When I first grilled sweet potato fries, I wasn’t expecting much—just another twist on oven-baked fries. But the moment I tasted that crispy, charred exterior with the creamy, sweet center, I knew I had found something special. I remember that summer afternoon clearly—just me, a hot grill, and a craving for something comforting but light. Since then, these grilled sweet potato fries have become a staple in my kitchen. They’re the kind of side dish that disappears fast, no matter how much I make.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
First, they’re crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with just the right smoky touch from the grill. That irresistible texture keeps everyone reaching for more. These fries are bursting with flavor, thanks to a simple mix of spices that coat each spear evenly. Garlic powder, paprika, onion powder—each bite delivers a punch of taste without overpowering the natural sweetness of the potato.
Versatile
Whether you’re pairing them with burgers, grilled chicken, or serving them as a snack with a dip, these fries fit into any meal plan. I’ve even tossed them on top of salads or tucked them into wraps. You can enjoy them on a picnic, during a cozy movie night, or at a backyard BBQ.
Budget-Friendly
Sweet potatoes are inexpensive and widely available. You don’t need any fancy tools or hard-to-find ingredients. In fact, you probably have most of the seasonings in your pantry already. A couple of potatoes, a drizzle of oil, and some grill heat turn into a dish that feels gourmet without costing more than a few coins per serving.
Ingredients for Recipe
Here’s what I use to make this crave-worthy side:
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2 sweet potatoes (about 14 ounces total), peeled
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2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/2 teaspoon onion powder
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1/2 teaspoon paprika
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1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
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1 teaspoon fine salt (for seasoning after grilling)
How to Make This Recipe
Making grilled sweet potato fries is easier than most people expect. I like how quickly they come together, especially when I’m pressed for time but still want something satisfying and homemade. The texture is unbeatable—each fry has a golden exterior with just the right amount of char, while the inside stays tender and rich. Let me walk you through every step so you can recreate this dish in your own kitchen without stress.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making
1. Preheat the Grill
To begin, I preheat my grill to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. I’ve found that reaching the right temperature before placing the fries on the grill helps them cook evenly and gain those beautiful grill marks.2. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
Next, I take two medium-sized sweet potatoes and peel them completely. I cut off both ends to make them flat, then slice them into 1/2-inch thick spears. Consistency is key here—cutting them evenly ensures they cook at the same rate. I also square off any sharp tips to prevent burning.3. Season the Spears
In a large mixing bowl, I combine the sweet potato spears with extra virgin olive oil. Then I add garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper. I toss everything together thoroughly until each piece is well-coated. This step is crucial for locking in flavor and helping the fries crisp up properly.4. Start Grilling
Once the grill is hot, I arrange the sweet potato spears directly on the grill grates or use a veggie grill basket for easier handling. Either method works well. I grill them over medium heat, leaving the grill open. I flip each spear every two minutes, turning them onto all four sides for even cooking. Watching them closely near the end is important because cooking time can vary depending on the thickness. Each piece should have golden edges and visible grill lines when it’s ready.5. Check for Doneness
I remove the fries as they finish cooking. Not every spear finishes at the same time—and that’s okay. I check each one and pull them off the grill as soon as they’re tender inside and nicely browned outside.6. Final Crisping and Seasoning
Once off the grill, I let them rest for five minutes. Then I season them with fine salt. I wait an additional five minutes before serving. This extra time helps the outer layer crisp up even more. It’s tempting to snack on them right away, but waiting really pays off.7. Serve Fresh
I usually serve these fries with a dip. My favorite is a simple 3-ingredient vegan honey mustard sauce, but ketchup works just as well. The fries are at their best when hot and fresh off the grill.Quick and Easy
The entire process from start to finish takes about 15 minutes. It’s fast, it’s simple, and it requires minimal cleanup. No deep fryer, no complicated seasoning blends—just real ingredients that come together effortlessly.
Customizable
You can absolutely adjust this recipe to suit your taste. Swap the paprika for smoked paprika if you want more depth. Add chili powder for heat, or try cumin for an earthy note. You could even mix in fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for a fragrant twist. The seasoning blend is flexible and forgiving.
Crowd-Pleasing
These fries always get compliments. Whether I’m serving them to kids, adults, or a mix of both, they disappear quickly. They’re a healthier alternative to regular fries but still feel indulgent. Their golden, crispy finish makes them hard to resist.
FAQs
Can I grill sweet potato fries without a veggie basket?
Yes, absolutely. I often grill them directly on the grates. Just be sure the spears are thick enough so they don’t fall through. Flipping them with tongs works best.Do I have to peel the sweet potatoes?
No, peeling is optional. I prefer to peel them for a smoother texture and even caramelization, but leaving the skin on adds extra fiber and a rustic look.What’s the secret to getting them crispy?
Two things: grilling all four sides evenly and letting them rest after cooking. The extra ten minutes—five after grilling, then five after salting—allows the fries to crisp up properly.Can I make them ahead of time?
These fries are best when eaten fresh. However, if needed, you can prep and season them in advance. Grill them right before serving for the best results.How can I reheat leftovers?
Use an air fryer or place them under the broiler for a few minutes. Microwaving is not recommended—it makes them soft and soggy.Can I use other seasonings?
Definitely. Try cumin, cayenne, thyme, or rosemary. The base recipe is flexible, so feel free to experiment with spices.Are these fries spicy?
Not at all. The spices used give flavor but no heat. You can always add chili powder or crushed red pepper if you want some spice.Can I use white sweet potatoes instead?
Print
Yes, you can. Just note that the texture and sweetness might differ slightly, but grilling works beautifully for both.Grilled Sweet Potato Fries
These grilled sweet potato fries are incredibly crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Seasoned with garlic, paprika, and pepper, then grilled to perfection, they offer the perfect balance of smoky flavor and natural sweetness. A simple, satisfying side dish that pairs well with almost anything.
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings (or 2–4 as a side) 1x
Ingredients
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2 sweet potatoes (14 ounces total), peeled
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2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/2 teaspoon onion powder
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1/2 teaspoon paprika
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1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
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1 teaspoon fine salt (after grilling)
Instructions
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Preheat grill to 400°F.
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Cut off ends of sweet potatoes and slice into 1/2-inch thick spears. Square off pointed tips to prevent burning.
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In a large bowl, toss sweet potato spears with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper until evenly coated.
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Place the spears directly on the grill or in a grill basket.
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Grill over medium heat with an open lid, about 2 minutes per side (on all four sides). Watch closely near the end to avoid burning.
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Remove fries as they finish—each may cook at a slightly different pace.
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Let them rest 5 minutes, then season with salt. Wait another 5 minutes before serving for optimal crispiness.
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Serve immediately with ketchup or a homemade vegan honey mustard dip.
Notes
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Cut fries evenly for consistent cooking.
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For variation, try smoked paprika or add a dash of chili powder.
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Letting fries rest after grilling helps them crisp naturally without frying.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes