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Caramelized Baked Sweet Potato Fries

These sweet potato fries are baked at high heat until deeply caramelized, developing a smoky, complex flavor with crispy edges and tender insides. The process involves slow roasting with minimal oil, allowing the natural sweetness to intensify and creating a rich, flavorful snack that looks rustic and inviting.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 150
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

  • 2 large sweet potatoes firm, deep orange, smooth-skinned
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil light drizzle, just enough to coat
  • 1 pinch flaky sea salt for finishing and flavor
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika adds smoky warmth

Equipment

  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Spatula
  • Knife and cutting board

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 220°C (430°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Peel the sweet potatoes if desired, then slice them into even sticks about 1/4 inch thick. Aim for uniform pieces for even baking and caramelization.
  3. Place the sliced sweet potatoes into a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with a teaspoon of olive oil and toss gently to coat all the pieces evenly. This helps with crisping and enhances flavor.
  4. Add a pinch of flaky sea salt and a quarter teaspoon of smoked paprika to the bowl. Toss again to distribute the spices evenly over all the fries.
  5. Spread the fries out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure they aren’t crowded—airflow is key for even caramelization and crisp edges.
  6. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes. After 10 minutes, flip the fries using a spatula to ensure they brown evenly and develop those beautiful caramelized edges.
  7. Check the fries at the 20-minute mark: they should be deeply golden with crispy, slightly charred edges and a rich, smoky aroma. If needed, bake for an additional 3-5 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
  8. Remove the fries from the oven and let them rest for 2 minutes. During this time, they will crisp up further and the flavors will deepen.
  9. Sprinkle a little more flaky sea salt over the fries for an extra burst of flavor. Serve immediately while hot, allowing the smoky, caramelized aroma to fill the air.