These crispy sweet potato fries with a creamy, tangy honey mustard sauce are a game-changer! Forget soggy fries – my easy method guarantees a perfect crunch every time, and that dipping sauce is simply addictive. You’ll love how simple it is to make this elevated side dish or snack right in your own kitchen.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Sweet Potatoes: Look for firm, medium-sized sweet potatoes.
- Cornstarch: This is the secret to extra crispy sweet potato fries! You can use arrowroot powder as a substitute.
- Honey: Pure honey for sweetness in the sauce. Maple syrup works too.
- Dijon Mustard: Adds a sharp, tangy kick. Yellow mustard can be used in a pinch, but Dijon is preferred.
- Mayonnaise: Forms the creamy base of the sauce. For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt.
Ingredients:
For the Sweet Potato Fries:
* 2 medium sweet potatoes (about 1.5 lbs)
* 1 tablespoon cornstarch
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Honey Mustard Sauce:
* 1/4 cup mayonnaise
* 2 tablespoons honey
* 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
* 1 teaspoon white vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
* Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories per serving: Approximately 280 calories
- Tools Needed: Large baking sheet, parchment paper, large mixing bowl, small bowl, whisk
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Sweet Potatoes
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Peel your sweet potatoes and then slice them into evenly sized sticks, about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. This ensures they cook at the same rate.
2. Coat the Sweet Potato Fries
In a large mixing bowl, toss the sweet potato sticks with cornstarch until they are lightly coated. This step is crucial for crispiness! Next, drizzle with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss well until every sweet potato fry is evenly seasoned.
3. Arrange and Bake the Fries
Spread the seasoned sweet potato fries in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Make sure they are not overcrowded, as this will steam them instead of making them crispy. Bake for 15 minutes, then flip them over and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
4. Make the Honey Mustard Sauce
While the sweet potato fries are baking, prepare your delicious honey mustard sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, honey, Dijon mustard, white vinegar, and a pinch of salt until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
5. Serve and Enjoy!
Once the sweet potato fries are perfectly crispy, remove them from the oven. Let them cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet – they’ll get even crispier as they cool. Serve immediately with your homemade honey mustard sauce for dipping.
Storage Instructions:
Store leftover sweet potato fries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For best results, reheat them in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes or in the oven at 375°F (190°C) until crispy again. Store the honey mustard sauce separately in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
-
Why are my sweet potato fries not crispy?
Make sure you coat them with cornstarch, don’t overcrowd the baking sheet, and use high heat. Flipping them halfway also helps. -
Can I make these in an air fryer?
Yes! Air frying sweet potato fries works wonderfully. Toss with cornstarch and seasoning, then air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes. -
What can I serve with sweet potato fries?
They’re a great side for burgers, sandwiches, grilled chicken, or even as a standalone snack. -
Can I prepare the sweet potatoes ahead of time?
You can cut the sweet potatoes a few hours in advance and store them in a bowl of cold water in the fridge. Drain and pat very dry before tossing with cornstarch and seasoning. -
Is this recipe healthy?
Sweet potatoes are packed with vitamins and fiber. Baking them instead of deep-frying makes these sweet potato fries a healthier alternative. -
How can I make the honey mustard spicier?
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the honey mustard for a little heat.