Jamaican Jerk Sweet Potato Fries Recipe

Introduction

These Jamaican Jerk Sweet Potato Fries bring a flavorful twist to a classic favorite. Crispy on the outside and tender inside, they are coated in a vibrant blend of spices that deliver a perfect balance of heat and warmth. A great side dish or snack for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 2 large sweet potatoes (about 2 to 2 1/2 pounds total weight)
• 2 Tbsp. olive or canola oil
• 2 Tbsp. cornstarch (optional but recommended for crispness)
• 2 tsp. allspice
• 2 tsp. paprika
• 1 tsp. dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper
• 1/2 tsp. ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp. powdered ginger
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/2 tsp. black pepper
• Fresh cilantro, for sprinkling (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) to get it nice and hot for crisp fries.
2. Step 2: Slice the sweet potatoes into long strips about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Place them in a large bowl or a zipper bag.
3. Step 3: Add the olive oil, cornstarch (if using), allspice, paprika, thyme, cinnamon, cayenne, cumin, ginger, salt, and black pepper to the sweet potatoes. Toss well until all the strips are evenly coated with the spice mixture.
4. Step 4: Arrange the coated sweet potato strips in even layers on one or two baking sheets to prevent overcrowding.
5. Step 5: Bake for 10 minutes, then gently flip the fries over to ensure even cooking. Continue baking for another 10 to 15 minutes until the fries are crisp and golden.
6. Step 6: Remove from the oven and, if desired, sprinkle with fresh cilantro before serving. Enjoy these fries on their own or with your favorite dipping sauce.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crispiness, don’t skip the cornstarch—it helps create a light, crunchy coating.
• If you prefer milder spice, reduce the cayenne pepper to 1/4 teaspoon or omit it entirely.
• Try serving with a cool dipping sauce like yogurt or sour cream mixed with lime juice and chopped cilantro.
• Feel free to experiment with smoked paprika for a deeper, smoky flavor.

Storage

Store leftover fries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, spread them out on a baking sheet and warm in a 375°F (190°C) oven for about 10 minutes to restore their crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make them soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?

Yes, you can substitute regular russet potatoes, but cooking times may vary. Russets may need a bit longer in the oven to achieve similar crispiness.

Is it necessary to flip the fries during baking?

Flipping the fries halfway through baking ensures even cooking and helps them crisp up on all sides, so it’s highly recommended.

Jamaican Jerk Sweet Potato Fries Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 148 reviews

These Jamaican Jerk Sweet Potato Fries are a flavorful and crispy twist on traditional fries, infused with aromatic spices like allspice, thyme, and cayenne pepper. Baked to perfection, they offer a deliciously spicy and sweet side dish or snack that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Caribbean
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Sweet Potato Fries

• 2 large sweet potatoes (about 2 to 2 1/2 pounds total weight)
• 2 Tbsp. olive or canola oil
• 2 Tbsp. cornstarch (optional but recommended for crispness)
• 2 tsp. allspice
• 2 tsp. paprika
• 1 tsp. dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper
• 1/2 tsp. ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp. powdered ginger
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/2 tsp. black pepper

Optional Garnish

• Fresh cilantro, for sprinkling

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) to ensure it’s hot enough to crisp up the sweet potato fries nicely during baking.
2. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Slice the sweet potatoes into long strips about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Transfer them to a large bowl or a resealable zipper bag for easy tossing.
3. Season the Fries: Add the olive oil, cornstarch (which is optional but helps achieve extra crispness), allspice, paprika, dried thyme, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, ground cumin, powdered ginger, salt, and black pepper to the sweet potato strips. Toss everything together until the sweet potato strips are evenly coated with the oil and spice mixture.
4. Arrange and Bake: Spread the coated sweet potato strips in a single even layer on baking sheets, making sure they are not overcrowded to allow for proper baking and crisping. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes.
5. Flip and Continue Baking: After the initial 10 minutes, gently flip the fries to ensure even cooking and crispness on all sides. Return them to the oven and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the fries are nicely crisp and cooked through.
6. Serve: Remove the fries from the oven and optionally sprinkle with fresh cilantro for a burst of color and fresh flavor. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

• For crispier fries, do not overcrowd the baking sheet; use two sheets if necessary.
• Cornstarch is optional but recommended as it helps create a crispier coating on the fries.
• Adjust cayenne pepper quantity depending on your preferred spice level.
• These fries are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, as they lose crispness upon cooling.
• Use olive oil for a richer flavor or canola oil for a neutral taste.
• If you don’t have fresh cilantro, parsley can be a good alternative garnish.

Keywords: Jamaican jerk, sweet potato fries, baked sweet potato fries, spicy fries, Caribbean side dish, healthy fries, vegetarian snack