Crispy Delight: Deep-Fried Sweet Potatoes Vegan Recipe
Welcome, fellow cooking enthusiasts! I’m thrilled to share with you one of my favorite soul food creations, the Southern Deep-Fried Sweet Potatoes recipe. These crispy sweet potato fries are a staple in Southern American cuisine, and it’s no wonder why they’ve become wildly popular across the world. The fusion of candied sweet potatoes and potato fries creates a savory and sweet explosion in your mouth that will leave you wanting for more.
You might be wondering why sweet potato fries are so beloved by the masses. Well, not only are they delicious, but they’re also packed with nutritional benefits. Sweet potatoes are high in fiber, vitamins A and C, potassium, and antioxidants. And when you deep-fry them until they’re crispy and caramelized brown, you’re left with a snack that’s indulgent yet good for you.
But making these fries at home can be a tad bit tricky if you’re not armed with the right techniques and ingredients. With this recipe article, I’m going to guide you through every step of the process so that your sweet potato fries come out perfect every time. So buckle up and let’s get frying!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you on the hunt for a soulful, delicious southern-style side dish? Look no further than these deep-fried sweet potatoes! Imagine biting into crispy, candied sweet potato fries that are reminiscent of traditional southern candied yams. That’s exactly what this unique recipe delivers – and you’ll love every bite!
First and foremost, these fried sweet potatoes are coated in a combination of brown sugar and butter before being fried to perfection, so you’re getting all the indulgent sweetness that you desire. But don’t be fooled, these aren’t your ordinary baked sweet potato fries – they’re perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, making them an ideal accompaniment to any meal.
The great thing about this recipe is that it’s versatile enough to serve alongside a variety of dishes. You can accompany them with southern-style classics like chicken tenders, ribs or catfish for an authentic meal or serve them as a tasty appetizer at a casual get-together. They even work as a holiday side dish!
Additionally, this recipe doesn’t require any fancy equipment or difficult techniques. All you need is a deep fryer (or frying pan), some common ingredients found in most kitchens and 20 minutes of your time.
You will love these crispy sweet potato fries because they are the ultimate comfort food that invokes nostalgia and warmth with every bite. Once you try this mouthwatering recipe, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredient List
Before diving into the recipe, let’s get the ingredient list for our deep-fried sweet potatoes.
- 2 medium-sized sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced into ¼ inch thick fries
- ½ cup of all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp of brown sugar
- 2 tsp of salt
- 2 tsp of paprika
- 1 tsp of garlic powder
- ½ tsp of cayenne pepper
- 1 cup of cold water
- Vegetable or peanut oil for deep-frying
These ingredients are essential to getting the perfect crispy and candied sweet potato fries. The combination of flour, brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and salt brings a harmonious blend of flavors that compliments the sweetness of the potatoes. Make sure you have all the ingredients ready before starting to cook.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have all of our ingredients prepared, it’s time to start cooking some delicious Southern Deep-Fried Sweet Potatoes.
Step 1: Prepare the sweet potatoes
Start by washing and peeling the sweet potatoes. Then, using a sharp knife or a mandolin slicer, slice them into ¼-inch thick fries. Make sure they are all approximately the same size so that they cook evenly.
Step 2: Soak in cold water
Soak the sliced sweet potatoes in a bowl of cold water for at least 30 minutes to reduce their starch content and make them more crispy when fried.
Step 3: Heat oil to 375 degrees
When you’re ready to start frying, heat your deep fryer or a frying pan with oil over medium heat until it reaches a temperature of 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 4: Dry and season the sweet potato fries
Drain the sweet potato fries and pat them dry with paper towels. Then, season them with a mixture of brown sugar and salt, or any other preferred seasonings such as paprika for a slightly spicy flavor.
Step 5: Fry the sweet potato fries
Working in batches, place the seasoned sweet potato fries in the hot oil and fry for about 3-4 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Remove from the oil using slotted spoon and place onto a paper towel-lined baking sheet to drain excess oil.
Step 6: Garnish cooked fries
In small saucepan on medium heat, melt butter then add brown sugar stir quickly till combined then add onions allow caramelized brown then take of heat give another quick stir before placing into baking dish over roasted sweet potatoes Fries.
