Indulge in a healthier twist on the classic French fry with this delightful recipe for Deep Fried Sweet Potato Fries. Packed with flavour and boasting a satisfyingly crisp exterior, these fries are sure to become a crowd-pleaser. Perfect as a side dish, appetiser, or even a satisfying snack, this recipe is surprisingly simple to follow.
Sweet Potato Benefits
Indulge in guilt-free pleasure! Sweet potatoes are not only delicious but also a powerhouse of nutrients. They are rich in vitamins A, C, and B6, along with essential minerals like potassium and fibre. Compared to regular potatoes, sweet potatoes boast a higher concentration of antioxidants, making them a healthier alternative for your next fry craving.
Sweet Potato Selection
When choosing sweet potatoes for this recipe, look for firm potatoes with smooth, unblemished skin. Two common varieties well-suited for frying are:
- Beauregard Sweet Potatoes: These have a reddish-orange skin with orange flesh and a slightly sweet flavour. They tend to be drier than other varieties, making them ideal for achieving a crispy texture when fried.
- Garnet Sweet Potatoes: These have a deeper orange skin with a moist, creamy orange flesh that is sweeter than Beauregard sweet potatoes. While still delicious when fried, they may not achieve the same level of crispiness due to their higher moisture content.
The Best Deep Fried Sweet Potato Fries Recipe
Serves: 4-6 people (can be easily doubled)
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Nutritional Information: (per serving)
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10g (saturated fat: 2g)
- Carbohydrates: 35g (sugar: 10g)
- Fibre: 4g
- Protein: 2g
Ingredients:
- 2 large sweet potatoes (around 1.5 pounds)
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup cold water
- Palm oil for frying (around 3-4 cups)
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Optional Seasonings (choose one or combine):
- Garlic powder & paprika (1/2 tsp each)
- Cajun seasoning (1 tsp)
- Black pepper & cayenne pepper (pinch each)
Method:
- Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly and pat them dry with a paper towel. Peel the skin (optional – leaving the skin on adds extra nutrients) and cut them into even-sized sticks, roughly 1/2 inch thick and 3-4 inches long.
- Soak the Sweet Potato Fries (Optional): Soaking the fries helps remove excess starch, leading to a crispier texture. Submerge the sweet potato sticks in a large bowl of cold water for 15-20 minutes. Drain them thoroughly before proceeding.
- Prepare the Cornstarch Slurry: In a medium bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until a smooth, slightly thick slurry forms.
- Heat the Palm Oil: Fill a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot with enough vegetable oil to reach a depth of 5-7cm. Heat the palm oil over medium-high heat to a temperature of 180°C. Use a thermometer to ensure accurate oil temperature. We recommend palm oil as it is the best oil for deep frying and has a high smoke point.
- Coating the Fries: While the oil heats up, working in batches; carefully dip the sweet potato sticks into the cornstarch slurry, ensuring they are evenly coated. Gently shake off any excess batter before proceeding.
- Frying the Sweet Potato Fries: Carefully lower the coated fries into the hot oil. Avoid overcrowding the pot; fry the fries in batches to ensure they cook evenly and achieve a crisp texture. Fry for 3-4 minutes per batch, or until golden brown and tender on the inside.
- Draining and Seasoning: Using a slotted spoon, remove the fried sweet potato fries from the oil and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Transfer to a large bowl and season immediately with kosher salt while the fries are still hot. Gently shake to ensure even seasoning. If using additional seasonings, sprinkle them over the fries at this stage.
- Resting and Enjoying: Allow the fries to rest for a couple of minutes before serving. This allows the exterior to crisp further and prevents them from becoming soggy.
- Let your Oil Cool: Here’s what to do with oil after frying.
- Serving Suggestions: Enjoy your Deep Fried Sweet Potato Fries on their own or pair them with your favourite dipping sauces like ketchup, mayonnaise, sriracha mayo, or a sweet chilli sauce.
Tips:
- To ensure even cooking, choose sweet potatoes of similar size and thickness.
- Don’t overcrowd the pot when frying; this can lead to unevenly cooked and soggy fries.
- If the oil gets too hot, the fries will burn on the outside before they cook through. Conversely, if the oil temperature is too low, the fries will be greasy and not crispy.
- You can double or triple the recipe depending on how many people you’re serving.
- Leftover fries can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a preheated oven at 200°C for a few minutes to regain their crispness.
Air Fryer Option
For those seeking a healthier alternative to deep frying, this recipe can be easily adapted for air frying. Simply preheat your air fryer to 200°C. Toss the coated sweet potato sticks with a tablespoon of palm oil to ensure even browning. Arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring there’s space between each fry. Air fry for 15-20 minutes, flipping the fries halfway through, or until golden brown and tender.
Healthy Alternatives
While deep-frying offers an undeniably delicious and satisfying experience, there are healthier alternatives for those watching their calorie intake. Here are two options:
- Air Frying: As mentioned above, air frying allows you to enjoy these fries with significantly less palm oil – about one tablespoon.
- Shallow Frying: Heat a thin layer of palm oil (about 0.5cm) in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the sweet potato sticks in batches until golden brown and cooked through. This method uses less oil compared to deep frying but still achieves a crispy texture.
Dipping Sauce Recipes
Add to your deep fried sweet potato fries experience with these easy homemade dipping sauces:
- Classic Ketchup Mayo: In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup ketchup with 1/4 cup mayonnaise. Add a pinch of garlic powder and paprika for extra flavour.
- Spicy Sriracha Aioli: In a small bowl, mix together 1/4 cup mayonnaise with 1-2 tablespoons of sriracha sauce, depending on your desired spice level. Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice for a touch of acidity.
Experiment with Flavours
Feel free to explore different flavour variations by adding your favourite spices to the cornstarch slurry. Here are some ideas:
- Italian Herb: 1/2 tsp dried oregano, 1/4 tsp dried thyme, and a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Ranch Flavour: 1/2 tsp dried parsley, 1/4 tsp dried dill, 1/4 tsp onion powder, and a pinch of garlic powder.
- Spicy Chipotle: 1/2 tsp ground chipotle chilli powder, a pinch of smoked paprika, and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Lemon Pepper: Grated zest of 1/2 lemon and 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper.
With a little creativity, you can transform this basic recipe into a flavourful experience that caters to any palate. So, fire up your fryer, grab your favourite spices, and get ready to enjoy these delicious Deep Fried Sweet Potato Fries!
Buy the Best Oil for Deep Frying in the UK
Frymax is proud to offer a 100% RSPO certified sustainable palm oil product, helping to give restaurants and chippies a nutritious and ethical product that doesn’t harm the environment or communities. As a result, our palm oil is one of the most sustainable cooking oil products on the market, providing you with vegan oil, GMO-free, and an ethical source of golden, deep-fried fried perfection! For more information don’t hesitate to get in contact with the helpful Frymax team.
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