Oven-“Fried” Sweet Potato Fries with Parmesan & Herbs

Enjoy the crispy texture and flavor of fried sweet potatoes but baked in the oven! Thanks to a bit of starch, these fries get a fine, crunchy crust similar to tempura. Perfect alongside a juicy burger or as a tasty snack.

⏰ Prep & Cook Time: ~30 minutes

🍽️ Servings: 2
🔥 Calories: Approx. 590 cal (with 2 sweet potatoes and parmesan)

Ingredients

1–2 sweet potatoes (about 200–250 g each)
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp cold water
15 g starch (about 4 tsp)
Salt, to taste

For Serving

1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
Freshly ground black pepper
2 sprigs parsley, chopped
A few basil leaves

Instructions

Peel sweet potatoes and cut into sticks (like classic fries).
Bring salted water to a boil. Add sweet potato sticks, wait for the water to boil again (about 2 minutes), then cook for 3 more minutes.
Drain the potatoes well and let them cool slightly.
In a wide bowl, mix cold water, olive oil, starch, and a pinch of salt until you get a smooth white sauce.
Toss the sweet potatoes in this mixture until well coated.
Arrange the fries in a single layer on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Make sure they are not crowded (only about 2 medium sweet potatoes per tray).
Bake at 220°C (428°F) for 15–20 minutes until golden and crispy in spots. Thicker fries may need 25–30 minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
Remove from oven, transfer to a plate. Mix grated Parmesan with plenty of freshly ground black pepper and sprinkle over fries. Garnish with chopped parsley and basil. Serve immediately.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Serve these crispy sweet potato fries with a juicy burger, grilled chicken, or as a flavorful snack with a dip of your choice like garlic mayo or spicy ketchup.

📝 Final Thoughts

Using a starch coating is a clever trick to get that irresistible crunch from oven-baked sweet potatoes without deep-frying. The Parmesan and fresh herbs elevate this simple snack into a gourmet treat. Perfect for healthy indulgence!