Why You’ll Love these Crispy Taco-Spiced Sweet Potato Fries
When you’re craving something crispy, salty, and just a little bit sweet, these taco-spiced sweet potato fries hit all the right notes. The contrast between the crispy exterior and tender inside creates that perfect fry texture we all crave.
I’m obsessed with how the taco seasoning transforms ordinary sweet potatoes into something extraordinary. The spices balance beautifully with the natural sweetness, making these fries completely addictive.
Plus, they’re oven-baked instead of deep-fried, so you can feel good about serving them. Ready in just 25 minutes, they’re perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend snacking.
Who needs drive-thru fries?
What Ingredients are in Crispy Taco-Spiced Sweet Potato Fries?
These taco-spiced sweet potato fries require just a handful of simple ingredients that transform humble sweet potatoes into something spectacular.
The beauty of this recipe is how the warm, savory taco spices complement the natural sweetness of the potatoes. And the best part? No fancy or hard-to-find ingredients needed – you probably have most of these in your pantry already.
- 6 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut like steak fries
- Extra virgin olive oil (enough for lightly coating)
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 (8 ounce) packet taco seasoning mix
When shopping for sweet potatoes, look for ones that are firm and free from soft spots or blemishes.
The size matters too – larger sweet potatoes are easier to cut into fry shapes. And while the recipe calls for a packet of taco seasoning, don’t be afraid to customize with your favorite brand or even make your own blend at home with spices like cumin, chili powder, and paprika.
For those watching sodium intake, you might want to use a low-sodium taco seasoning and adjust the additional salt to taste.
How to Make these Crispy Taco-Spiced Sweet Potato Fries
Making these taco-spiced sweet potato fries couldn’t be easier, and the results are absolutely worth the minimal effort.
Start by preheating your oven to 425 degrees F – this high heat is essential for achieving that crispy exterior.
While the oven warms up, peel 6 large sweet potatoes and slice them into steak fry shapes. The thickness matters here; too thin and they’ll burn, too thick and they won’t crisp up properly. Aim for approximately half-inch thick slices for that perfect balance of crispy outside and tender inside.
Once your sweet potatoes are prepped, grab a large mixing bowl and drizzle them with enough extra virgin olive oil to lightly coat each piece. Toss them gently to guarantee even coverage – this oil is what helps them develop that coveted crispy exterior.
Now for the flavor magic: sprinkle 2 teaspoons of kosher salt and add the entire 8-ounce packet of taco seasoning mix. Give everything another good toss until each fry is evenly coated with that savory spice blend.
The key to truly crispy fries is proper spacing on the baking sheet. Arrange your seasoned sweet potato slices in a single layer, making sure they’re not touching each other. If they’re too crowded, they’ll steam rather than roast, and nobody wants soggy fries, right? You’ll likely need to work in batches for ideal results.
Pop your first batch into the hot oven for 10 minutes, then flip each fry over and continue baking for another 10 minutes. The double cooking guarantees even browning on both sides.
You’ll know they’re done when they’re beautifully browned on the outside but still yield tenderly when pierced with a fork.
Remember that patience is a virtue – let these beauties cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This brief resting period allows them to crisp up even more as they cool slightly and makes them much more pleasant to eat without burning your mouth.
If you’re substituting regular baking potatoes, remember they cook faster on the second side, requiring only 5 additional minutes after flipping instead of the full 10.
For the most thorough mixing of your spice blend and oil, consider using an Italian stand mixer to ensure perfectly coated fries with minimal effort.
A premium stand mixer can make the preparation process even more efficient by thoroughly mixing your spices and oil in seconds.
Crispy Taco-Spiced Sweet Potato Fries Substitutions and Variations
The beauty of this sweet potato fries recipe lies in its flexibility—you’re never locked into just one version!
I love how easily these fries adapt to whatever’s in your pantry.
Swap the taco seasoning for curry powder, Italian herbs, or simple garlic and paprika.
No sweet potatoes? Regular potatoes work too (just remember to reduce that second bake to 5 minutes).
For a healthier twist, try using avocado oil instead of olive oil, or go wild with a sprinkle of parmesan during the last few minutes of baking.
Can’t handle the heat? Cut back on the taco seasoning for milder fries.
What to Serve with Crispy Taco-Spiced Sweet Potato Fries
Your crispy taco-spiced sweet potato fries deserve more than just a lonely spot on your plate—they need perfect partners that complement their bold, spicy-sweet profile.
I recommend serving them with cooling dips like lime crema or avocado ranch to balance that taco heat. They’re also fantastic alongside grilled fish tacos, juicy burgers, or even a hearty taco salad.
For a complete meal, why not try them with cilantro-lime grilled chicken? The brightness cuts through the richness perfectly.
And don’t forget beverages—a cold Mexican beer or tangy margarita makes these fries sing. Trust me, the right pairing transforms these from side dish to star attraction.
Final Thoughts
After exploring all those perfect pairings, I’m convinced these taco-spiced sweet potato fries deserve a special place in your recipe collection.
They’re that magical combination of simple yet impressive—crispy on the outside, tender inside, and bursting with taco seasoning flavor.
What makes these fries so brilliant? The clever use of everyday ingredients transformed into something extraordinary.
And honestly, who doesn’t love the sweet-savory-spicy trinity in one dish? Just like chicken piccata, these fries balance rich and bright flavors in a delightfully satisfying way.
For an extra special meal, try serving these alongside a bowl of hearty taco soup that combines beans, corn, and rich seasonings for a complete fiesta of flavors.