Now that you’ve got all that done, it’s time to serve up those crispy sweet potato fries!
Substitutions and Variations
When it comes to southern-style cuisine, there are always ways to make a recipe your own. Here are some substitutions and variations you can try with this Southern Deep-Fried Sweet Potatoes Recipe:
– Air Fryer: If you don’t have a deep fryer or prefer a healthier option, you can use an air fryer instead. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F and cook the sweet potatoes in batches for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway.
– Onions: For an added flavor boost, add some sliced onions to the sweet potatoes before frying. The onions will caramelize with the sweet potatoes for a delicious savory-sweet combination.
– Southern Candied Yams: If you’re looking for more of a candied sweet potato flavor, you can modify this recipe by boiling the sweet potatoes until tender, then baking them in a casserole dish with butter, brown sugar, and marshmallows on top.
– French Fries: If you love potato fries but want to switch things up with sweet potatoes, follow this recipe as is but cut the sweet potatoes into thin wedges. These “fries” will bake up crispy in the oven or in a deep fryer.
– Canned Yams: If you don’t have fresh sweet potatoes or simply prefer canned yams, you can still enjoy this recipe by using canned yams instead of fresh sweet potatoes. Drain the liquid and slice the yams into ¼-inch rounds before following the recipe as written.
No matter how you choose to customize this recipe, one thing’s for sure: you’ll be enjoying a soulful Southern favorite in no time!
Serving and Pairing
My Southern Deep-Fried Sweet Potatoes Recipe is a perfect addition to your soul food repertoire. These crispy sweet potato fries are an excellent side dish to many dishes, including fried chicken, hamburgers, and barbecue ribs.
Pairing these sweet potatoes with other Southern classics like collard greens or black-eyed peas will take your meal to the next level. I also like serving them alongside cornbread muffins and honey butter for a delicious contrast in flavors and textures.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try pairing these fries with spicy sausage or baked salmon for a unique flavor combination that will leave your taste buds dancing.
To add a bit of zing, sprinkle some Cajun seasoning over the fries or serve them with a side of chipotle mayo. For those looking for a sweeter option, drizzle the crispy sweet potato fries with honey or maple syrup for an irresistible candied treat.
And if you’re watching your calorie intake, fret not! You can enjoy these delicious fries with baked chicken and green salad for a well-balanced meal.
Regardless of what you pair it with these southern-style deep-fried sweet potatoes will surely be a hit amongst family and friends alike.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
You may be wondering if you can make these delicious deep-fried sweet potatoes ahead of time, store them, and reheat them later. The answer is yes! In fact, making them ahead of time can be even more convenient than frying them fresh.
To make ahead: Once the sweet potatoes have been fried and cooled down to room temperature, wrap them in aluminum foil or plastic wrap and place them in the refrigerator for up to two days. If you plan on storing them longer, place them in an airtight container and store them in the freezer for up to a month.
To reheat: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread out the sweet potatoes in a single layer on the sheet. Heat them in the oven for around 10-15 minutes or until they are warmed through and crispy again. You can also reheat them in a microwave for one minute or until heated through.
I find that reheating deep-fried sweet potatoes in an air fryer keeps their texture crispier compared to other methods. Simply place the fries into the basket and bake at 375 degrees F for three to four minutes. Once done, enjoy your crispy and juicy homemade southern-style fries again.
Remember that while storing deep-fried food is possible, it’s best not to keep it until it goes bad as doing so will result in unpleasant tastes and unnecessary health risks. Soaked fries are prone to going bad faster than other fried foods, so it’s best to eat or store within two days of cooking.
With this convenient make-ahead option, you can keep these heavenly golden-brown fried candied sweet potatoes on hand and ready to serve at all times – whether as a snack, a side dish or the main course. Enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Results
To achieve the perfect sweet and crispy sweet potato fries, there are a few tips you need to keep in mind. I have rounded up some expert tips that will take your fried sweet potatoes to the next level.
Firstly, it’s essential to use fresh and high-quality ingredients for optimal taste. Use the best sweet potatoes you can find to ensure a delicious flavor. When selecting sweet potatoes, look for smooth skin, with no bruises or soft spots. Make sure they are firm to the touch to guarantee that they hold their shape when cut into fries.
