Sweet Potato Fries Kids Actually Eat

ByJamie

These oven-baked sweet potato fries offer the perfect balance of natural sweetness and satisfying crispiness. The key is proper technique to achieve restaurant-quality results that even french fry-loving kids will choose over regular fries.

Ingredients

  • 3 large sweet potatoes (about 2 lbs)
  • 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional, for mild color)
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
  • Pinch of black pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Prep for Perfect Fries Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Wash and scrub sweet potatoes thoroughly – you can peel them or leave skins on based on your family’s preference.

Step 2: Cut for Even Cooking Cut sweet potatoes into uniform sticks about 1/2 inch thick. Try to keep them similar in size so they cook evenly. Soak cut fries in cold water for 30 minutes to remove excess starch – this helps them get crispier!

Step 3: Season Simply Pat fries completely dry with paper towels. Toss with olive oil until evenly coated. Sprinkle with salt and optional seasonings, tossing to distribute evenly.

Step 4: Arrange for Maximum Crispiness Spread fries in a single layer on the baking sheet, making sure they don’t touch each other. Overcrowding leads to steaming instead of crisping.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping once halfway through. Fries are done when they’re golden brown and crispy on the outside but tender inside.

Pro Tips for Picky Eater Success

  • Keep Seasonings Mild: Salt alone might be best for sensitive palates
  • Consistent Size: Uniform cuts ensure even cooking and prevent some being burnt while others are undercooked
  • Don’t Skip the Soak: This step significantly improves crispiness
  • Serve Immediately: Sweet potato fries are best enjoyed hot and fresh

Dipping Sauce Options

Kid-Friendly Favorites:

  • Ketchup (the classic choice)
  • Ranch dressing
  • Honey mustard
  • Barbecue sauce

Slightly Adventurous:

  • Maple syrup for extra sweetness
  • Cinnamon sugar mix (make it dessert-like!)

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If fries aren’t crispy enough:

  • Increase oven temperature to 450°F
  • Make sure fries are completely dry before seasoning
  • Don’t overcrowd the pan

If fries burn easily:

  • Cut them slightly thicker
  • Reduce oven temperature to 400°F and cook longer

Nutritional Benefits

Sweet potatoes are packed with vitamin A, fiber, and potassium. They provide natural sweetness that satisfies without added sugars, and the orange color comes from beneficial beta-carotene.

Storage and Reheating

While best fresh, leftover fries can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Reheat in a 400°F oven for 5-8 minutes to restore crispiness – never microwave as they’ll become soggy.

Make-Ahead Tips

Cut sweet potatoes can be stored in water in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. You can also freeze cut, blanched sweet potato fries for up to 3 months.

Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 30 minutes soaking)
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Serves: 4-6

These sweet potato fries prove that healthier options can be just as satisfying as traditional favorites. When kids request these over regular fries, you know you’ve found a winner!

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