Cajun Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries

Published: Jan 15, 2025 by Ashley Boyd · This post may contain affiliate links

These Cajun oven-baked sweet potato fries are an easy-to-make side dish that the whole family will love. Even your pickiest eater will devour these crispy, lightened-up fries!

If you avoid indulging in french fries because they’re not the healthiest option, these crispy oven-baked sweet potato fries will change your life! They crisp up nicely in the oven and are seasoned with a flavorful Cajun seasoning that’s not overly spicy.

For more easy side dish recipes, try our fried potatoes with smoked sausage or hot honey butter skillet corn.

Important Ingredient and Substitution Notes

The detailed ingredient list with measurements is in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

• Sweet potatoes. Two large sweet potatoes are scrubbed clean and sliced into evenly sized matchsticks. Whether you peel them or not is totally up to you. Sweet potato lovers, try our southern candied yams next!
• Coconut oil. Melted coconut oil helps the fries crisp up nicely and adds a delicious subtle coconut flavor that pairs well with the sweet potatoes. You can also use olive oil or avocado oil.
• Homemade Cajun seasoning. Keep a batch of this simple homemade spice mix on hand and add it to everything! It takes these sweet potato fries over the top without making them too spicy. You can also use store-bought Cajun seasoning but may need to adjust the amount. If you’re sensitive to spice, reduce or omit the cayenne.
• Granulated sugar. This ingredient is totally optional but a small amount really brings out the sweetness of the potatoes.

How to Make This Recipe

Step 1. Scrub the sweet potatoes clean and slice them into ¼-inch matchsticks. Transfer them to a bowl and add the melted coconut oil and Cajun seasoning. Toss the fries to coat evenly.

Step 2. Divide the fries among two baking sheets and arrange them in a single layer. Bake the fries for 15 minutes at 425°F, carefully flip or toss them, then bake another 10 to 15 minutes until crispy.

Variations

You can switch up this recipe several different ways. Try some of these tasty variations if you’re feeling adventurous:

• Instead of sweet potatoes, try this recipe with russet potatoes, parsnips, beets, carrots, or jicama!
• Season these sweet potato fries with garlic, lemon pepper, Greek seasoning, or any of your favorite seasoning blends.
• Drizzle these fries with melted butter combined with fresh chopped herbs like rosemary, parsley, or thyme.
• Add a tasty dipping sauce Mississippi comeback sauce, New Orleans remoulade sauce, or fry sauce.

Tips For the Best Oven Baked Fries

• Slice the potatoes as evenly as possible to avoid soggy or burnt fries.
• Want extra crispy fries? Try tossing the fries in 2 tablespoons of cornstarch before adding the oil and seasoning.
• Do not overcrowd your pan to avoid soggy fries. Divide the fries among two baking sheets so the fries have plenty of room to crisp up.

What Is the Best Way to Slice Sweet Potato Fries?

The easiest way to hand-cut sweet potato fries is to cut the ends off the potato and rest it on its side on a sturdy cutting board. Slice the potato into ¼ inch slabs lengthwise, then slice each slab into matchsticks. As you’re working, you will need to turn the potato to the flattest side to maintain stability.

Make-Ahead and Storing Instructions

If you want to slice your potatoes a day or two in advance, store them by covering them with cold water in an airtight container. Pat the potatoes dry before proceeding with the recipe.

Leftover sweet potato fries can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. Reheat the fries in the oven for the crispiest texture or reheat them in the microwave.

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📖 Recipe

Cajun Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries

Ashley Boyd

These Cajun oven-baked sweet potato fries are an easy-to-make side dish that the whole family will love. Even your pickiest eater will devour these crispy, lightened-up fries!