Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fry Techniques

Sweet potatoes are known for packing a nutritional punch. With vitamin A, C, potassium, fiber, magnesium and protein, homemade, oven baked sweet potato fries are a healthy alternative to the common French fry. Since they are baked instead of deep fried, you also spare yourself a lot of empty calories without sparing the taste. Don't let the sweetness fool you; sweet potatoes pair well with all kinds of flavors, from spicy to savory, depending on the techniques and seasonings used before putting them in the oven. Here are some techniques to try with sweet potato fries.

Oiling

Before adding flavoring to the sweet potatoes, it's a good idea to apply cooking oil, not only so the spices stick better, but also so that they also cook to a perfect crispiness. There are a couple techniques for limiting oil usage, which also keeps the calories down. Put the potato chunks or strips in a plastic bag, pour a small amount of olive oil in, and mix it around so it coats all. Add more if needed. Another technique is to put the potato chunks into a bowl, pour the oil over them and mix them with your bare hands to lightly coat each chunk.

Skins & Salt

One of the simplest techniques for hearty sweet potato fries also happens to be one of the easiest. Leaving the skins on the potato helps to hold the potato chunks together and also holds in much of the nutrition, which is found in the skin. After cutting the potatoes into chunks or strips, coat with oil and add a good amount of kosher salt or sea salt and pepper. The salt lends a savory taste that is mouthwatering with the potato's sweetness.

Go Even Sweeter

Adding sugar to your sweet potatoes is a great way to bring out their natural sweetness, as the sugar caramelizes slightly in the oven. Try a combination of brown sugar and other complimentary spices, such as cumin, Chinese five spice, dried ginger, cinnamon or nutmeg. Add regular sugar and try these sweet treats for dessert.

Spicy Goes Nicely

Adding hotter spices works well for sweet potatoes, especially when they are paired with other spicy foods, as their natural sweetness combined with hot spices, creates a unique balance. Try Cajun seasoning, Jamaican jerk spices, a very small amount of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.

Tags: potato chunks, potato fries, sweet potato fries, sweet potatoes, chunks strips, natural sweetness