1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) or according to your oven's instructions. This ensures the fries cook evenly and become crispy.
2. Cut the Sweet Potatoes:
Cut the sweet potatoes into 1/4-inch (0.5-cm) thick sticks or fries. Try to make the fries uniform in size for consistent cooking.
3. Soak in Water:
Soaking the sweet potato fries in cold water for 15-30 minutes helps remove excess starch. This aids in achieving crispy fries.
4. Dry the Fries Thoroughly:
After soaking, pat the sweet potato fries completely dry with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. Removing all the excess water is crucial for achieving crispy fries.
5. Season Well:
Toss the sweet potato fries in a large bowl with olive oil, salt, pepper, and any desired seasonings or herbs. Make sure all the fries are well coated.
6. Single-Layer Baking:
Arrange the fries in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as it can lead to steaming instead of crisping.
7. High Heat:
Bake the sweet potato fries at the preheated high temperature of 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes. This ensures crispy results.
8. Flip Halfway:
Flip the fries halfway through the baking time to ensure even browning and crisping.
9. Cook Time Variation:
Depending on your oven and the thickness of your fries, the baking time may vary slightly. Keep an eye on the fries and adjust the time as needed.
10. Enjoy Right Away:
Serve the crispy baked sweet potato fries immediately with your favorite dipping sauces. Freshly baked fries are at their crispiest best.
Remember that oven temperatures can vary, so keep an eye on the fries and adjust the baking time if needed. Additionally, feel free to experiment with different seasonings and herbs to create your favorite crispy sweet potato fry flavors.