If you’re looking for a healthy and delicious alternative to regular french fries, look no further than sweet potato wedge fries. Packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, sweet potatoes are a nutritious choice that still deliver the same satisfying crunch as traditional fries. In this article, we’ll show you how to make crispy, oven-baked sweet potato wedge fries that are sure to become a family favorite.
To start, you’ll need a few simple ingredients: sweet potatoes, olive oil, salt, pepper, and any additional seasonings or spices you like. Sweet potatoes are naturally sweet, but the addition of salt and pepper helps to balance out the flavors and bring out their natural sweetness even more. You can also get creative and experiment with different seasonings, such as paprika, garlic powder, or rosemary, to add an extra kick of flavor.
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. While the oven is heating up, peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into wedges about ½ inch thick. Cutting the potatoes into wedges rather than thin strips will allow them to cook evenly and result in crispy edges.
Next, place the sweet potato wedges in a large bowl and drizzle them with olive oil. Use your hands or a spoon to toss the wedges until they are evenly coated with oil. This will help them get a nice crispy texture in the oven. Season the potatoes with salt, pepper, and any other spices you’re using, and toss again to distribute the seasonings evenly.
Transfer the seasoned sweet potato wedges to the prepared baking sheet, spreading them out in a single layer. This will ensure that they cook evenly and become crispy on all sides. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the fries are golden brown and crispy.
Once they’re done, remove the sweet potato wedge fries from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. This will allow them to firm up and become even more crispy. Serve the fries hot with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ketchup, aioli, or sriracha mayo.
Now that you know how to make sweet potato wedge fries, you can enjoy this healthy and delicious snack anytime. Whether you’re serving them as a side dish, appetizer, or just a comforting snack, these oven-baked fries are sure to be a hit with the whole family. So grab some sweet potatoes and get cooking! Your taste buds will thank you.
Preparation and Ingredients
To make delicious sweet potato wedge fries, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 large sweet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Step 1: Preparing the Sweet Potatoes
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Wash and scrub the sweet potatoes to remove any dirt. Then, cut off the ends and slice them into wedges of your desired thickness.
Step 2: Seasoning the Fries
In a large bowl, combine olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss the sweet potato wedges in the seasoning mixture, making sure they are evenly coated.
Step 3: Baking the Fries
Arrange the seasoned sweet potato wedges on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to leave space between each wedge to allow for even cooking. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes or until the fries are crispy and golden brown.
Once cooked, remove the sweet potato wedge fries from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your homemade sweet potato fries as a tasty side dish or snack!
Choosing the right sweet potatoes
When it comes to making sweet potato wedge fries, choosing the right sweet potatoes is crucial for achieving the perfect flavor and texture. Here are a few tips to help you pick the best sweet potatoes for your fries:
- Look for firm sweet potatoes: Choose sweet potatoes that are firm to the touch and free of any soft spots or blemishes. Firm sweet potatoes will yield fries with a crisp exterior and a creamy interior.
- Choose medium-sized sweet potatoes: Medium-sized sweet potatoes are ideal for making wedge fries as they cook evenly and are easier to cut into uniform wedges.
- Opt for sweet potatoes with vibrant color: Look for sweet potatoes with a vibrant orange or red color. This indicates that they are ripe and sweet, which will add depth of flavor to your fries.
- Consider organic sweet potatoes: If possible, choose organic sweet potatoes that are free from pesticides and other chemicals. Organic sweet potatoes tend to have a more natural and earthy taste.
By following these tips, you can ensure that you choose the best sweet potatoes for your homemade sweet potato wedge fries. The right sweet potatoes will enhance the overall taste and texture, making this beloved side dish a true crowd-pleaser!
Gather the necessary ingredients
Before you can start making delicious sweet potato wedge fries, you will need to gather all the necessary ingredients. Here are the ingredients you will need:
1. Sweet Potatoes
You will need around 2-3 large sweet potatoes to make a batch of sweet potato wedge fries. Look for sweet potatoes that are firm and free of any blemishes.
