Imagine biting into a crispy, slightly sweet fry dipped in a sauce that’s both tangy and sweet. These sweet potato fries are baked (or air-fried!) until perfectly crisp and paired with a maple mustard sauce that you’ll want to put on everything. Get ready for a snack or side dish that’s simply irresistible!
Table of contents
- Why This Combo Works Wonders
- More Than Just a Side: A Flavor Adventure
- Perfectly Crispy, Naturally Sweet
- What You Need to Make Amazing Sweet Potato Fries
- Crafting the Dreamy Maple Mustard Dipping Sauce
- Step-by-Step to Crispy Sweet Potato Fries and Sauce Perfection
- Expert Tips for the Best Sweet Potato Fries Experience
- Spice It Up! Fun Variations to Try
- Serving Ideas: Beyond a Side Dish
- Make-Ahead and Storage for Sweet Potato Fries
- Frequently Asked Questions About Sweet Potato Fries and Maple Mustard Sauce
- Craving More Delicious Sides? Try These Recipes
Sweet potato fries are not just another side – they’re a treat! And when you add maple mustard sauce? It’s a flavor party in your mouth.
Why This Combo Works Wonders
Think about it: sweet potatoes are naturally sweet and a little bit earthy. Mustard is tangy and has a bit of a kick. Maple syrup is pure sweetness with a warm, cozy flavor. Put them together, and BAM! You get a taste that’s exciting and comforting all at once. It’s like a perfect team where everyone brings something special.
More Than Just a Side: A Flavor Adventure
These aren’t just fries you eat because they’re there. These are fries you crave. They’re great as a snack all by themselves. Imagine watching a movie with a bowl of these fries – way better than popcorn, right? Or serve them with burgers, sandwiches, or even grilled chicken to make your meal extra special.
Perfectly Crispy, Naturally Sweet
The best part? Sweet potato fries, when made right, are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. And sweet potatoes are good for you too! They’ve got vitamins and taste yummy – it’s a win-win. This recipe makes sure you get that perfect crisp every time.
What You Need to Make Amazing Sweet Potato Fries
Making these fries is easy peasy. You don’t need a lot of fancy stuff, just a few key ingredients.
The Star: Sweet Potatoes – Choosing the Best Kind
Of course, you need sweet potatoes! Look for firm ones without bruises. The kind you see most often in the store work great. They are naturally sweet and give that great orange color we love in fries.
Crispiness Boosters: Oil and Cornstarch
To get super crispy fries, we use a little trick: cornstarch. It helps make the outside extra crunchy when they bake. A bit of olive oil helps them get golden brown and delicious. Just a little bit of each is all you need.
Simple Spices for Flavor Depth
Salt is a must for fries, right? We also add paprika for a little smoky flavor. You can use regular paprika or smoked paprika if you want an even deeper taste. These simple spices make a big difference.
Crafting the Dreamy Maple Mustard Dipping Sauce
Now for the star of the show: the maple mustard sauce. It’s so good, you’ll want to dip everything in it!
Maple Syrup: Nature’s Sweet Touch
Real maple syrup is what makes this sauce special. It’s sweet, but not just sugary sweet. It has a unique flavor that goes so well with mustard. Use the real stuff for the best taste, not pancake syrup.
Dijon Mustard: The Tangy Kick
Dijon mustard is not too spicy, but it’s got a nice tang that cuts through the sweetness of the maple syrup and the sweet potatoes. It’s important to use Dijon, not yellow mustard, for that special flavor.
Creaminess and Zing: Mayonnaise and Apple Cider Vinegar
Mayonnaise makes the sauce creamy and smooth. A tiny splash of apple cider vinegar gives it a little zing, making it even more exciting to dip your fries in. These two ingredients balance everything out perfectly.
Step-by-Step to Crispy Sweet Potato Fries and Sauce Perfection
Let’s get cooking! Making these fries and sauce is easier than you might think.
Prepping Your Sweet Potatoes for Ultimate Crisp
First, wash and peel your sweet potatoes. Then, cut them into fry shapes – not too thick, not too thin. Soak them in cold water for about 30 minutes. This is a little secret to getting them extra crispy! After soaking, dry them really well with a clean towel. If they’re wet, they won’t get crispy.
