French fries have long been a beloved comfort food, but when it comes to sweet potato fries, a new contender has emerged. With their slightly sweet flavor and added nutritional benefits, sweet potato fries offer a tasty and healthier alternative to traditional fries. In this article, we will explore the secrets to making perfect crispy sweet potato fries in your oven.
Why won't my sweet potato fries get crispy?
One common challenge when making sweet potato fries is achieving the desired level of crispiness. However, this can easily be overcome by following a few key tips:
Cut All Fries to the Same Size
Consistency is key when it comes to cooking sweet potato fries. Whether you prefer thin sticks or thick wedges, it is important to ensure that all the pieces are cut to the same size. This ensures even cooking and prevents them from being overdone on the outside while undercooked on the inside.
Coat the Fries with Oil (But Not Too Much)
While deep-fried sweet potato fries can be high in fat and calories, oven-frying offers a healthier alternative. To achieve a crispy texture, coat the sweet potato pieces with a small amount of oil. About 2 teaspoons of canola oil should be sufficient for one medium-sized sweet potato. Toss the fries in a large bowl to evenly distribute the oil and add any desired seasonings at this stage.
Boost Flavor with Seasonings
Seasonings are a great way to enhance the flavor of your sweet potato fries. While salt is a must, you can also experiment with spices such as paprika, garlic powder, or chili powder. Just be mindful of the salt content in any pre-made spice blends you use, and adjust the amount of salt accordingly.
Don't Overcrowd Your Baking Sheet
To ensure crispy results, avoid overcrowding your baking sheet. Spread the sweet potato fries out in a single layer with enough space between them so that they don't touch. If you're making a large batch, it's best to use multiple baking sheets or cook them in batches to prevent steaming and ensure even baking.
Cook Them in the Upper Third of Your Oven
When it comes to oven placement, sweet potato fries benefit from being cooked in the upper third of your oven. This allows for slower caramelization, preventing burning and promoting a desirable level of browning. If you're using multiple baking sheets, position one in the middle and one above, and remember to switch their positions and stir the fries during baking for even cooking.
Are baked sweet potato fries healthy?
Compared to their deep-fried counterparts, baked sweet potato fries offer a healthier alternative. By baking them in the oven instead of deep-frying, you can save 122 calories and 11 grams of fat per serving. Additionally, sweet potatoes are packed with essential nutrients, including vitamin A and beta carotene. These compounds provide numerous health benefits, such as promoting eye health and supporting the immune system.
Are sweet potatoes good for French fries?
Sweet potatoes are not only delicious but also a nutritious choice for making fries. While they contain slightly more carbohydrates than regular potatoes, sweet potatoes offer a range of health benefits. A 3-ounce serving of frozen sweet potato fries contains 140 calories, 5 grams of fat, and typically less sodium than traditional fries. By opting for sweet potato fries, you can enjoy a satisfying and healthier alternative to satisfy your fry cravings.
Smoked sweet potato fries are a delicious and nutritious alternative to traditional fries. By following these tips for making crispy sweet potato fries in your oven, you can enjoy a healthier version of this popular comfort food. With their slightly sweet flavor and added nutritional benefits, sweet potato fries are a tasty way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet. So why not give them a try and experience the perfect balance of crispiness, flavor, and healthiness?
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