Crispy Outside, Sweet Inside! Super Simple Sweet Potato Fries
Easy Homemade Sweet Potato Fries: Better Than French Fries!
There’s nothing quite like sweet potatoes for a cozy winter snack! These homemade sweet potato fries are incredibly easy to make and offer a delightful contrast of crispy exterior and sweet, fluffy interior. This recipe uses minimal ingredients and simple steps, making it a perfect activity to do with kids. We’ll use beautiful, yellow-fleshed sweet potatoes, perhaps from a local farm, to create fries that are wonderfully crisp and deliciously sweet. Forget those store-bought fries; these are a healthier, more satisfying treat that celebrates the natural flavor of sweet potatoes.
Main Ingredients- Sweet potato (1-2 medium-sized)
- Vegetable oil (for frying, generous amount)
- Salt (for seasoning)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Wash and Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: First, thoroughly wash the sweet potatoes under running water to remove any dirt or debris. The skin is nutritious, so it’s great to leave it on if well-cleaned. If the skin is thick, you can gently peel it.
Step 2
Slice the Sweet Potatoes: Cut the washed sweet potatoes into bite-sized pieces or your desired shape. Common shapes for frying include rounds about 0.5-1 cm thick or sticks. Thinner slices will be crispier, while thicker ones will yield a softer interior. Be careful when slicing to avoid cuts, using a stable knife if needed.
Step 3
Season Lightly: Sprinkle the sliced sweet potatoes lightly with salt (or seasoned salt). Be careful not to add too much, as it can become too salty. A light dusting enhances the natural sweetness of the potato and adds flavor when fried.
Step 4
Preheat the Oil: Pour a generous amount of vegetable oil into a deep pot or high-sided pan, enough to submerge the sweet potato pieces. Heat the oil over medium-low heat. The ideal frying temperature is around 170°C (340°F). You can test the temperature by inserting a wooden chopstick; if small bubbles gently rise around it, the oil is ready.
Step 5
Fry the Sweet Potatoes: Carefully add the seasoned sweet potato slices to the preheated oil. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this will lower the oil temperature and make the fries soggy. Fry in batches if necessary. Maintain medium-low heat and fry for about 5 minutes. Then, gently flip the sweet potatoes to ensure even cooking on all sides. They are done when they are easily pierced with a fork.
Step 6
Fry Until Golden Brown: Continue frying until the sweet potato fries turn a beautiful, golden-brown color. It’s important to cook them through while achieving a crispy exterior. Keep an eye on the heat to prevent burning.
Step 7
Drain the Excess Oil: Once golden and crispy, remove the sweet potato fries from the oil using a slotted spoon or spider strainer and let them drain briefly. Then, place them on a plate lined with kitchen towels to absorb any remaining oil. This step is crucial for maintaining crispiness and preventing greasiness.
Step 8
Serve and Enjoy: These fries are best enjoyed immediately while warm! You’ll have perfectly crispy, sweet, and tender sweet potato fries. They are delicious on their own, but feel free to serve them with ketchup or your favorite dipping sauce. It’s a simple yet incredibly satisfying treat!