Baking or Air Frying: Choose Your Crispy Path
You can bake these in the oven or use an air fryer. For baking, spread them out on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway. For air frying, cook at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket a few times. Both ways make them wonderfully crispy.
Quickly Mixing the Maple Mustard Sauce
While the fries are cooking, whisk together the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, and apple cider vinegar in a small bowl. That’s it! Taste it and see if you want to add a tiny pinch of salt or garlic powder. Keep it in the fridge until the fries are ready.
Expert Tips for the Best Sweet Potato Fries Experience
Want to make these fries extra amazing? Here are a few expert secrets.
Pro-Tip: Achieving Maximum Crispiness
Soaking the fries is key, remember? Also, don’t overcrowd the baking sheet or air fryer. Give the fries space so they can get crispy instead of steaming. Flipping them halfway through baking also helps them get crispy on all sides.
Seasoning Secrets: Don’t Be Shy!
Don’t be afraid to season your fries well. Salt and paprika are great, but you could also try garlic powder, onion powder, or even a little bit of chili powder for a kick. Season them before baking for the best flavor.
Getting the Right Sauce Consistency
If your sauce is too thick, add a tiny bit of water or more apple cider vinegar to thin it out. If it’s too thin, you can add a little more mayonnaise to thicken it. You want it to be just right for dipping!
Spice It Up! Fun Variations to Try
Once you’ve made these basic fries and sauce, you can get creative!
Spicy Chili Sweet Potato Fries
Add a pinch of chili powder or cayenne pepper to the fries before baking for a spicy kick. A little heat can make them even more addictive.
Herb Infused Sweet Potato Fries
Toss the fries with dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano before baking. Herbs add a lovely smell and a different layer of flavor.
Garlic Parmesan Sweet Potato Fries
After baking, toss the hot fries with grated Parmesan cheese and garlic powder. The cheese melts a little and makes them extra savory and cheesy.
Serving Ideas: Beyond a Side Dish
These sweet potato fries are so versatile!
Perfect Appetizer for Gatherings
Imagine serving a big platter of these fries at a party! They’re always a hit. Put the maple mustard sauce in a bowl in the middle, and watch them disappear. Easy Triscuit Recipes for Every Occasion: Snacks, Dips, and More like these are always crowd-pleasers.
Elevate Your Weeknight Meals
Turn a simple weeknight dinner into something special by adding these fries. They go great with burgers, sandwiches, chicken, fish – almost anything! Think of them as an upgrade from regular fries.
Dipping Delights: More Sauces to Explore
Maple mustard is amazing, but try other sauces too! Ketchup, ranch dressing, spicy mayo, or even Crispy Onion Rings Recipe dipping sauce would be delicious with these fries. Get creative with your dips!
Make-Ahead and Storage for Sweet Potato Fries
Want to get ahead of the game? Here’s how to prep and store.
Prep Ahead for Easy Cooking
You can cut the sweet potatoes into fries ahead of time and store them in cold water in the fridge for a few hours. Just make sure to dry them really well before cooking. The sauce can be made a day or two ahead and kept in the fridge.
Storing Leftover Fries (and Keeping Them Crisp)
Leftover fries are best eaten right away for maximum crispiness. But if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge.
Reheating Tips for Best Texture
To reheat, spread the fries on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through and crispy again. Air frying is also great for reheating – it helps them crisp up again faster. Microwaving is not recommended as they can get soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sweet Potato Fries and Maple Mustard Sauce
Yes, you can prep the sweet potatoes by cutting them into fries and soaking them in water up to a few hours in advance. Make sure to dry them thoroughly before tossing with oil and spices and baking. The maple mustard sauce can also be made a day or two ahead and stored in the refrigerator. For the crispiest fries, it’s best to bake them just before serving.
The best way to reheat sweet potato fries and maintain crispiness is by using an oven or air fryer. Spread the leftover fries in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) or air fry at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again. Microwaving is not recommended as it can make them soggy.
While you can freeze cooked sweet potato fries, they are best enjoyed fresh for optimal texture. If you do freeze them, spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen at 400°F (200°C) until heated through and crispy. Note that they might not be as crispy as freshly made fries.
Any type of sweet potato will work, but those with a drier flesh, like Jewel or Garnet varieties, tend to crisp up better when baked or air-fried. Look for firm sweet potatoes without bruises or soft spots.
