These Grilled Sweet Potato Fries are the perfect blend of crispy and tender, making them a delightful side dish for any meal. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or just looking for a quick snack, these fries bring bright flavors and a satisfying crunch to your plate. Plus, grilling sweet potatoes enhances their natural sweetness, making each bite truly irresistible.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy Texture: Grilling gives these fries a wonderful crispness that you won’t find with baking or frying.
- Flavorful Seasoning: The combination of garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika adds depth and richness to each fry.
- Quick Preparation: With just 15 minutes from start to finish, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Healthy Alternative: Sweet potatoes are packed with nutrients, making these fries a guilt-free indulgence.
- Versatile Pairing: These fries complement a variety of dishes—serve them with burgers, salads, or even on their own as a tasty snack.
Tools and Preparation
To make the best grilled sweet potato fries, having the right tools is essential. They help streamline the cooking process and ensure delicious results.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Grill
- Vegetable peeler
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Large bowl
- Grill basket (optional)
Importance of Each Tool
- Grill: Provides high heat for that perfect char and crispiness.
- Vegetable Peeler: Makes peeling sweet potatoes quick and easy.
- Cutting Board: Offers a stable surface for safe cutting.
- Grill Basket: Prevents small pieces from falling through the grill grates.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
– 2 sweet potatoes (14 ounces total), peeled
– 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
– 1 teaspoon fine salt (after grilling)
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
How to Make Grilled Sweet Potato Fries
Step 1: Preheat the Grill
Preheat your grill to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This high temperature is crucial for achieving that crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender.
Step 2: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
- Cut off either end of each sweet potato.
- Slice the sweet potatoes into long spears about 1/2-inch thick. Aim for uniform sizes to ensure even cooking.
- To prevent burning, square off any pointy tips on the spears.
Step 3: Season the Fries
In a large bowl:
1. Toss the sweet potato spears with olive oil until they are evenly coated.
2. Add garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper. Mix well so all spears are coated in seasoning.
Step 4: Grill the Fries
- Once your grill is preheated, arrange the sweet potato spears directly on the grill or use a veggie grill basket for easier handling.
- Grill for about two minutes per side—rotate to cook on all four sides. Keep an eye on them as cooking time may vary slightly based on thickness.
Step 5: Finish Cooking and Season
- When golden brown with grill marks, remove from the grill as they finish cooking.
- Let them rest for five minutes before seasoning with fine salt. Allowing them to sit helps achieve extra crispiness.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!
Serve your grilled sweet potato fries immediately! They pair wonderfully with ketchup or my Homemade 3-Ingredient Vegan Honey Mustard Sauce for dipping!
How to Serve Grilled Sweet Potato Fries
Grilled sweet potato fries are a versatile side dish that can elevate any meal. They pair well with various dips and main dishes, making them a fantastic addition to your table.
With Dips
- Ketchup – A classic choice that balances the sweetness of the fries.
- Homemade 3-Ingredient Vegan Honey Mustard Sauce – This sauce adds a tangy sweetness that complements the fries perfectly.
- Guacamole – The creamy texture of guacamole enhances the crispy fries for a delicious combination.
As a Side Dish
- With Burgers – Whether beef or veggie, grilled sweet potato fries make a hearty side for any burger.
- Next to Tacos – These fries add a unique twist when served alongside spicy tacos.
- Alongside Grilled Chicken – The smoky flavor of grilled chicken pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the fries.
In Salads
- Sweet Potato Fry Salad – Toss grilled sweet potato fries into a fresh salad for added texture and flavor.
- As Part of a Grain Bowl – Incorporate them into grain bowls with quinoa, veggies, and dressing for a filling meal.
How to Perfect Grilled Sweet Potato Fries
To achieve crispy and flavorful grilled sweet potato fries, keep these tips in mind:
- Choose firm sweet potatoes – Firmer potatoes hold their shape better when cut and grilled.
- Cut evenly sized spears – Uniform thickness ensures even cooking and avoids burnt edges.
- Preheat your grill thoroughly – A hot grill helps achieve that desired crispiness quickly.
- Don’t overcrowd the grill – Give your fries space to cook evenly without steaming each other.
- Let them rest after grilling – Allowing them to sit for a few minutes enhances their crispiness before serving.
