Sweet potato French fries have become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason. They offer a delicious and healthier alternative to regular French fries, with a sweeter and nuttier flavor. However, cooking sweet potato French fries can be a bit tricky, as they require a specific technique to achieve the perfect crispiness. In this article, we will guide you through the process of cooking sweet potato French fries, from selecting the right sweet potatoes to achieving the perfect crispiness.
Choosing the Right Sweet Potatoes
The first step in cooking sweet potato French fries is to choose the right sweet potatoes. Not all sweet potatoes are created equal, and some varieties are better suited for French fries than others. Look for sweet potatoes that are high in starch, as these will yield a crisper exterior and a fluffier interior. Some popular varieties of sweet potatoes for French fries include:
- Jewel sweet potatoes: These sweet potatoes have a high starch content and a sweet, nutty flavor.
- Beauregard sweet potatoes: These sweet potatoes have a slightly sweet flavor and a firm, waxy texture.
- Covington sweet potatoes: These sweet potatoes have a sweet, slightly nutty flavor and a high starch content.
What to Avoid
When choosing sweet potatoes for French fries, there are a few things to avoid. First, avoid sweet potatoes that are too small or too large. Sweet potatoes that are too small may not yield enough French fries, while sweet potatoes that are too large may be too difficult to cut into thin strips. Additionally, avoid sweet potatoes that are too soft or too hard. Sweet potatoes that are too soft may not hold their shape well when cooked, while sweet potatoes that are too hard may be too difficult to cut.
Preparing the Sweet Potatoes
Once you have chosen the right sweet potatoes, it’s time to prepare them for cooking. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to prepare sweet potatoes for French fries:
Washing and Peeling
Start by washing the sweet potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris. Then, peel the sweet potatoes using a vegetable peeler or a sharp knife. Be sure to remove any eyes or blemishes, as these can affect the texture and flavor of the French fries.
Cutting
Next, cut the sweet potatoes into long, thin strips. You can either cut them by hand or use a French fry cutter. If you’re cutting them by hand, try to make the strips as uniform as possible so that they cook evenly. If you’re using a French fry cutter, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the best results.
Soaking
To remove excess starch and help the French fries cook more evenly, soak the cut sweet potatoes in cold water for at least 30 minutes. After soaking, drain the sweet potatoes and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
Cooking the Sweet Potato French Fries
Now that the sweet potatoes are prepared, it’s time to cook them. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to cook sweet potato French fries:
Heat the Oil
Heat a large pot or deep fryer filled with at least 2-3 inches of oil to around 350°F. You can use any type of oil you like, but peanut oil or avocado oil work well for sweet potato French fries.
Double Frying
To achieve the perfect crispiness, it’s best to double fry the sweet potato French fries. Double frying involves frying the French fries twice, once at a lower temperature to cook them through, and again at a higher temperature to crisp them up.
- First Fry: Fry the sweet potato French fries in batches at around 325°F for 3-4 minutes, or until they are cooked through but not yet crispy. Remove the French fries from the oil with a slotted spoon and let them cool on a paper towel-lined plate.
- Second Fry: Increase the oil temperature to around 375°F. Fry the sweet potato French fries in batches again for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until they are crispy and golden brown.
Draining and Seasoning
After the second fry, remove the sweet potato French fries from the oil with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Sprinkle the French fries with salt and any other seasonings you like, such as paprika or garlic powder.
Tips and Variations
Here are a few tips and variations to help you achieve the perfect sweet potato French fries:
- Use the Right Oil: As mentioned earlier, peanut oil or avocado oil work well for sweet potato French fries. However, you can also use other oils like grapeseed oil or sunflower oil.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pot: Fry the sweet potato French fries in batches to prevent overcrowding the pot. This will help the French fries cook evenly and prevent them from sticking together.
- Experiment with Seasonings
: Sweet potato French fries pair well with a variety of seasonings, such as smoked paprika, garlic powder, or chili powder. Experiment with different seasonings to find your favorite.
Variations
Here are a few variations to try:
- Sweet Potato Curly Fries: Use a curly fry cutter to cut the sweet potatoes into curly strips. Cook the curly fries according to the same instructions as the regular French fries.
