If you’re looking for the perfect crispy snack, these sweet potato fries—spicy and full of flavor—are hard to beat.
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They’re made with bold spices like cayenne and cumin, giving each bite a delicious kick.
Whether you serve them as a side dish or snack, these fries are easy to make and always a hit.
Table of Contents
🍠 Ingredients for Sweet Potato Fries Spicy
- Sweet potatoes
- Ground cumin
- Cayenne (or chile de arbol)
- Garlic powder
- Salt
- Vegetable Oil for Frying (not pictured)
🔥 Adjusting the Heat
What makes them spicy sweet potato fries is the use of chile de arbol or cayenne. If you are unsure of the heat level, add a small amount of the spices and taste. Add more to adjust to your liking.
To reduce the heat, swap out cayenne/ chile de arbol with chili powder or paprika.
For a spicy-sweet combo, add 1 teaspoon brown sugar.
Instructions
- In a deep pan, heat oil over medium high heat.
- While that is heating up, cut the sweet potatoes into thin straight cut fry sizes.
- Once the oil is hot, place the cut sweet potatoes into the vegetable oil.
- Fry for about 6 minutes. Stirring occasionally.
- (See recipe card for Air Fryer instructions).
Test to see if the oil is hot by sticking in one sweet potato. If it begins to fry, the oil is ready.
These spicy sweet potato fries come out best when the oil is hot and the fries aren’t crowded in the pan.
Once the fries have turned from a pale orange/pink to a dark burgundy orange, they are done.
- In a large bowl mix all the spices together.
- While the sweet potato fries are still hot, toss them in the spice mix.
- Mix to coat evenly.
Serve crispy sweet potato fries next to ketchup, ranch, or some creamy chipotle mayo sauce.
👩🏼🍳 Tips for the Perfect Crisp
To make homemade sweet potato fries crispy, cut and soak them in cold water for at least 10 minutes. Pat dry them well with a paper towel. Then toss them in oil and coat them with cornstarch before frying. However, this step is completely optional.
🫙 Storing and Reheating
Place any leftovers in an airtight sealable container. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, place in the microwave for 2 minutes on a microwaveable plate. Please note, that they will not be very crispy. To make them crispy, reheat in the oven at 400 degrees for 8-10 minutes, turning once.
🙋🏻♀️ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Peeling is optional. Leaving the skin on adds texture and nutrients, but feel free to peel them if you prefer a smoother fry.
Soak the fries in cold water for at least 10 minutes before baking, then dry them well. Then toss them in oil and coat them with cornstarch. This step is totally optional.
Yes! Air fry at 400°F for about 12–15 minutes, shaking halfway through, until the fries are golden and crispy. Then season them according to the recipe.
🍴 More Side Dishes To Try
- Tostones Chips
- Hot Honey Corn
- Mexican Mac and Cheese
- Arroz Mexicano (Mexican rice)
- Oven-Baked Mexican Potatoes
These sweet potato fries-spicy and crisp-are the perfect Mexican-inspired side dish with a little heat. Serve them next to a juicy Mexican Burger or your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy every bite.
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Sweet Potato Fries Spicy
Ingredients
- 2 sweet potatoes
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne or chile de arbol
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions
- In a deep pan, heat vegetable oil over medium high heat.
- While that is heating up, cut the sweet potatoes into thin straight cut fry sizes.
- Test to see if the oil is hot enough by adding a sweet potato fry to the pan. If it begins to fry, the oil is ready.
- Place the cut sweet potatoes into the oil.
- Do not overcrowd the pan. Work in batches.
- Stir occasionally.
- Once they have turned from a pale orange/pink to a dark burgundy orange, they are done. About 6 minutes.
- In a large bowl, mix all the spices together.
- While still warm, place the fries in the bowl with the spices.
- Mix well to coat evenly.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- What makes them spicy sweet potato fries is the use of chile de arbol or cayenne.
- If you are unsure of the heat level, add a small amount of the spices and taste. Add more if you like it spicier.
- To reduce the heat, swap out cayenne/ chile de arbol with chili powder or paprika.
- For a spicy-sweet combo, add 1 tablespoon brown sugar.
Just tried these spicy sweet potato fries—crunchy perfection with a killer kick!
Thank you! So glad that you enjoyed this recipe. Yes, it’s a spicy kick. 🙂