Parmesan Sweet Potato Fries

Parmesan sweet potato fries are a classic side dish in many modern restaurant kitchens. Ever wonder why commercial sweet potato fries (even the frozen ones) have a crispy breading? The starch in sweet potatoes is different than a regular potato. When baked or fried they never seem to crisp. This is why chefs like to toss in a breading. Best of all, you can get a crispy fry in the oven or air fryer with no need to bake! The trick is getting the crust to stick, which is why we include a secret ingredient below!

Ingredients you will need to get crispy baked parmesan sweet potato fries

• Sweet potatoes. Whichever variety you choose, look for larger squared-off shapes so they are easier to cut into steak fry size. Also, the orange hued ones tend to be less brittle than white ones. Purple ones are very delicious but often get mushy so be careful with them.
• Cornstarch. Acts as the drying agent in what chefs refer to as “standard breading procedure” which translates into dry-wet dry breading. It is usually done with flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs. We like cornstarch here since it tends to crisp better for this application and doesn’t turn to mud.
• Mayonnaise! Yep, this may sound strange, but we are using this as the binder in lieu of egg. It also helps coat the breading from the inside out since it has oil. We are making a baked fry get crunchy!
• Panko. These breadcrumbs are the classic for this style of cooking. However, we want to get them as fine as possible by grinding with a food processor so they stick and create a membrane.
• Parmesan. This also helps to seal the crust. Let’s look for a grated parmesan, since we want it in a dust form.

What are some good condiments to serve with these fries?

Let’s skip ketchup and get something more exciting!

• Mayo based sauces are good here. Think truffle aioli, garlic mayo, or even a tarter style sauce with capers.
• Cheese dips and spreads work great. You already have umami flavors from the parmesan, more dairy gives complexity. We like sharper cheeses such as bleu or feta, or goats cheeses.
• Chimichurri is actually fantastic with fries!
• Spicy condiments such as this gochujang ketchup are great.
• Serve with thanksgiving gravy or a mushroom gravy.

Parmesan Sweet Potato Fries

These baked parmesan sweet potato fries make a great side dish!

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Course Appetizer, Side Dish

Cuisine American, Mediterranean

Servings 4 people

Calories 392 kcal

Equipment

1 sheet tray

1 food processor

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 1 pound Sweet potato peeled and cut into wedges about 3/4 inch thick
• 1 cup Parmesan grated
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• .5 tsp Sea salt
• .5 cups Cornstarch
• 3 tbsp Mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp Water
• 2 tbsp Canola oil

Instructions

 

• Prep the ingredients. Peel the sweet potato and cut into thick slices about 3/4 inch thick. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
  
• In a food processor, grind the panko, parmesan, garlic powder, and salt for about 30 seconds to make a fine sandy mixture.
  
• In a small bowl, whisk to combine the mayo, water, and oil.
  
• Toss the fries with cornstarch.
  
• Drizzle the mayo mix over the fries and toss again.
  
• Toss the fries again in the panko breading.
  
• Lay them separately on a sheet tray lined with parchment paper. Bake in the oven for about 20 minutes or until golden brown.
  
• Serve hot with your favorite condiment. Bon appetit!
  

Nutrition

Serving: 4ozCalories: 392kcalCarbohydrates: 39gProtein: 11gFat: 21gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 7gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0.05gCholesterol: 21mgSodium: 822mgPotassium: 417mgFiber: 4gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 16290IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 332mgIron: 1mg

Keyword parmesan, sweet potato, sweet potato fries

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