Are you looking for a sweeter side? Break out a pan and some oil for this simple Fried Sweet Potato recipe.
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Contrast is critical in some of the best side dishes around. Rather than just savory or sweet, why not combine these two qualities for a fabulous flavor explosion? The same goes for textures like crispy and melt-in-your-mouth softness. While a crisp exterior gives that satisfying “crunch,” a pillowy soft inside keeps our teeth from breaking as we savor something special.
Case in point: There’s a reason why fries have become such a dominant side. When this starchy sidekick comes out of the fryer, it has a delicious golden-brown crust while maintaining its soft center.
While regular fries are delicious, they don’t have the most incredible nutritional profile. On the other hand, sweet potatoes have become a superfood sensation in recent years. As a bonus, this potato variety tastes pretty phenomenal — so why not fry them rather than regular potatoes?
If you’re searching for the ultimate mix of sweet, savory, crispy, and soft, these fried sweet potatoes are calling your name. Check out how easy it is to add this side to your dinner rotation.
Are Fried Sweet Potatoes Healthy?
There’s no question sweet potatoes are a superfood. Packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals, these orange-hued spuds have a lot to offer foodies who want to add a nutrient boost to the dinner table. Although some might object that frying on the stovetop isn’t as healthy as cooking methods like baking or boiling, it’s also not as bad as deep-frying. The olive oil adds healthy fats to this dish, while paprika mixes in flavor without artificial ingredients or extra calories.
One caveat: For people living a low-carb lifestyle, sweet potatoes are a big no-no. There’s no way to make a keto version of fried sweet potatoes. Instead, you’ll have to opt for other non-starchy “fries” made with veggies like cauliflower or rutabaga.
What’s the best oil for frying sweet potatoes?
When frying anything, the key to choosing an oil is to look for a high smoke point temperature. Unsurprisingly, this temp tells you when oil begins to “smoke” and break down. Since we’re going to use high temps to fry these sweet potatoes, you want to go with an oil that can withstand these intense conditions.
Below, I’m using olive oil specifically for cooking rather than extra virgin olive oil. Why? Cooking olive oil often has a higher smoke point, while straight EVOO can’t withstand too much heat. Plus, the point of using EVOO is to get all of those grassy flavors and glorious nutrients, which you can’t do if you expose it to high temps.
However, many other fantastic oils work well for frying sweet potatoes. Two top-tier choices that spring to mind are avocado and coconut oil. These options have reliably high smoke points and offer many awesome healthy properties.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 large sweet potato
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt to taste
INSTRUCTIONS
Slice
Prepare sweet potato slices.
Cook
Pan-fry sweet potatoes until golden.
Season
Add spices and serve.
Devour!
FAQs & Tips
Fried sweet potatoes will have the crispiest texture right after they come off the hot pan, but you can refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container. Keep your sweet potatoes well-sealed in the fridge for up to 3 days. Freezing fried sweet potatoes is not a great call since they will get pretty soggy after they thaw.
Air frying is a stellar way to make crisp “fried” sweet potatoes without oil. However, air fryers typically take less time to heat up food, so be sure to monitor your sweet potatoes closely to avoid overcooking them. P.S. Here’s a recipe for Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes if you’re looking for one with exact timings and detailed directions.
There’s a lot of debate over whether soaking makes a big difference in fried sweet potatoes, so adding this step is up to personal preference. Some people believe that soaking their chopped sweet potatoes in cold water for about 30 minutes removes all the excess starch to produce a crispier final texture. Try it for yourself and see if you notice any benefit from a sweet potato water bath.
Serving Suggestions
Any time you’d expect to serve fries or mashed potatoes works great with fried sweet potatoes. Think “pub grub” favorites like Baked Hamburgers, Chicken Pesto Sandwiches, or Grilled Chicken Wings as great meals to serve alongside these sizzly spuds. Sweet potatoes are also a great complement to many fishy meals like Poached Cod or Fish and Chips.
Just remember that fried sweet potatoes could also use their own “side” of sauce! You could easily bump up the flavor of your fried sweet potatoes by serving them with some ketchup, BBQ, or Honey Mustard Dip. Bonus points if you make a DIY sauce the night before so you can enjoy a complete homemade meal.
Ingredients
- 1 large sweet potato
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Peel the sweet potato and cut it into 1/4-inch thick slices.
- Heat olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat.
- Place the sweet potato slices in the skillet in a single layer. Cook for about 5 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and tender.
- Season with smoked paprika and salt, then toss to evenly coat the sweet potatoes. Cook for an additional minute.
- Remove from heat and serve immediately as a delightful side dish.
Nutrition Info:
Recipes written and produced on Food Faith Fitness are for informational purposes only.
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