Crispy Cajun Sweet Potato Fries

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 4
★★★★★
Be the First to Review!

These Crispy Cajun Sweet Potato Fries are the perfect combination of sweet, spicy, and savory. With a delightful crunch and a kick of Cajun seasoning, they’re sure to be a hit at any meal. Whether you're serving them as a side or a snack, they're bound to be the star of the show.

Ingredients for Crispy Cajun Sweet Potato Fries

Sweet potatoes are the star of this dish, offering natural sweetness and a great source of fiber. Olive oil helps the fries crisp up in the oven, adding a touch of richness. The smoked paprika provides a smoky depth, while garlic powder and onion powder add savory notes. Cayenne pepper gives the fries a spicy kick, balanced by sea salt and black pepper for flavor. Lastly, cornstarch is the secret to achieving that irresistible crispiness.

Tips & Tricks

  • Ensure the fries are evenly cut; this helps them cook at the same rate.
  • Don’t skip the cornstarch; it’s key to getting that crispy exterior.
  • If you prefer a milder spice, reduce the cayenne pepper slightly.
  • Use a convection setting if your oven has one for extra crispiness.

Serving Suggestions

These Cajun Sweet Potato Fries are perfect on their own but even better paired with a creamy dip like garlic aioli or a cool yogurt-based sauce to balance the spice. For a heartier meal, serve them alongside grilled chicken or a juicy burger.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these ahead of time?
While they’re best fresh, you can partially bake them and then finish them off just before serving.
What if I don’t have cornstarch?
You can use arrowroot powder as a substitute, although cornstarch tends to give the best results.
Can I use regular potatoes instead?
Absolutely! The method works well for regular potatoes, though the flavor profile will be different.

Crispy Cajun Sweet Potato Fries Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This ensures your fries will cook evenly and get that delicious crispiness. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

Next, peel the sweet potatoes. If you like a little extra texture, you can leave the skin on, but peeling them gives a smoother finish. Cut them into 1/4 inch thick fries. Try to be consistent with the size so they cook evenly.

In a large bowl, toss the sweet potato fries with olive oil. This helps the seasoning stick and promotes even browning.

In a separate small bowl, mix together the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, sea salt, and black pepper. This blend brings all the flavor, so don’t skip it!

Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the fries and toss until they’re evenly coated. You want every fry to have a good amount of spice.

Now, sprinkle the cornstarch over the fries and toss again. The cornstarch is crucial for that crispy texture, so make sure it’s distributed well.

Spread the fries out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Overcrowding will make them steam instead of crisp, so use two baking sheets if needed.

Bake them in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Flip the fries halfway through to ensure even cooking and browning. They’re done when they’re crispy and golden brown.

Once out of the oven, let them cool slightly before serving. This brief rest helps them firm up a bit more.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Perfectly crispy on the outside, tender on the inside.
  • Packed with flavor thanks to a bold Cajun spice mix.
  • Easy to make with simple ingredients you probably already have.
  • A healthier alternative to regular fries, baked instead of fried.

Ingredients

2 large sweet potatoes
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp cornstarch

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into 1/4 inch thick fries.
3. In a large bowl, toss the sweet potato fries with olive oil until evenly coated.
4. In a separate small bowl, mix together the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, sea salt, and black pepper.
5. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the fries and toss until they are evenly coated.
6. Sprinkle the cornstarch over the fries and toss again to ensure an even coating.
7. Spread the fries out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the fries are crispy and golden brown.
9. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Ratings and Comments

Thank you for your rating!