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Spicy Sweet Potato Fries

posted by Liz Berg on July 20, 2016 (updated 2/27/23)

These Spicy Sweet Potato Fries are crispy, salty with a nice kick of heat! Plus, they’re incredibly delicious.

Healthier than regular french fries, roasted sweet potato fries are the perfect way to introduce your family to sweet potatoes.

Spicy Sweet Potato Fries served on a white plate with ketchup.

Table of Contents hide

1 Why You Must Make

2 Ingredient Notes

3 Recipe Tips

4 Frequently Asked Questions

5 You May Also Like:

6 Spicy Sweet Potato Fries Recipe

Why You Must Make

My regular readers know that I’m married to the world’s most picky man. When it comes to food, that is. And wives. He got a home run with his first choice for the latter! So I was basically shocked when we were at a dinner party and he slurped up a bowl of squash soup and even went for seconds. Maybe there was hope.

The first time I made sweet potato fries, my persnickety husband didn’t even hesitate. He liked them!
Like Emeril, I kicked them up a notch with seasonings other than salt and pepper. Use any of your favorite seasonings. Try garlic powder, Italian seasoning, taco, or jerk seasoning.
This is a nice change from regular french fries, plus they have more fiber and vitamin A.

Sweet Potato Fries Ingredients with labels on a sheetpan.

Ingredient Notes

Kitchen Staples – Olive Oil, Kosher Salt
Sweet Potatoes – Medium or Large, peeled if desired. Cut into 1/4-1/2-inch wide fries.
Paprika – I used regular, but you can also use smoked paprika for a change of pace.
Cayenne Pepper – more or less to taste
Cumin – Ground
Cornstarch – Helps to absorb moisture to make crispier fries.

Recipe Tips

Roasted fries won’t ever be as crisp as freshly deep-fried potatoes, but they’re still terrific. First, you don’t want to crowd the baking sheet.
You might need a second baking sheet to give each fry enough space.
Next, a small amount of corn starch absorbs any moisture that may be lingering without any discernible taste or change in texture.
Don’t cut big wedges, but instead, thin fries between 1/4-1/2 inch in width.
PRO-Tip: To make your fries even crisper, soak them in cool water for about an hour to help release their starch. Make sure to dry them thoroughly before seasoning and frying.
Use your favorite seasonings to flavor your spicy sweet potato fries. I also love using a Cajun seasoning mix.
Bake at high heat, flip once, and eat hot before they start to wilt. Bon appetite!

Spicy Sweet Potato Fries standing upright in a white ceramic bowl.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do You Peel Sweet Potatoes When Making Fries?

It’s up to you! They are delicious both ways, so keep the peel on if you’d like. You’ll get an extra bit of fiber that way.

Should You Soak Your Fries Before Cooking?

If you have the time, soaking your unbaked sweet potato fries in cool water for at least an hour and up to 24 hours will help release some of their starch. If dried thoroughly, then roasted, they will be crispier than if not soaked.

What Are Some Other Ways to Make Crispy Fries?

Besides soaking them in water, make sure to cut them all the same size, don’t crowd them on the baking sheet, toss them with some cornstarch along with the spices, then roast at high heat. Make sure to flip them at least once during the cooking time and remove the fries to a cooling rack when you bring them out of the oven so they don’t sweat and soften on the baking sheet.