The moment you sink your teeth into crispy, golden-brown Sweet Potato Fries with Harissa Mayo, you’ll experience a delightful crunch followed by the rich sweetness of the potato. The spicy harissa mayo adds a kick that makes every bite an adventure. You’ll find yourself questioning why you ever settled for regular fries.
Every time I make these fries, it brings back memories of summer barbecues where friends gather, laughter fills the air, and these addictive snacks disappear faster than you can say “harissa.” They’re perfect for game day or as a side dish at a casual dinner party. The anticipation builds as the aroma wafts through the kitchen, promising an explosion of flavor.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Sweet potato fries are simple to make and offer a perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors
- The vibrant colors make them incredibly appealing on any plate
- You can serve them as an appetizer, side dish, or snack during movie night
- Plus, they pair perfectly with almost any meal!
I once served these Sweet Potato Fries with Harissa Mayo during a gathering, and my friends couldn’t stop raving about them. It was an instant hit!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Sweet Potatoes: Look for firm sweet potatoes without blemishes; they should feel heavy for their size.
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Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil adds flavor; don’t skimp on it for that perfect crispiness.
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Salt: Sea salt works best to enhance the flavors without overpowering them.
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Paprika: Use smoked paprika to bring in a depth of flavor that complements the sweetness.
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Harissa Paste: This North African chili paste adds heat and complexity; adjust based on your spice tolerance.
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Mayonnaise: A base for your dipping sauce; it balances the heat from harissa beautifully.
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Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens up the harissa mayo, making it tangy and delicious.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Preheat and Prep Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup later.
Slice Those Sweet Potatoes!: Peel and cut sweet potatoes into even sticks about 1/4 inch thick. Aim for uniformity to ensure even cooking.
Toss with Olive Oil and Spices: In a large bowl, toss your sweet potato sticks with olive oil, salt, paprika, and any other spices you fancy until well coated.
Spread and Roast Away!: Lay the fries in a single layer on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 25-30 minutes until crispy and golden brown; flip halfway through for even cooking.
Create Your Harissa Mayo Dip: While fries bake, mix mayonnaise, harissa paste, lemon juice, and salt in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust seasoning to your taste.
Serve It Up!: Once your fries are done roasting and have reached maximum crispiness (and you can’t resist sampling one), serve them hot alongside that creamy harissa mayo dip. Enjoy!
These Sweet Potato Fries with Harissa Mayo will surely become a crowd favorite—just don’t forget to save some for yourself!
You Must Know
- Sweet potato fries are a delightful alternative to regular fries, offering a crispy texture and natural sweetness
- Pairing them with harissa mayo elevates the dish, adding a spicy kick that makes every bite memorable
- Enjoy this dish as a snack or side with your favorite meal
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve crispy sweet potato fries with harissa mayo, start by cutting the sweet potatoes evenly. Toss them in olive oil, salt, and paprika before baking at 425°F for around 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through for even cooking.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize your sweet potato fries! Try adding garlic powder or smoked paprika for an aromatic twist. You can also swap harissa mayo for chipotle mayo if you’re in the mood for something extra spicy.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover sweet potato fries in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 375°F until crispy again—about 10-15 minutes will do the trick!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To enhance flavor, soak sweet potato fries in cold water for 30 minutes before cooking
- This step removes excess starch and yields crispier results
- Always ensure your oven is preheated before baking to get that perfect crunch on the outside and soft goodness inside
Creating my first batch of sweet potato fries was a culinary adventure. My friends declared them “the best thing since sliced bread,” and they were right! The combination of sweetness and spice made it unforgettable.
FAQ
Can I make sweet potato fries ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep and cut them ahead, just store them in water to prevent browning.
What can I serve with sweet potato fries?
These fries pair well with burgers, sandwiches, or as a standalone snack with dips.
How do I make harissa mayo from scratch?
Mix mayonnaise with harissa paste and lemon juice for an easy homemade version!
Sweet Potato Fries with Harissa Mayo
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves about 4 people 1x
Description
Indulge in crispy, golden-brown sweet potato fries paired with a spicy harissa mayo that elevates this dish to new heights. Each bite delivers a delightful crunch followed by the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes, perfectly complemented by the bold flavors of harissa. Ideal for gatherings, game day, or as a delicious side dish, these fries are sure to impress!
Ingredients
- 2 medium sweet potatoes (about 500g), peeled and cut into 1/4 inch sticks
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tbsp harissa paste (adjust to spice preference)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Toss sweet potato sticks in a large bowl with olive oil, sea salt, and smoked paprika until well coated.
- Spread fries in a single layer on the prepared baking sheets and bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispiness.
- While baking, mix mayonnaise, harissa paste, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl until smooth.
- Serve hot fries alongside the creamy harissa mayo dip.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: North African
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