Dijon mustard is recommended for its balanced tangy flavor which complements the maple syrup well. However, you can experiment with other mustards like whole grain mustard for a chunkier texture and bolder flavor, or a milder mustard if you prefer less tang. Avoid using yellow mustard as it can be too sharp and overpowering for this sauce.
Yes, to make the maple mustard sauce vegan, simply substitute the mayonnaise with a vegan mayonnaise alternative. There are many great vegan mayo options available in most grocery stores that will work perfectly in this recipe.
Maple syrup provides a distinctive flavor that is key to this recipe. If you don’t have maple syrup, you can use honey or agave nectar as a substitute, but the flavor profile of the sauce will be slightly different. Maple syrup’s unique caramel-like notes are what make this sauce special.
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other spices to customize the flavor of your sweet potato fries. Garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, or even a pinch of cinnamon can add delicious variations. Toss the spices with the fries along with salt and paprika before baking.
Sweet potato fries with maple mustard sauce are versatile and can be served as an appetizer, snack, or side dish. They pair wonderfully with burgers, veggie burgers, sandwiches, grilled chicken, fish, or even as a side for steak. They are also great on their own as a fun and flavorful snack
Craving More Delicious Sides? Try These Recipes
If you love these fries, you might also like Loaded Taco Salad Fries for a fun twist on fries, or maybe even Pickle Pie Pizza if you’re feeling adventurous! And for another classic side, you can’t go wrong with Mac and Cheese: How to Make Creamy, Cheesy from Scratch.
Irresistibly Crispy Sweet Potato Fries with Dreamy Maple Mustard Sauce
Ingredients
For the Sweet Potato Fries:
- 2 large sweet potatoes peeled and cut into fries
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tps paprika
For the Maple Mustard Sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- Pinch of garlic powder optional
- Salt to taste
Instructions
Get Started:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) or preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Soak sweet potato fries in cold water for 30 minutes.
Prepare Sweet Potato Fries:
- Drain sweet potatoes and dry them very well with a clean towel.
- In a large bowl, toss sweet potato fries with olive oil, cornstarch, salt, and paprika until evenly coated.
Bake or Air Fry:
- Baking: Arrange fries in a single layer on a baking sheet (use parchment paper for easier cleanup). Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
- Air Frying: Place fries in air fryer basket in a single layer (you may need to cook in batches). Air fry for 15-20 minutes, shaking basket a few times, until golden brown and crispy.
Make Maple Mustard Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, and apple cider vinegar.
- Add a pinch of garlic powder and salt to taste, if desired. Mix well.
Serve:
- Serve sweet potato fries hot with maple mustard dipping sauce on the side.
Notes
- For Extra Crispy Fries: Don’t skip the soaking step! Soaking the sweet potato fries in cold water removes excess starch, which is key to achieving ultimate crispiness. Also, ensure the fries are dried thoroughly before tossing with oil and spices. Moisture is the enemy of crisp.
- Air Fryer Advantage: Using an air fryer will generally result in crispier fries compared to baking in the oven, and it often cooks them faster. If you have an air fryer, it’s highly recommended for this recipe.
- Spice Level: Adjust the paprika to your preference. For a smoky flavor, use smoked paprika. For a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the fries along with the paprika.
- Herb Infusion: Elevate your fries by tossing them with dried herbs before baking. Rosemary, thyme, or even a blend of Italian herbs work wonderfully. About 1-2 teaspoons of dried herbs should be sufficient.
- Make it Vegan: Easily make the maple mustard sauce vegan by using your favorite vegan mayonnaise substitute. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan-friendly.
- Sweetness Preference: If you prefer a less sweet sauce, start with 1 tablespoon of maple syrup and add more to taste. You can also balance the sweetness with an extra splash of apple cider vinegar for more tang.
- Serving a Crowd: This recipe is easily scalable. To make a larger batch, simply increase the ingredients proportionally. You may need to bake or air fry the fries in batches to avoid overcrowding and ensure crispiness.
- Dipping Sauce Variations: While maple mustard is the star, feel free to experiment with other dipping sauces. Spicy mayo (mix mayonnaise with sriracha or your favorite hot sauce), ranch dressing, or even a honey-mustard variation would also pair well with sweet potato fries.
- Freshness is Key: Sweet potato fries are best enjoyed immediately after cooking when they are at their crispiest. While reheating is possible (see FAQs), the texture is always best when they are freshly made.