Secondly, always make sure that you cut your sweet potato fries into even sizes to ensure they cook uniformly. Doing so makes them lovely and crispy without any burnt ends. For that perfect crunch on the outer layer, I recommend cutting the fries into a quarter-inch thick.
Thirdly, salting your fries immediately after deep frying results in salt that tends not to stick on the surface of your fries. To avoid this problem, add salt while the fries are still hot and fresh out of oil!
Lastly, using a deep fry thermometer helps optimize heat control and ensures you’re frying at precisely 375 degrees F—a crucial factor when cooking sweet potatoes.
By following these simple but crucial tips when making your deep-fried sweet potatoes, you can enjoy them hot, crisp, mouth-watering and irresistible just like how they do when dining at one of the finest soul food restaurants in the south!
FAQ
As you try out this intriguing southern-style, deep-fried sweet potatoes recipe, you may have a few questions that need answers. So, here are some Frequently Asked Questions and their appropriate answers to help you prepare this delicious cuisine perfectly.
Why do you soak sweet potatoes in water before frying?
When it comes to frying sliced sweet potatoes, it’s not obligatory to soak them beforehand. Nonetheless, if you choose to soak them in cold water, they will turn out to be crunchier. Soaking sweet potatoes aids in the release of starch, making them readily available to achieve a crispy texture.
Why are my sweet potato fries soggy in deep fryer?
If you wish to make crispy sweet potato fries, it is important to take note of their high water content. To avoid ending up with soggy fries, it is recommended to soak the sweet potato matchsticks in water beforehand. This will help get rid of excess starch and allow more water to come out of the potatoes while frying.
Why won t my sweet potato fries get crispy?
When it comes to creating perfectly crispy sweet potato fries, the trick is to avoid overcrowding them. To ensure that each fry maintains its desired level of crunch, it’s crucial to spread them out on the baking pan, giving them enough space so that they don’t touch. This technique is particularly crucial if you’re making a large quantity of fries. Rather than attempting to pile them all onto one pan, it’s better to divide them across two pans, or cook them in installments.
Do you salt potatoes before deep frying?
When making battered fries, it is important to avoid adding salt during the frying process. I suggest holding off on salting them until after they are removed from the fryer. In addition, it’s best to wait until an order comes in before salting the fries, as adding salt too soon can cause them to become limp and lose their crispiness.
Bottom Line
There you have it, folks! A recipe for perfectly crispy and mouth-watering Southern Deep-Fried Sweet Potatoes that’ll leave you wanting more. So why not give it a try? With a few simple ingredients and some easy-to-follow steps, you’ll have a dish that’s sure to impress.
But let me tell you, these sweet potato fries aren’t just any old side dish – they’re part of the soul food tradition that brings together family and friends in a celebration of good food and good company. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday feast or whipping up a quick dinner for yourself, these fries are guaranteed to bring some Southern flavor to your table.
So why choose sweet potatoes over regular potatoes? As I mentioned earlier, sweet potatoes offer a unique natural sweetness that pairs perfectly with the savory flavors of brown sugar and butter. Plus, they’re packed with nutrients like vitamin A and fiber, making them a healthier option than traditional french fries or potato chips.
And even better, this recipe can be adapted to suit your tastes or dietary restrictions. Want to make these fries even crispier? Try using an air fryer instead of a deep fryer. Don’t eat butter? Swap it out for olive oil or another cooking fat. And if you want to mix things up, feel free to experiment with different seasonings or toppings like onions or canned yams.
In conclusion, these Southern Deep-Fried Sweet Potatoes are a nostalgic and delicious addition to any meal. So don’t hesitate – grab some sweet potatoes and get frying! Your taste buds (and your dinner guests) will thank you for it.
Southern Deep-Fried Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 lbs sweet potatoes
- oil (for deep frying)
- salt & sugar
Instructions
- Drop potatoes in boiling water covered by 3 to 4 inches. Remove before they are thoroughly cooked (about 15 to 20 minutes). Cool potatoes and then peel. And cut into pieces 2 inches long and 1/2 inch thick.
- Heat oil to 375°F
- Put the potatoes in oil a few at a time and cook until light and brown; remove and drain well. Sprinkle with salt and sugar.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
Recommended Recipes Just For You
None found