Baked Cinnamon Sugar Sweet Potato Fries
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Hot, sticky, and sweet – these cinnamon sugar sweet potato fries are an irresistible twist on the classic. They’re baked in the oven instead of fried, which means you get all the caramelized flavor without the hassle (or cleanup) of a deep fryer. I love serving them alongside burgers (especially veggie burgers where the warm spices really shine) but honestly, they’re good enough to eat by the handful on their own.
I’ll admit it: I have a bad habit of frying something in oil and then letting the pan sit on the stove for days because I don’t feel like dealing with the greasy, lingering smell. Not exactly my best kitchen trait. Baking these fries solves that problem completely. No leftover oil, no heavy fried food – just crispy, sweet potato fries dusted in cinnamon sugar! Try them on this loaded burger bowl!
Key Ingredients in This Recipe
- Sweet potato – Sweet potatoes are a nutritious root vegetable with bright orangey flesh. Sweet potatoes have a naturally sweet flavor. As they are roast the sugars slightly caramelize for a delicious side. I cut the sweet potatoes into sticks though they can also be cut into larger spears – thought they may require additional cooking time.
- Cornstarch – A light dusting of cornstarch helps absorb surface moisture and promotes a golden, extra-crispy exterior without deep-frying!
- Cinnamon – A touch of cinnamon adds a warming flavor that naturally complements sweet potato.
- Granulated sugar – The sugar mixed with the cinnamon coats the outside of the fries as they bake.
A full ingredient list with exact amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
Variations on Baked Sweet Potato Fries
Skip the cinnamon sugar (but be sure to still use cornstarch) and season with these flavor combinations instead:
- Classic Savory – Toss with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika for a well-balanced, smoky flavor.
- Spicy Cajun – Use Cajun seasoning or a mix of chili powder, cayenne, paprika, and garlic powder for a kick.
- Parmesan Herb – Sprinkle with grated Parmesan, dried oregano, and parsley right after baking.
- Chili Lime – Toss fries with chili powder, lime zest, and a squeeze of lime juice for a tangy, spicy combo.
- Za’atar Spiced – Toss with za’atar (a Middle Eastern spice blend with sesame seeds, thyme, and sumac) for an herby, nutty flavor.
How to Make Baked Cinnamon Sugar Sweet Potato Fries (Step-by-step)
Preheat oven to 425ºF (220ºC). Cut the sweet potatoes into ¼” x ¼” sticks. Add to a medium mixing bowl, and toss the sweet potatoes with oil until evenly coated.
In a small bowl stir together the cinnamon, sugar and salt. Add the cornstarch and toss to coat followed by the cinnamon sugar mixture, tossing to coat once more.
Spread out the fries in an even layer on a parchment paper lined baking sheet. Season the fries with half of the kosher salt. Bake for 15 minutes then flip the fries over.
Bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, until crispy and lightly browned. Season with the remaining salt and serve.
How to Air Fry Sweet Potato Fries
Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200ºC).Preheating for 3–5 minutes helps them crisp faster. Arrange fries in a single layer in the basket, working in batches if needed (don’t overcrowd). Air fry for 12–15 minutes, turning the fries halfway through so they cook evenly. The fries should be golden, crispy on the outside, and tender inside. If needed, cook 2–3 more minutes for extra crunch.
How to Reheat Sweet Potato Fries
Reheat baked sweet potato fries in the oven or air fryer at 375ºF (190ºC) for a 3-4 minutes to restore crispness (avoid microwaving, which can make them soggy).
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
A light dusting of cornstarch helps absorb surface moisture and promotes a golden, extra-crispy exterior without deep-frying!
Yes! But I prefer fresh cut sweet potatoes because they deliver the best texture and flavor. It’s also the most cost effective because you can get a lot of fries from just a few inexpensive sweet potatoes.
Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet. Spread the fries in a single layer without touching. This allows air to circulate and creates that ideal crispy texture.
Bake at 425°F (220°C). This high temperature helps the exterior caramelize quickly and crisp up before the fries dry out.
Yes! Skip the cinnamon sugar (but be sure to still use cornstarch) and season with salt, garlic powder, paprika, or Cajun seasoning for a savory twist.
Yes! These sweet potato fries are great made in advance. Reheat in the oven or air fryer at 375ºF (190ºC) for a few minutes to restore crispness (avoid microwaving, which can make them soggy).
Other Recipes to Try
If you enjoy this baked sweet potato fry recipe, I recommend checking out some of these:
Thanks for cooking with me! If you made this recipe, leave a 🌟 rating and share your thoughts or tips below. I’d love to hear from you!
Baked Cinnamon Sugar Sweet Potato Fries
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Ingredients:
- 1½ pounds sweet potatoes, rinsed and peeled
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or other neutral oil)
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 425ºF (220ºC). Cut the sweet potatoes into ¼” x ¼” sticks.
- Add to a medium mixing bowl, and toss the sweet potatoes with oil until evenly coated.
- In a small bowl stir together the cinnamon, sugar and salt. Add the cornstarch and toss to coat followed by the cinnamon sugar mixture, tossing to coat once more.
- Spread out the fries in an even layer on a parchment paper lined baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes then flip the fries over.
- Bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, until crispy and lightly browned. Serve hot.
Notes:
Nutrition:
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These were soooo good. No more freezer sweet potato fries – these are way better and so easy!
YAY! Glad they were a hit!
Made these again and forgot how good great are! Everyone’s favorite
YAY! I am so glad they are a hit!!