Jamaican Jerk Sweet Potato Fries Recipe

Introduction

Jamaican Jerk Sweet Potato Fries are a flavorful twist on classic fries, featuring a warm, spicy blend of Caribbean spices. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, they make a perfect snack or side dish with a vibrant kick.

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).
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 or canola oil, cornstarch (if using), allspice, paprika, dried thyme, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, ground cumin, powdered ginger, salt, and black pepper. Toss thoroughly until all the sweet potato strips are evenly coated with the spices and oil.
4. Step 4: Arrange the coated sweet potato strips in an even layer on baking sheets. Bake for 10 minutes, then gently flip the fries.
5. Step 5: Bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the fries are crisp and cooked through.
6. Step 6: Remove from the oven and optionally sprinkle with fresh cilantro before serving. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

Tips & Variations

• Using cornstarch helps achieve a crispier texture—don’t skip it if you want extra crunch.
• For a milder version, reduce the cayenne pepper or omit it altogether.
• Try serving with a cooling dip like yogurt or a tangy mango chutney to balance the spices.
• Cut the fries uniformly to ensure even cooking and crispness.

Storage

Store any leftover fries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a hot oven or toaster oven at 400°F (205°C) for about 5 to 7 minutes to restore their crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the fries soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I bake these fries without cornstarch?

Yes, you can skip the cornstarch, but the fries might be less crispy. The cornstarch helps create a crunchy coating when baked.

What dipping sauces pair well with Jamaican Jerk Sweet Potato Fries?

These fries pair wonderfully with creamy sauces like garlic aioli, ranch, or cool yogurt dip. Sweet and tangy options like mango chutney or a pineapple salsa complement the spices beautifully.

Jamaican Jerk Sweet Potato Fries Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 107 reviews

These Jamaican Jerk Sweet Potato Fries are a flavorful and vibrant twist on traditional fries, featuring a bold blend of allspice, paprika, thyme, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper. Crispy on the outside and tender inside, these oven-baked fries are coated with a light cornstarch layer for extra crunch and perfect for a spicy snack or side dish.

• Author: Elias
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Jamaican
• 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
• Fresh cilantro (for sprinkling, optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 450°F (232°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the fries to a perfect crisp.
2. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Peel and slice the sweet potatoes into long strips about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Place these strips into a large mixing bowl or a sealable zipper bag.
3. Mix the Seasonings: Add the olive oil, cornstarch, allspice, paprika, dried thyme, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, ground cumin, powdered ginger, salt, and black pepper to the bowl or bag with the sweet potatoes. Toss or shake thoroughly until all fries are evenly coated with the spice and oil mixture.
4. Arrange and Bake: Spread the seasoned sweet potato strips in an even layer on baking sheets lined with parchment paper or lightly greased to prevent sticking. Bake for 10 minutes, then gently flip each fry over to promote even cooking.
5. Continue Baking Until Crisp: Return the fries to the oven and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the fries are crisp and cooked through, watching closely to prevent burning.
6. Garnish and Serve: Remove the fries from the oven and, if desired, sprinkle with fresh cilantro before serving. Pair with your favorite dipping sauce for a delicious snack or side.

Notes

• For extra crispiness, do not overcrowd the baking sheet; use two pans if needed.
• Cornstarch is optional but helps create a crisp texture on the fries.
• Adjust cayenne pepper to your preferred spice level or omit for milder flavor.
• These fries are best eaten immediately but can be reheated in the oven to retain crispness.
• Try serving with a cool yogurt dip or a spicy aioli to complement the jerk spices.

Keywords: Jamaican jerk sweet potato fries, spicy sweet potato fries, baked sweet potato fries, Caribbean fries, jerk seasoning fries