Ingredients:

  • 2 large sweet potatoes (approx. 900g / 2 lbs total weight), peeled
  • Cold Water (enough to submerge fries, approx. 1.5 L)
  • 3 tablespoons (45 ml) high smoke-point neutral oil (e.g., refined avocado or grapeseed oil)
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) maize starch (cornflour)
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) Kosher Salt/Flaky Sea Salt, plus extra for finishing
  • 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) freshly ground black pepper

Instructions:

  1. Preheat Oven and Prep Trays: Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F). Line two sturdy baking trays with parchment paper. Place both trays in the oven while it preheats to ensure the fries hit hot metal immediately.
  2. Cut the Fries: Peel the sweet potatoes and slice them into even sticks, roughly 1 cm (3/8 inch) thickness. Consistency is key for even cooking.
  3. Soak the Starch: Place the cut fries into a large bowl and cover completely with cold water. Let them soak for 30 minutes. This essential step washes away excess starch that would turn gummy.
  4. The Critical Dry: Drain the fries well in a colander. Lay the wet fries in a single layer across several layers of clean, dry kitchen towels or paper towels. Pat them vigorously until they are completely bone-dry. Any remaining moisture is the enemy of crispiness.
  5. Coat with Starch: Return the dried fries to the empty mixing bowl. Sprinkle the maize starch (cornflour) over the fries and toss thoroughly until every surface is lightly dusted white.
  6. Apply Oil and Seasoning: Drizzle the oil over the starch-coated fries. Toss again until the oil is evenly distributed. Add the salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Toss until fully seasoned.
  7. Spread and Bake (First Stage): Carefully remove the hot baking trays from the oven. Arrange the seasoned fries on the hot trays in a single layer, ensuring no fries are touching or overlapping (use two trays for guaranteed spacing).
  8. Initial Bake: Bake for 15 minutes.
  9. Flip and Finish: Remove the trays. Using a metal spatula, flip the fries over. Return to the oven and bake for another 10–15 minutes, or until the edges are dark golden brown and shatteringly crispy.
  10. Serve Hot: Remove from the oven immediately, sprinkle with extra flaky sea salt, and serve piping hot with your favorite dipping sauce.