- Sweet Potato Waffle Fries: Use a waffle fry cutter to cut the sweet potatoes into waffle strips. Cook the waffle fries according to the same instructions as the regular French fries.
Conclusion
Cooking sweet potato French fries can be a bit tricky, but with the right technique and ingredients, you can achieve the perfect crispiness and flavor. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can create delicious sweet potato French fries that are sure to impress your friends and family. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner cook, sweet potato French fries are a great addition to any meal. So go ahead, give them a try, and enjoy the delicious taste of sweet potato French fries!
What makes sweet potato French fries crispy?
To achieve crispy sweet potato French fries, it’s essential to slice the sweet potatoes very thinly and evenly. This helps them cook consistently and prevents them from becoming too soft or soggy. Additionally, soaking the sliced sweet potatoes in cold water for at least 30 minutes can help remove excess starch, resulting in a crunchier exterior.
Another crucial step is to dry the sweet potato slices thoroughly before frying. This can be done by gently patting them dry with paper towels or by using a salad spinner to remove excess moisture. By removing excess moisture, you can help the sweet potato French fries brown more evenly and become crisper when fried.
How do I choose the right sweet potatoes for French fries?
When selecting sweet potatoes for French fries, look for varieties that are high in starch, such as the Beauregard or Covington. These types of sweet potatoes will yield a crisper exterior and fluffier interior when cooked. Avoid using sweet potatoes that are too waxy or moist, as they may not produce the desired texture.
It’s also essential to choose sweet potatoes that are firm and free of bruises or blemishes. These imperfections can affect the texture and flavor of the French fries, making them less desirable. By selecting the right sweet potatoes, you can ensure that your crispy sweet potato French fries turn out delicious and satisfying.
Can I bake sweet potato French fries instead of frying them?
Yes, you can bake sweet potato French fries instead of frying them. Baking is a healthier alternative that can produce similar results with a bit more effort. To bake sweet potato French fries, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Toss the sweet potato slices with a small amount of oil and your desired seasonings, then spread them out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake the sweet potato French fries for about 20-25 minutes, or until they’re crispy and golden brown. You may need to flip them halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning. While baked sweet potato French fries may not be as crispy as their fried counterparts, they can still be delicious and satisfying.
How do I store leftover sweet potato French fries?
To store leftover sweet potato French fries, allow them to cool completely on a paper towel-lined plate. This helps remove excess moisture and prevents them from becoming soggy. Once cooled, transfer the sweet potato French fries to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
If you want to freeze your leftover sweet potato French fries, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and put the sheet in the freezer. Once frozen, transfer the sweet potato French fries to a freezer-safe bag or container and store them for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat them, simply bake or fry the frozen sweet potato French fries until crispy.
Can I make sweet potato French fries ahead of time?
Yes, you can make sweet potato French fries ahead of time, but it’s essential to follow some guidelines to ensure they remain crispy. If you’re frying the sweet potato French fries, it’s best to fry them just before serving, as they can become soggy if left to sit for too long.
However, you can prepare the sweet potato slices ahead of time by soaking and drying them, then storing them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to fry the sweet potato French fries, simply remove them from the refrigerator and fry them until crispy. If you’re baking the sweet potato French fries, you can prepare them ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
What seasonings can I use for sweet potato French fries?
The seasonings you can use for sweet potato French fries are endless, and it ultimately comes down to personal preference. Some popular seasoning options include paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, and smoked paprika. You can also try using herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley to add a fresh flavor to your sweet potato French fries.
If you want to add a bit of sweetness to your sweet potato French fries, you can try using cinnamon, nutmeg, or brown sugar. For a spicy kick, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. Feel free to experiment with different seasoning combinations to find the perfect flavor for your crispy sweet potato French fries.
Can I use sweet potato French fries as a side dish?
Sweet potato French fries make an excellent side dish for a variety of meals. They pair well with classic comfort foods like burgers, hot dogs, and grilled chicken. You can also serve them alongside more elegant dishes like steak, roasted chicken, or pan-seared salmon.
One of the best things about sweet potato French fries is their versatility. They can be dressed up or down, depending on the occasion. For a casual gathering, you can serve them in paper cones with a side of ketchup or your favorite dipping sauce. For a more formal event, you can serve them in a fancy bowl with a dollop of aioli or a sprinkle of truffle oil.