Best Oven-Baked Crispy Sweet Potato Fries with Parmesan and Rosemary

How to Make Best Oven-Baked Crispy Sweet Potato Fries with Parmesan and Rosemary

1. 1

   Step 1: Cut and soak the sweet potatoes

   Peel (optional) and cut the sweet potatoes into uniform sticks about 1/4–1/2 inch thick so they cook evenly. Place the cut fries in a large bowl of cold water and soak for 20–30 minutes to remove excess starch, which helps them crisp in the oven.

   For this step

   • 1 1/2 lbSweet potatoes (medium)
   
2. 2

   Step 2: Dry and coat with cornstarch, oil and seasonings

   Drain the fries and pat them completely dry with clean kitchen towels or paper towels; any residual moisture will steam them. Transfer to a large bowl, toss with cornstarch until evenly coated, then add olive oil, kosher salt, black pepper and garlic powder and mix until every piece is lightly and evenly coated.

   For this step

   • 2 tbspCornstarch
   • 2 tbspExtra-virgin olive oil
   • 1 1/2 tspKosher salt
   • 1/2 tspFreshly ground black pepper
   • 3/4 tspGarlic powder
   
3. 3

   Step 3: Preheat oven and arrange on the baking sheet

   Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and position a rack in the upper-middle third of the oven (use convection if available). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment or a silicone mat and spread the fries in a single layer with space between pieces — crowding will cause steaming and soggy fries.
4. 4

   Step 4: Bake until golden and flip once

   Bake for 12–15 minutes, then use a thin spatula to flip the fries so the other sides can crisp, rotating the pan if needed for even browning. Continue baking another 10–15 minutes until edges are deeply golden and crisp; if some pieces need extra color, finish 1–2 minutes under the broiler while watching closely.
   
5. 5

   Step 5: Add Parmesan and rosemary near the end

   When the fries are mostly crisp (about 2–3 minutes before done), remove the sheet and evenly sprinkle the grated Parmesan and chopped rosemary over the fries. Return to the oven just long enough for the cheese to melt and adhere (1–3 minutes); avoid baking longer to prevent burnt cheese or dried rosemary.

   For this step

   • 1/3 cupFreshly grated Parmesan
   • 1 tbspFresh rosemary, finely chopped
   
6. 6

   Step 6: Finish, season to taste and serve immediately

   Transfer the fries to a warm platter and taste for seasoning, adding a quick pinch of salt if needed; toss gently to distribute the melted Parmesan and rosemary. Serve immediately so they stay crisp, paired with your favorite dip or a squeeze of lemon if desired.
   

1. Peel (optional) and cut the sweet potatoes into uniform sticks about 1/4–1/2 inch thick so they cook evenly. Place the cut fries in a large bowl of cold water and soak for 20–30 minutes to remove excess starch, which helps them crisp in the oven.
2. Drain the fries and pat them completely dry with clean kitchen towels or paper towels; any residual moisture will steam them. Transfer to a large bowl, toss with cornstarch until evenly coated, then add olive oil, kosher salt, black pepper and garlic powder and mix until every piece is lightly and evenly coated.
3. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and position a rack in the upper-middle third of the oven (use convection if available). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment or a silicone mat and spread the fries in a single layer with space between pieces — crowding will cause steaming and soggy fries.
4. Bake for 12–15 minutes, then use a thin spatula to flip the fries so the other sides can crisp, rotating the pan if needed for even browning. Continue baking another 10–15 minutes until edges are deeply golden and crisp; if some pieces need extra color, finish 1–2 minutes under the broiler while watching closely.
5. When the fries are mostly crisp (about 2–3 minutes before done), remove the sheet and evenly sprinkle the grated Parmesan and chopped rosemary over the fries. Return to the oven just long enough for the cheese to melt and adhere (1–3 minutes); avoid baking longer to prevent burnt cheese or dried rosemary.
6. Transfer the fries to a warm platter and taste for seasoning, adding a quick pinch of salt if needed; toss gently to distribute the melted Parmesan and rosemary. Serve immediately so they stay crisp, paired with your favorite dip or a squeeze of lemon if desired.