Southern Baked Sweet Potato Fries with Cajun Spiced Aioli
Crispy baked sweet potato fries seasoned with a smoky Cajun spice blend served alongside a creamy, zesty Cajun spiced aioli. This easy-to-make side dish is perfect for lunch or as a flavorful accompaniment to your Southern-inspired meals.
Ingredients
Check ingredients as you go.
- Fries
- Aioli
Let’s make it
Fries
Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Fries
In a large bowl, toss the sweet potato fries with olive oil, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, half the salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
Fries
Spread the fries in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are not crowded. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and golden on the edges.
Aioli
While the fries bake, prepare the Cajun spiced aioli. In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, lemon juice, smoked paprika, minced garlic, Cajun seasoning, and the remaining salt. Mix well.
Fries
Once fries are baked to crisp tenderness, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly for 2 minutes; this helps them firm up a bit.
Fries
Serve the hot baked sweet potato fries with a side of the Cajun spiced aioli for dipping. Enjoy immediately for best texture and flavor.
Tips & notes
Cut fries evenly to ensure uniform baking. For extra crispiness, soak sweet potato sticks in cold water for 30 minutes before drying and seasoning, but this step is optional for time-saving. Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easier cleanup.
Saving it for later
Store leftover fries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store aioli separately in a sealed container in the fridge for the same duration.
Reheating
Reheat fries in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for about 5-7 minutes to regain crispness. Avoid microwaving to maintain texture. Serve aioli chilled or at room temperature.