2. Olive Oil
Olive oil is essential for achieving that crispy exterior on the sweet potato wedges. Make sure you have enough olive oil on hand to coat the potatoes evenly.
3. Salt and Pepper
To season your sweet potato wedge fries, you will need some salt and pepper. Feel free to adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences.
4. Optional Seasonings
If you want to add more flavor to your sweet potato wedge fries, you can consider adding additional seasonings such as garlic powder, paprika, or cayenne pepper.
Once you have gathered all these ingredients, you will be ready to move on to the next step in making your delicious sweet potato wedge fries!
Cutting and Seasoning
To start making sweet potato wedge fries, you’ll need to cut the sweet potatoes into wedges. Start by scrubbing the potatoes under running water to remove any dirt or residue. Then, pat them dry with a clean towel.
Next, using a sharp knife, carefully slice off the ends of each sweet potato. This will provide a stable base for cutting. Stand the potato upright on one of its cut ends and carefully slice it lengthwise in half. Then, lay each half flat on the cutting board and slice it into thick wedges. Aim for wedges that are about 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch thick.
Once all the potatoes are cut into wedges, it’s time to season them. In a large bowl, toss the sweet potato wedges with olive oil to evenly coat them. This will help the fries get crispy in the oven.
Next, add your desired seasonings to the bowl. You can keep it simple with just salt and pepper or get creative with additional spices like garlic powder, paprika, or cayenne pepper. Use about 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper, or adjust to taste. If using additional spices, start with 1/2 teaspoon of each and adjust to your preference.
Once the potatoes are coated in oil and seasonings, gently toss them in the bowl to ensure even distribution. Avoid using too much force as this can break the potatoes.
Now that the sweet potato wedges are cut and seasoned, they are ready to be baked in the oven. Continue following the recipe for baking instructions and enjoy crispy and flavorful sweet potato wedge fries!
Cut the sweet potatoes into wedges
One of the first steps in making sweet potato wedge fries is to cut the sweet potatoes into wedges. Start by washing and drying the sweet potatoes to remove any dirt and debris.
Next, use a sharp knife to carefully slice off both ends of the sweet potatoes. This will create a flat surface on each end, making it easier to cut the potatoes into wedges.
Once the ends are removed, stand the sweet potato upright on one end and slice it in half lengthwise. Then, lay each half flat on the cutting board and slice them lengthwise into wedges, about 1/2 inch thick.
Repeat this process for all of the sweet potatoes. Try to make each wedge as uniform as possible in size. This will ensure that they cook evenly.
Tips for cutting sweet potato wedges:
- Use a sharp knife to make clean cuts. Dull knives can slip and cause accidents.
- Be careful when cutting the sweet potatoes, as they can be quite hard and firm.
- If you prefer thinner or thicker wedges, adjust the thickness of your slices accordingly.
Once you have finished cutting the sweet potatoes into wedges, you are ready to move on to the next step in making delicious sweet potato wedge fries!
Season the wedges with spices
Once the sweet potato wedges are cut into shape, it’s time to season them with a flavorful blend of spices. This step is essential to elevate the taste and add a delicious kick to the fries.
Here’s a simple seasoning mixture that you can use:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Paprika | 1 teaspoon |
| Garlic powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Onion powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Chili powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | 1/4 teaspoon |
In a small bowl, mix all the spices together until well combined. Then, evenly sprinkle the spice mixture over the sweet potato wedges. Use your hands to gently toss and coat the wedges with the spices, making sure each wedge is well seasoned.
Feel free to adjust the spice quantities according to your taste preferences. If you like it spicier, add more chili powder. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of paprika and chili powder. Remember, the seasoning is what gives these fries their unique taste, so don’t be afraid to experiment!
After the wedges are thoroughly seasoned, they are ready to be baked or fried to perfection. Enjoy the crispy and flavorful sweet potato wedge fries with your favorite dipping sauces or as a side dish to complement any meal.
