tricky, but here are some key tips:
- Cut Evenly: Make sure your fries are cut to about the same size. This helps them cook evenly and get that crispy texture.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Give your fries space on the baking sheet. If they are too close together, they’ll steam instead of bake, leading to sogginess.
- Flip Them: Flipping the fries halfway through cooking gives them that golden crisp all around. Use a spatula to carefully turn them over.
- Broil for Extra Crispiness: If you prefer extra crisp, you can briefly broil the fries at the end, but watch closely to avoid burning.
With these tips and ingredient insights, you’ll create deliciously crispy sweet potato fries with flavorful garlic aioli every time. Enjoy cooking!
Baked Sweet Potato Fries with Garlic Aioli
Ingredients:
For the Sweet Potato Fries:
- 2 large sweet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Garlic Aioli:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 clove garlic, finely minced or grated
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: pinch of dried or fresh herbs for garnish (e.g., parsley or thyme)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe requires about 10 minutes of preparation time and approximately 35-40 minutes for baking. In total, you’re looking at around 50 minutes from start to finish!
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare Sweet Potatoes:
Wash and peel the sweet potatoes. Cut them into thin, fry-shaped strips about 1/4 inch thick for even baking. The thinner they are, the crispier they will get!
3. Season the Fries:
In a large bowl, toss the sweet potato strips with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until they are evenly coated. Make sure every fry gets some seasoning!
4. Arrange on Baking Sheet:
Spread the fries out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Be mindful not to overcrowd them, as this helps them crisp up nicely.
5. Bake the Fries:
Bake the fries in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes. After that, carefully flip each fry over using a spatula. Bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the fries are tender inside and crispy and golden brown on the edges. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning!
6. Make the Garlic Aioli:
While the fries are baking, prepare the garlic aioli. In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy.
7. Serve:
Once the sweet potato fries are done, plate them up. If you’d like, sprinkle a little extra sea salt on top. Serve warm with the garlic aioli on the side. You can garnish the aioli with a pinch of fresh or dried herbs for an extra touch!
8. Optional Addition:
For an added zing, serve your fries with lemon wedges. A fresh squeeze of lemon juice right before eating gives a delightful burst of flavor!
Enjoy your crispy, flavorful baked sweet potato fries paired with the creamy and zesty garlic aioli!
Can I Use Regular Potatoes Instead of Sweet Potatoes?
Yes, you can substitute regular potatoes, but keep in mind the flavor and texture will be different. Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work well; just adjust the baking time as they may cook faster.
How Long Can I Store Leftover Fries?
Store leftover sweet potato fries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 10 minutes for the best crispiness.
Can I Make the Aioli in Advance?
Absolutely! You can make the garlic aioli a day ahead of time. Just store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. The flavors will meld and taste even better the next day!
What Can I Use Instead of Mayonnaise for the Aioli?
If you prefer a healthier alternative, you can use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. It will give you a creamy texture while adding a slight tang to the aioli.