- Season after grilling – Adding salt post-cooking prevents moisture from drawing out and keeps them crispy.
Best Side Dishes for Grilled Sweet Potato Fries
These grilled sweet potato fries can be paired with various side dishes to create a delightful meal. Here are some great options:
- Coleslaw – A crunchy slaw adds freshness and is perfect alongside sweet potato fries.
- Corn on the Cob – Grilled corn brings sweetness and complements the flavors of the fries well.
- Baked Beans – The hearty nature of baked beans pairs beautifully with this crunchy side.
- Quinoa Salad – A light quinoa salad adds nutritious elements and balances out the meal.
- Roasted Vegetables – Mix up your vegetable medley for added color and nutrition on your plate.
- Zucchini Fritters – These crispy fritters provide another tasty crunch to enjoy alongside your fries.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Grilling sweet potato fries can be simple, but there are some common mistakes that can affect your results. Here are a few to watch out for:
Skipping the Preheat: Failing to preheat your grill can lead to uneven cooking. Always ensure your grill is at the right temperature before placing the fries on it.
Cutting Irregular Sizes: Cutting sweet potatoes into uneven sizes may cause some pieces to cook faster than others. Aim for uniform 1/2-inch thick spears for consistent grilling.
Not Coating Evenly: Overlooking the oil and seasoning mixture can result in bland fries. Make sure each spear is well coated for maximum flavor and crispiness.
Ignoring Cooking Time: Cooking the fries too long or not watching them closely can lead to burning. Keep an eye on them and remove each fry as it reaches golden brown perfection.
Serving Immediately: Eating straight off the grill might seem tempting, but letting them rest for a few minutes helps achieve that perfect crispiness. Be patient for better texture!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Consume within 3–5 days for best quality.
Freezing Grilled Sweet Potato Fries
- Allow fries to cool completely before freezing.
- Place in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Use within 2–3 months for optimal taste.
Reheating Grilled Sweet Potato Fries
- Oven: Preheat to 400°F (200°C). Spread fries on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes until crispy.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power in 30-second increments until warm; this may not retain crispness.
- Stovetop: Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat with a small amount of oil. Add fries and cook until heated through, flipping occasionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make grilled sweet potato fries crispy?
To achieve crispy grilled sweet potato fries, ensure they are evenly coated with oil and seasonings, and allow them to rest after grilling before serving.
Can I use different spices for grilled sweet potato fries?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with various spices like cayenne pepper, cumin, or Italian herbs to customize your flavor profile.
How do I know when my grilled sweet potato fries are done?
Your fries are done when they have golden brown color and distinct grill marks on all sides. Keep an eye on them during grilling!
Can I grill frozen sweet potato fries?
While it’s possible, fresh-cut sweet potatoes yield better results. If using frozen, follow package instructions for cooking times.
What should I serve with grilled sweet potato fries?
These delicious fries pair well with ketchup, ranch dressing, or my Homemade 3-Ingredient Vegan Honey Mustard Sauce!
Final Thoughts
These grilled sweet potato fries are not only tasty but also incredibly versatile as a side dish. You can enjoy them alongside burgers, salads, or as a snack on their own. Feel free to customize the seasonings and dips based on your preference. Give this recipe a try—your taste buds will thank you!
Grilled Sweet Potato Fries
Grilled Sweet Potato Fries are a delicious and healthy side dish that perfectly balances crispy and tender textures. Ideal for summer barbecues or as a quick snack, these fries offer a delightful crunch with every bite. The grilling process enhances the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes while a medley of seasonings—including garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika—adds an irresistible flavor boost. With just 15 minutes from prep to plate, these fries are not only easy to make but also a nutritious alternative to traditional fries. Serve them alongside burgers, salads, or dips for a versatile addition to any meal.
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: About 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 sweet potatoes (14 ounces total), peeled
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon fine salt (after grilling)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat grill to 400°F.
- Cut sweet potatoes into uniform spears about 1/2-inch thick.
- In a large bowl, toss the sweet potato spears with olive oil and seasonings until evenly coated.
- Grill the spears for about 2 minutes on each side until golden brown with grill marks.
- Let rest for five minutes, then season with fine salt before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe (about 85g)
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Ensure sweet potatoes are firm for best results. Cut spears uniformly to avoid uneven cooking. Allow fries to rest after grilling for maximum crispiness.