Monster Mash Sweet Potato Fries
Monster Mash Sweet Potato Fries are a fun, healthy Halloween snack featuring crispy, oven-baked sweet potatoes seasoned with smoked paprika, garlic, and cumin. Perfectly golden with a smoky, savory flavor, these fries are easy to make and pair well with a variety of dips like garlic aioli or spicy ketchup. Serve them as a festive party snack or a side for a complete Halloween-themed meal. They're kid-friendly, customizable, and deliciously satisfying, making them a must-have for your holiday spread!
Equipment
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Sharp knife (for peeling and slicing sweet potatoes)
- 1 Large mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Parchment paper (for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking)
- 1 Baking sheet
- Tongs or spatula (for flipping the fries)
- 1 Air fryer (optional, for an alternative cooking method)
Ingredients
- 2 Large sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced into thin strips
- 2 tbsp Olive oil (or avocado oil for a more robust flavor)
- 1 tsp Smoked paprika for that “monster smoke” flavor
- ½ tsp Garlic powder
- ½ tsp Onion powder
- ½ tsp Ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Chopped fresh parsley for a garnish that adds a “monster-green” finish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:Peel and slice the sweet potatoes into thin, even strips. Aim for a quarter-inch thickness for even cooking and optimal crispiness.
- Toss in Oil & Spices:Place the sweet potato fries in a large mixing bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and add smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, ground cumin, salt, and pepper.Tip: Mix with your hands for even coating, ensuring every fry is seasoned.
- Bake the Fries:Spread the fries in a single layer on the baking sheet. Make sure there’s some space between each fry for air to circulate and crisp them up.Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through. Tip: Keep a close eye in the last 5 minutes as they can brown quickly.
- Add Final Touches:Once the fries are crispy, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a Halloween-inspired “monster mash” effect.
- Serve & Enjoy:Serve with your favorite dipping sauce, like spicy ketchup, garlic aioli, or a sweet-and-savory honey mustard.
Notes
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, here’s how to keep your fries fresh and crispy:- Storing: Let the fries cool completely, then place them in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating in the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F and arrange the fries on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10 minutes, or until they’re hot and crispy again.
- Reheating in the Air Fryer: To bring back the crispiness, place the fries in an air fryer at 375°F for 5-7 minutes, shaking halfway through.