Cajun Sweet Potato Fries (Whole30)

These oven-baked healthy Cajun Sweet Potato Fries are subtly sweet boasting all the savory, spicy, smokey flavors. Crispy edges and soft centers make these the Best Cajun Sweet Potato Fries.

Cajun seasoned fries are just the thing to hit the spot when it comes to late evening snacking, or pre-party appetizers or even can be enjoyed as a healthy side dish along with a healthy protein. In other words, there's always a reason to enjoy sweet potato fries.

Sweet potatoes had some major growing on me to do. It wasn't a prominent vegetable in my childhood but I've since matured, as evidenced by my ever-growing catalog of sweet potato recipes.

Check out this easy Pulled Pork Breakfast Skillet. How about some Veggie-Packed Sloppy Joes atop perfectly tender sweet potatoes making this dish Whole30 and Paleo. And of course this gorgeous, holiday-worthy dish of Scalloped Sweet Potatoes with Bacon will forever be one of my favorites.

It only seems fitting that we include these Cajun Sweet Potato Fries to that list. 

How to Season Sweet Potato Fries

The best seasoning for sweet potato fries is this homemade Cajun spice seasoning. The bold and savory flavors compliment the subtle sweetness of the sweet potatoes. The rich melted butter completes the look making for some amazing Cajun sweet potato fries.

For even seasoning of the fries, we recommend to melt the butter and combine all seasonings together before tossing the fries in this buttery goodness. That way, you can be sure that all fries are evenly coated with the Cajun seasoning.

To make these fries Paleo, you may sub olive or avocado oil for butter. Or even ghee to recreate that same rich, buttery texture.

Enjoy with an extra dusting of sea salt or dip into homemade ketchup or ranch. Either way, these are some of the best sweet potato fries you'd ever try.

What is Cajun Seasoning Blend?

Cajun cuisine, with it's bold and perky flavors, originates from the state of Louisiana.

This rustic seasoning is a simple blend of spices that adds amazing character to any dish. With it's robust and zesty profile - this easy Cajun blend boasts common kitchen pantry flavors such as paprika, cayenne, garlic, turmeric, and oregano.

Everyone tends to put their own spin on homemade seasonings but one thing we can all agree on is that authentic Cajun seasoning blend always boasts the daring flavors of paprika. It's also what gives the blend that distinct red hue.

This particular blend calls for smoked paprika - which always guarantees flavorful, spicy and savory results.

I've also included salt in this Whole30 Cajun seasoning to that it's easier to blend with the other flavors. But you're welcome to omit the salt out of the blend and add separately to taste.

Making your own cajun seasoning assures you're avoid all the nasty additives and caking agents typically found in store-bought seasoning. Better yet, make this in bulk and store in airtight container such as these cute weck jars.

Cajun seasoning can also be used as a dry rub for meats, fish and even pastas. 

White Sweet Potato Fries

Although sweet potato fries are slightly higher in carbohydrates and calories, they are also higher in nutrition than regular spuds. The biggest nutritional difference between the two is the vitamin A content - sweet potatoes are incredibly high in this nutrient.

We prefer using white sweet potatoes such as these Jersey sweet potatoes for these Cajun fries because they are a tad more starchy, giving more of a crispy texture when oven baked. Sweet potatoes can vary in their composition, sugar, starch and moisture content.

Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamins A, C, and B6 which helps reduce the chemical homocysteine which causes inflammation in our bodies. They are also a great source of iron, potassium and magnesium, the anti-stress and relaxation mineral making these fries a great evening snack.

How to Make Cajun Fries

This sweet potato fries recipe is healthy and so very easy to put together. Check out the simple steps:

1. Peel and cut sweet potatoes into quarter-inch strips. You may also create Cajun potato wedges but cutting the sweet potatoes into wedges rather than strips. