Half-Inch Sweet Potato Fries
Crispy baked sweet potatoes cut into uniform half-inch sticks, seasoned with paprika and garlic for a perfectly golden finish. This american-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 40 minutes pairs large (1.5 lbs), peeled sweet potatoes, olive oil, paprika for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 120 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 large (1.5 lbs), peeled sweet potatoes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2: Cut 2 peeled sweet potatoes into 1/2-inch thick sticks.
- Step 3: Toss sticks with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp paprika, 1/4 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp kosher salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper until evenly coated.
- Step 4: Arrange sticks in a single layer on the baking sheet without overlapping.
- Step 5: Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping once halfway, until golden brown and crisp at the edges.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Half-Inch Sweet Potato Fries take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Half-Inch Sweet Potato Fries?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Half-Inch Sweet Potato Fries?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Half-Inch Sweet Potato Fries for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Half-Inch Sweet Potato Fries vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
The spice rub on these fries is amazing. They're crispy on the outside and tender inside.
- ★★★★★
My family loves these! They're a healthier alternative to regular fries and just as tasty.
- ★★★★★
So simple and delicious. I'll be making these every weekend now!
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