Sweet Potato Waffle Fries: 7 Ways to Make Them Extra Crispy

Introduction

Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with sweet, earthy flavor – is there anything more satisfying than perfectly cooked Sweet Potato Waffle Fries? If you’ve ever ordered these colorful, lattice-cut treats at a restaurant, you know how addictively delicious they can be. But when you try to recreate them at home, they often turn out disappointingly soggy instead of delightfully crispy.

Did you know that sweet potatoes naturally contain more moisture than regular potatoes? This extra moisture is what gives them that wonderful sweetness, but it’s also why achieving that restaurant-quality crunch can be so challenging in your home kitchen. The good news? I’ve spent countless hours testing different methods to solve this exact problem.

Sweet Potato Waffle Fries aren’t just tasty – they’re also packed with nutrients like beta-carotene, fiber, and vitamins. Plus, their fun waffle shape creates more surface area for maximum crispiness and holds onto dips and seasonings better than regular fries. Whether you’re serving them as a side dish, a game-day snack, or even as a healthier alternative to my popular Loaded Bacon Cheese Fries, these crispy treats are sure to disappear quickly!

Ready to unlock the secrets to making irresistibly crispy Sweet Potato Waffle Fries at home? Let’s dive into seven foolproof methods that will transform your fry game forever!

What is Sweet Potato Waffle Fries?

Ever wondered why these orange-hued delights are called “waffle” fries when there’s not a breakfast item in sight? It’s all about that distinctive criss-cross cutting pattern that resembles the grid of a waffle iron! The waffle cut isn’t just for looks – those little squares trap seasonings and create more edges that can crisp up beautifully.

They say the way to a person’s heart is through their stomach, and whoever invented the waffle cut for sweet potatoes clearly knew this secret! The genius behind this design wasn’t just thinking about aesthetics – they created the perfect vehicle for dipping sauces to nestle into those little pockets of potato goodness.

What’s in a name? In this case, a promise of crispy, crunchy texture and a fun eating experience that regular straight-cut fries just can’t match! Ready to transform ordinary sweet potatoes into these irresistible grid-patterned treasures? Let’s get slicing and dicing!

Why You’ll Love These Sweet Potato Waffle Fries

These Sweet Potato Waffle Fries are about to become your new favorite side dish! The standout feature has to be their incredible texture contrast – shatteringly crispy on the outside while maintaining that perfect tender sweetness inside. The waffle pattern creates extra edges that crisp up beautifully, giving you more of that satisfying crunch in every bite.

Making Sweet Potato Waffle Fries at home is also incredibly cost-effective. While restaurants often charge $8-10 for a small portion, you can make a generous batch at home for around $2-3 using just a few sweet potatoes. That’s a savings of over 70%! Plus, you control the seasonings and cooking methods, allowing you to customize them exactly to your taste.

Speaking of seasonings, this is where Sweet Potato Waffle Fries truly shine. Their natural sweetness pairs beautifully with both savory spices (like paprika, garlic, and rosemary) and sweeter options (like cinnamon and a touch of maple). I find these even more versatile than our Crispy Zucchini Fries, as sweet potatoes have that magical ability to work well with nearly any flavor profile you choose.

Ready to experience the perfect combination of sweet and savory, crispy and tender? Let’s learn how to make these restaurant-quality Sweet Potato Waffle Fries in your very own kitchen!

How to Make Sweet Potato Waffle Fries

Quick Overview

Sweet Potato Waffle Fries are surprisingly simple to make, requiring just a few ingredients but delivering big on flavor and texture. What makes this recipe special is the combination of the natural sweetness from the potatoes and the various techniques that ensure maximum crispiness. The distinctive lattice cut not only looks impressive but creates more edges that become wonderfully crunchy. From start to finish, you’ll need about 30-45 minutes, including preparation and cooking time – but the delicious results are absolutely worth every minute!

Key Ingredients for Sweet Potato Waffle Fries

For basic Sweet Potato Waffle Fries, you’ll need:

• 2 large sweet potatoes (about 1.5 pounds) – Look for firm potatoes with smooth skin
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil – For coating and crispiness
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch – The secret ingredient for extra crunch!
• 1 teaspoon salt – Kosher or sea salt works best
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder – For savory flavor
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika – Adds color and mild flavor
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper – Freshly ground is best

Optional additional seasonings:

• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary or thyme – For an herbal note
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper – If you like them spicy
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon + 1 teaspoon maple syrup – For sweet version

You’ll also need:

• A mandoline slicer with waffle blade OR a crinkle cutter
• Baking sheets with parchment paper OR an air fryer

