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Smoky Roasted Sweet Potato Fries

These sweet potato fries are roasted until crispy and caramelized, then flavored with smoked paprika for a deep, smoky aroma. The process involves tossing sliced sweet potatoes with a light coating of oil and spices before baking to achieve a tender interior with a crunchy exterior. The final result is a visually appealing, smoky, golden-brown snack or side with a tender inside and crispy edges.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Fusion
Calories: 150

Ingredients
  

  • 2 large sweet potatoes firm, smooth, medium-sized
  • 1-2 tablespoons olive oil good-quality extra virgin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika adds smoky depth
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt flaky sea salt preferred
  • optional cumin or cinnamon for extra warmth
  • 1 lemon lemon juice freshly squeezed, for finishing
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch cornstarch optional, for extra crispiness

Equipment

  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Large bowl
  • Spatula
  • Knife
  • Cutting board

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
  2. Wash and peel the sweet potatoes, then cut them into even sticks about 1/4-inch thick. Keep the slices uniform for even baking.
  3. In a large bowl, toss the sweet potato sticks with olive oil, just enough to lightly coat each piece. If using, sprinkle in the cornstarch and toss again for an extra crispy finish.
  4. Add the smoked paprika, salt, and optional spices like cumin or cinnamon to the bowl. Toss everything together until the fries are evenly coated with the spices and oil, releasing a warm aroma.
  5. Spread the sweet potato sticks in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each piece to ensure they crisp up properly.
  6. Bake for about 20 minutes, then carefully flip the fries with a spatula to promote even browning. Continue baking for another 10-15 minutes, until the edges are golden and crispy, and the smell of smoky paprika fills your kitchen.
  7. Once baked to perfection, remove the fries from the oven. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the hot fries to add brightness and enhance the smoky flavors.
  8. Sprinkle with additional flaky sea salt if desired, then let the fries rest for 2-3 minutes to firm up.
  9. Serve the smoky roasted sweet potato fries hot, garnished with fresh herbs if you like. Enjoy their crispy edges and tender insides with a deep, caramelized, smoky flavor in every bite!