The aroma of roasted sweet potatoes wafts through the kitchen, mingling with the spicy, creamy scent of harissa mayo. This dish, Sweet Potato Fries with Harissa Mayo, is like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for any occasion from cozy movie nights to festive gatherings.
Imagine biting into crispy, golden fries that are tender on the inside, paired with a sauce that has just the right kick to elevate your taste buds. This dish promises a flavor explosion that will have you and your friends coming back for seconds—and possibly thirds.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These sweet potato fries are super easy to prepare and bake to golden perfection
- The harissa mayo adds a delightful twist that’s both flavorful and refreshing
- They look gorgeous on any platter, making them perfect for parties or casual dinners
- Enjoy them as a side dish or a main event—either way, they’re a hit!
I remember the first time I made these fries for my friends; their eyes lit up with joy as they devoured every last one.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Sweet Potatoes: Choose firm, vibrant sweet potatoes for maximum sweetness and flavor.
Olive Oil: A drizzle of good quality olive oil helps crisp up those fries beautifully.
Salt: Use sea salt or kosher salt to enhance the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes.
Harissa Paste: Look for authentic harissa paste in stores or online for the best flavor profile.
Mayonnaise: Regular mayonnaise works well; consider using vegan options if preferred.
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens up the flavors and balances the creaminess of the mayo.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature is essential for achieving that perfect crispiness.
Prepare Sweet Potatoes: Wash and peel your sweet potatoes before cutting them into even-sized fries. Aim for about ¼-inch thickness to ensure they cook evenly.
Toss and Coat: In a large bowl, toss the sweet potato fries with olive oil and salt until well coated. Feel free to add your choice of spices like paprika or garlic powder for extra flavor.
Spread on Baking Sheet: Arrange the fries in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure they aren’t touching; we want them crispy!
Bake Until Golden Brown: Bake in your preheated oven for about 25–30 minutes. Flip halfway through cooking until they’re golden brown and crispy—keep an eye on them!
Make Harissa Mayo: While the fries are baking, mix together harissa paste, mayonnaise, and fresh lemon juice in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust seasoning if necessary; this dip should have some zing!
Serve these delectable Sweet Potato Fries with Harissa Mayo hot out of the oven for an unforgettable treat!
You Must Know
- Sweet potato fries are not just a side; they can be the star of your meal
- Their natural sweetness pairs beautifully with the spicy kick of harissa mayo, making every bite an explosion of flavor
- Perfectly crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, they’re sure to impress
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Cut sweet potatoes into even fries, ensuring uniform cooking. Toss them with oil and seasoning before spreading them in a single layer on a baking sheet, allowing for that perfect crispiness.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to experiment with spices! Add garlic powder or smoked paprika to your sweet potato fries for an extra flavor boost. You can also swap harissa mayo for sriracha or garlic aioli based on your taste preferences.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftover sweet potato fries in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply pop them back in a hot oven at 400°F (200°C) until crispy again.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve perfectly crispy sweet potato fries, cut them uniformly and soak them in cold water for 30 minutes before baking
- This helps remove excess starch and enhances their crunchiness
- Always bake them in a single layer on parchment paper to ensure even cooking
Sharing my first attempt at making sweet potato fries was hilarious—my friends thought I was frying candy sticks! But oh, how we laughed when they tasted amazing!
FAQ
Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?
Yes, regular potatoes work well but will have a different flavor profile.
How do I make my harissa mayo spicier?
Add more harissa or a dash of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
Can I air-fry sweet potato fries?
Absolutely! Air fryers create deliciously crispy fries without much oil.
Sweet Potato Fries with Harissa Mayo
Sweet Potato Fries with Harissa Mayo are the ultimate comfort food, blending crispy, golden fries with a zesty and creamy dip. Perfect for cozy nights or festive gatherings, this dish promises a delightful flavor explosion that will have everyone coming back for more. Easy to make and visually stunning, these sweet potato fries are not just a side; they can steal the spotlight at any meal.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
- 2 large sweet potatoes (about 500g)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 2 tbsp harissa paste
- 3 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Wash and peel the sweet potatoes, then cut them into even-sized fries, about ¼-inch thick.
- In a large bowl, toss the sweet potato fries with olive oil and sea salt until well coated.
- Arrange the fries in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden brown and crispy.
- Meanwhile, prepare the harissa mayo by mixing harissa paste, mayonnaise, and lemon juice in a small bowl until smooth.
- Serve the sweet potato fries hot with harissa mayo for dipping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
