Step 1: Prepare the sweet potatoes: Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into uniform 1/4 to 1/2-inch thick sticks. Aim for consistency to ensure even cooking and crispy oven baked sweet potato fries.
Step 2: Soak the sweet potatoes: Place the cut sweet potato sticks in a large bowl and cover completely with cold water. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes, or up to 1 hour. This helps to remove excess starch, which is key for making crispy oven baked sweet potato fries.
Step 3: Dry thoroughly: Drain the sweet potatoes very well. Spread them out in a single layer on a clean kitchen towel or several layers of paper towels. Pat them absolutely dry. This step is crucial for achieving crispy oven baked sweet potato fries – moisture is the enemy of crispiness!
Step 4: Preheat oven and prepare baking sheets: While the sweet potatoes are drying, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Season the sweet potatoes: In a large bowl, toss the completely dry sweet potato sticks with the avocado oil until evenly coated. Sprinkle with cornstarch, sea salt, black pepper, and garlic powder (if using). Toss again until every fry is lightly dusted and coated. This blend helps to create truly crispy oven baked sweet potato fries.
Step 6: Arrange on baking sheets: Spread the seasoned sweet potatoes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheets. Make sure there is plenty of space between each fry. Do not overcrowd the pans, as this will steam the fries instead of letting them crisp up. Use two sheets if necessary to ensure maximum crispiness for all your crispy oven baked sweet potato fries.
Step 7: Bake the fries: Bake for 15-20 minutes, then carefully flip each fry with a spatula. Continue baking for another 10-20 minutes, or until the sweet potato fries are deeply golden brown and wonderfully crispy. Cooking time may vary slightly depending on your oven and fry thickness. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning. You want them perfectly crispy oven baked sweet potato fries!
Step 8: Serve immediately: Once golden and crispy, remove the sweet potato fries from the oven. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy your perfectly crispy oven baked sweet potato fries!