If you’ve ever tried making frozen sweet potato fries at home only to end up with disappointing soggy fries, you’re not alone. Perfectly crispy sweet potato fries can be elusive, but understanding the reasons why they turn soggy can help prevent it from happening.
Common Causes of Soggy Sweet Potato Fries
Here are some of the most common culprits behind soggy frozen sweet potato fries:
Not Drying the Fries Properly Before Freezing
One of the biggest mistakes people make is not drying the sweet potato fries enough before freezing them. If excess moisture is present, it will turn to ice crystals during freezing. When you go to cook the fries, the ice melts and leaves you with soggy fries.
Be sure to pat the fries very dry with paper towels or let them air dry for at least 30 minutes before freezing. Drying helps remove excess surface moisture that would otherwise compromise the crispiness.
Using Old or Poor Quality Sweet Potatoes
The quality and freshness of the sweet potatoes themselves can also affect the end result. Old, wrinkled sweet potatoes or ones that have been previously frozen and thawed will release more moisture when cooked. This excess moisture leads to sogginess.
Select fresh, firm sweet potatoes without any wrinkles, spots, or bruises. Avoid sweet potatoes that have been previously frozen. The highest quality spuds will yield the crispiest fries.
Cooking at Too Low of a Temperature
One of the secrets to getting frozen fries crispy is to cook them at a high enough temperature. Cooking at too low of a temp will cause the fries to absorb more oil while cooking rather than getting crispy.
Cook frozen sweet potato fries at a temperature of at least 400°F. Higher heat helps dry out the exterior of the fries faster. An air fryer that cooks at 400°F is ideal.
Overcrowding the Baking Sheet
When oven baking frozen fries, overcrowding the baking sheet can also lead to sogginess. Too many fries prevents air circulation, which is necessary for drying out the fries while they cook.
Make sure to spread the fries out into a single layer, leaving some space between each fry for air flow. Use multiple sheets if needed to prevent crowding.
Insufficient Oil for Oven Baking
Using oil when oven baking helps facilitate heat transfer to the fries for crisping. Too little oil can result in fries that steam rather than crisp.
Lightly coat the frozen fries in 1-2 Tbsp of oil before baking. You can use avocado oil, olive oil, coconut oil, or another high heat oil. The oil helps evenly distribute heat.
Excess Batter or Breadcrumbs
While breading frozen sweet potato fries can add flavor and crunch, too much batter or breadcrumbs leads to sogginess. Thick layers of coating prevent moisture from properly escaping while cooking.
Use the minimal amount of batter or breadcrumbs needed to lightly coat the fries. Excess will become soggy during baking. Let any excess drip off before freezing.
Tips for Crispy Frozen Sweet Potato Fries
Follow these tips for crisp, perfectly cooked frozen sweet potato fries every time:
Choose the Right Sweet Potatoes
Select firm, smooth sweet potatoes without any wrinkles or bruises. The dense orange-fleshed varieties work best. Avoid any with green patches or holes which indicate underlying decay.
Cut Evenly Sized Fries
Cutting the sweet potatoes into evenly sized fries ensures they will cook at the same rate.Aim for a thick fry shape about 1/4 to 1/2 inch wide.
Rinse and Dry Thoroughly
Rinse the cut fries under cold water to remove excess starch, then pat very dry. Let the fries sit out to air dry for 30 minutes before freezing for maximum crispness.
Use a Non-stick Baking Sheet
A non-stick baking sheet prevents any sticking or burning of the fries for easier crisping. You can also use parchment paper.
Freeze in a Single Layer
Lay the dried fries in a single layer on the baking sheet and place in the freezer until completely frozen. Transfer to a zip top freezer bag.
Cook at 400°F or Above
Bake or air fry the frozen fries at a temp of 400°F or higher. The high heat dries out the exterior for crisping.
Toss Fries in Oil Before Baking
Lightly coat the frozen fries in 1-2 Tbsp avocado, olive, or coconut oil before baking. The oil facilitates crisping.
Use Multiple Baking Sheets
Divide the fries between 2 or more baking sheets so they cook without crowding. Crowding causes sogginess.
Bake Until Golden Brown
Bake the frozen fries for 18-22 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and golden brown. Cooking times vary based on amount.
Common Sweet Potato Fry Breading
Breading frozen sweet potato fries adds crunch and flavor. Here are some popular breading ideas:
Cornmeal or Cornstarch
Cornmeal or cornstarch give fries a light crispy coating. Toss fries in 1-2 Tbsp before freezing.
Panko Breadcrumbs
Japanese panko breadcrumbs make fries ultra crispy. Use plain or seasoned panko.
Parmesan
Grated parmesan adds richness and crunch. Combine parm with panko or cornmeal.
Cajun Seasoning
Cajun seasoning packs heat and flavor. Try a mix of Cajun spices, salt and pepper.
BBQ Seasoning
BBQ seasoning like chili powder, paprika, garlic powder and oregano makes fries smoky.
Serving Tips
Take your frozen sweet potato fries to the next level with these serving suggestions:
Flaky Salt
A sprinkle of flaky sea salt over the cooked fries adds flavor and crunch.
Spicy Mayo Dip
Whip up a spicy mayo with mayo, sriracha, lime juice and cilantro to use as a dip.
Homemade Ketchup
Dip the fries in homemade ketchup spiced with garlic, onion and warm spices.
Ranch Dressing
Cool and creamy ranch dressing complements the sweet potato fries nicely.
Cheese Sauce
Drizzle the fries with an easy homemade cheese sauce for a decadent treat.
Storage Tips
Properly storing your frozen sweet potato fries preserves freshness and prevents sogginess:
Freeze in Airtight Bag
Place dried fries in a zip top freezer bag, press out all air and seal tightly before freezing.
Avoid Refreezing
Avoid thawing and refreezing fries as it causes texture and moisture issues.
Use Within 3 Months
For best quality and texture, use frozen fries within 3 months of freezing.
Store at 0°F or Below
Store fries at 0°F or colder to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess.
Don’t Freeze Sweet Potatoes Whole
Freeze pre-cut fries rather than whole sweet potatoes to ensure even cooking.
Conclusion
Achieving crispy frozen sweet potato fries is easy when you follow a few simple tricks. Be sure to start with fresh, high quality sweet potatoes, cut into evenly sized fries. Rinse, dry thoroughly and freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to an airtight bag. Before cooking, lightly coat the frozen fries in oil and bake at 400°F or higher in a single layer on non-stick or parchment-lined baking sheets. Cook until golden brown and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces and seasonings. Following proper preparation, cooking, and storage methods will help prevent disappointing soggy fries.