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the sweet potatoes: Wash and scrub your sweet potatoes thoroughly. You can peel them if you prefer, but the skin contains nutrients and adds texture. Pat them completely dry with paper towels.
2. Create the waffle cuts: If using a mandoline with a waffle blade, carefully slice the sweet potatoes to create the waffle pattern. If using a crinkle cutter, slice the potato lengthwise into 1/4-inch planks, then rotate 90 degrees and cut again to create the waffle pattern. Aim for uniform thickness (about 1/4 inch) for even cooking.
3. Soak the fries (Optional but recommended): Place the cut sweet potatoes in a bowl of cold water and let soak for 30 minutes. This removes excess starch and helps them crisp up better. After soaking, drain and rinse the fries, then pat COMPLETELY dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for crispiness!
4. Apply the cornstarch coating: Place the dried sweet potato pieces in a large zip-top bag. Add the cornstarch, seal the bag, and shake gently until all pieces are lightly coated. Shake off any excess cornstarch.
5. Season the fries: In a large bowl, toss the cornstarch-coated sweet potato pieces with oil until evenly coated. In a small bowl, mix together salt, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper. Sprinkle this seasoning mix over the oiled fries and toss gently to coat evenly.
6. For oven baking: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Arrange the fries in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch or overlap. Bake for 15 minutes, then flip each fry and bake for another 10-15 minutes until edges are crispy and golden brown.
7. For air frying: Preheat air fryer to 380°F (190°C). Place sweet potato fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket (you’ll likely need to work in batches). Cook for 10 minutes, shake the basket, then cook for another 5-7 minutes until crispy.
8. Double-cooking method (for extra crispiness): For either method, you can use the double-cooking technique. First cook at a lower temperature (350°F/175°C) for 10 minutes, remove and let cool for 5 minutes, then finish at high heat (425°F/220°C) until extra crispy.
9. Serve immediately: Sweet Potato Waffle Fries are best enjoyed right after cooking when they’re at their crispiest. Transfer to a serving dish and add any additional seasonings if desired.

What to Serve Sweet Potato Waffle Fries With:

Sweet Potato Waffle Fries make a versatile side dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of main courses and dipping sauces. Here are some perfect companions:

Main dishes:

• Grilled burgers or turkey burgers
• Chicken sandwiches or wraps
• Pulled pork or BBQ chicken
• Fish tacos or grilled salmon
• Veggie burgers for a complete vegetarian meal

Dipping sauces:

• Spicy sriracha mayo (mix mayo with sriracha and a squeeze of lime)
• Honey mustard (equal parts honey and Dijon mustard)
• Chipotle aioli (mix mayo with adobo sauce, garlic, and lime juice)
• Greek yogurt herb dip (mix Greek yogurt with chopped fresh herbs and garlic)
• Maple cinnamon dip for sweet versions (mix Greek yogurt with maple syrup and cinnamon)

For a complete meal, serve your Sweet Potato Waffle Fries alongside a fresh green salad or coleslaw to balance the richness of the fries. They also make an impressive appetizer for gatherings when served with a variety of dipping sauces!

Top Tips for Perfecting Sweet Potato Waffle Fries:

1. Cut consistently: Ensure all your sweet potato pieces are the same thickness (about 1/4 inch) for even cooking. Too thin and they’ll burn; too thick and they’ll stay soft in the middle.
2. Dry thoroughly: After washing or soaking, pat your sweet potato pieces completely dry with paper towels. Any excess moisture will create steam during cooking, which is the enemy of crispiness!
3. Don’t skip the cornstarch: This key ingredient absorbs remaining moisture and creates an extra-crispy exterior. For even more crunch, try a 50/50 mix of cornstarch and rice flour.
4. Space them out: Whether baking or air frying, arrange your Sweet Potato Waffle Fries in a single layer with space between each piece. Overcrowding leads to steaming instead of crisping.
5. Oil selection matters: Use oils with high smoke points like avocado oil, peanut oil, or refined coconut oil for the crispiest results. Olive oil works too, but won’t get quite as crispy.
6. Try the double-cooking method: For extra-crispy results, cook first at a lower temperature (350°F), let cool for 5 minutes, then finish at a higher temperature (425°F). This technique works for both oven and air fryer methods.
7. Season after cooking for maximum crispiness: If you’re having trouble getting your fries crispy enough, try adding salt and some seasonings after cooking instead of before. Salt draws out moisture, which can impede crisping.
8. Watch closely at the end: Sweet potatoes can go from perfectly crispy to burnt quickly due to their natural sugar content. Keep a close eye on them during the final few minutes of cooking.

Storing and Reheating Tips:

Sweet Potato Waffle Fries are definitely best enjoyed immediately after cooking when they’re at their crispiest. However, if you do have leftovers, here’s how to store and revive them:

Storage:

• Allow leftover fries to cool completely before storing
• Place them in an airtight container lined with paper towels to absorb moisture
• Refrigerate for up to 3 days
• Not recommended for freezing after cooking, as they’ll lose their crispy texture

Reheating for maximum crispiness:

• Oven method (best choice): Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread leftover fries in a single layer on a baking sheet. Reheat for 5-7 minutes until warmed through and re-crisped.
• Air fryer method: Reheat at 370°F (190°C) for 3-4 minutes until crispy again.
• Avoid microwaving: This will make your fries soft and soggy.

Make-ahead tips: If you want to prepare in advance, you can cut the sweet potatoes and store them in water in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Drain, dry thoroughly, and proceed with your preferred cooking method when ready.

For meal prep, consider making a double batch of the seasoning mixture and storing it in an airtight container. This will make it even quicker to whip up a fresh batch of Sweet Potato Waffle Fries whenever the craving strikes!

More Delicious Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoyed these crispy Sweet Potato Waffle Fries, you’ll definitely want to explore more of our fan-favorite sides and snacks! They pair perfectly with our juicy Chicken Alfredo for a complete meal that’s sure to satisfy. For a refreshing beverage to balance the savory crunch, try the viral Hailey Bieber Smoothie that’s become an internet sensation. Looking for more easy recipes to add to your collection? Browse our weeknight dinner ideas for inspiration, or check out our healthy sides collection for more nutritious options to round out your meals!