Crispy Sweet Potato Fries | Baked Vs Fried | How To Recipe

Summary

This video presents two delicious methods for preparing sweet potato fries: baked and fried. The baked version focuses on soaking and drying the potatoes for optimal crispiness, using cornstarch and vegetable oil before baking at high temperature. The fried version involves boiling the fries with vinegar to enhance tenderness and achieve a crispy exterior when deep-fried. Both recipes emphasize technique and seasoning, showcasing the sweet, caramelized flavor of sweet potatoes. Ultimately, the fried fries are praised for their rich flavor and crunch, while the baked option offers a healthier alternative.

Takeaways

• 😀 Start by peeling and slicing sweet potatoes into 1 cm strips and then into batons.
• 💧 Soak the sliced potatoes in cold water with sea salt for one hour to remove excess starch and improve crispiness.
• 🧂 Coat the soaked fries in cornstarch for added crunch when baking or frying.
• 🔥 Preheat the oven to 220°C (430°F) for baking the sweet potato fries.
• ⏲️ Bake the fries for 15 minutes, flip them, and then bake for another 20 minutes for optimal crispiness.
• 🚪 After baking, leave the fries in the oven with the door slightly open for 10 minutes to enhance crispiness.
• 🥘 For frying, boil the sweet potato pieces in salted water with vinegar for tenderness before frying.
• 🌡️ Heat oil to 180°C (350°F) before adding the coated fries for frying in batches.
• 🍽️ Drain fried fries on a towel to absorb excess oil and keep them warm in a low-temperature oven.
• 🍴 Both baked and fried sweet potato fries offer delicious flavors, with the fried version having a superior crunch.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of soaking the sweet potato fries in water?

Soaking the fries removes excess starch, preventing them from sticking together and helping them achieve a crisp texture.

Why is cornstarch used in both the baked and fried versions of sweet potato fries?

Cornstarch increases the amount of starch on the fries, which helps create a crispy skin during cooking.

What temperature should the oven be preheated to for baking sweet potato fries?

The oven should be preheated to 220 degrees Celsius (430 degrees Fahrenheit).

How long should the baked fries initially bake before being flipped?

The baked fries should bake for 15 minutes before being flipped.

What role does vinegar play in the fried sweet potato fries preparation?

Vinegar slows the breakdown of pectin in sweet potatoes, resulting in fries that are tender yet crispy.

How can you tell when the oil is hot enough for frying?

You can test the oil temperature by dropping in one fry; if it bubbles fiercely, the oil is ready for frying.

What should you do with the fries after frying them?

After frying, the fries should be drained on a tea towel or kitchen cloth and kept warm in an oven set to 100 degrees Celsius (210 degrees Fahrenheit) until ready to serve.

How does the preparation method affect the flavor of the fried versus baked fries?

Fried fries have a richer flavor due to the frying process, which enhances the natural sweetness of the potatoes, while baked fries are sweeter with a caramelized flavor.

What is the benefit of patting the fries dry after soaking?

Patting the fries dry removes moisture, preventing steaming during cooking and allowing them to become crispier.

Can the sweet potatoes be left unpeeled for these recipes?

Yes, the potatoes can be left unpeeled if desired, as indicated in the fried version preparation.