I love using sweet potatoes as side for many of my meals. Try this healthier version of regular french fries that are baked, not fried, and always turn out extra crispy! There are two different versions I’ve tried, both are good–it just depends on if you’re in the mood for spicy!
Recipe adapted from Simply Scratch
Ingredients:
2 medium sweet potatoes (about the size of your hand), scrubbed and peeled
2 tablespoons olive oil
For Regular Fries:
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 2tbsp parsley
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp Paprika
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
For Spicy Fries
½ tablespoon chili powder
½ tablespoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon ground onion powder
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ to ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Directions:
Cut the sweet potato into 1/4 inch thick fries. Let them soak in a bowl of ice water for about an hour (sometimes in a pinch I’ve done 30 min). DO NOT SKIP THE SOAKING! I made the mistake of skipping the soak once and my fries turned out horrible! The soaking is the secret weapon behind making sure your fries turn out nice and crispy!
Preheat your oven to 425 degrees and spray a foil lined cooking sheet with cooking oil.
In a bowl FOR SPICY FRIES: combine the chili powder, cumin, onion powder, garlic powder and cayenne. FOR REGULAR FRIES: combine the garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper. Set the bowl off to the side.
Remove fries from the water & pat dry. I then put the fries in a large Ziploc type bag or a large bowl and add the seasoning and 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil. Toss the fries in the oil and seasoning until well coated.
Place the seasoned sweet potato fries on the foil lined pan(s) and pop them into the oven for 15 minutes. Once the fries start to brown flip & rotate pans and continue to bake for 5-10 minutes more. Depending on how thin or thick you cut the sweet potatoes and the heat of your oven will depend on if they’ll need any more time in the oven. If the sweet potatoes stick, let them cool slightly before flipping. Keep a close eye on sweet potato fries as they always want to burn when you aren’t looking.
If you’re making the regular fries,as soon as the fries are out of the oven, I put them in a bowl and mix in the Parmesan cheese and parsley. Stir to coat well.
These fries are delicious and are a great way to curb any cravings for those greasy french fries!
Crystal Allred Fitness 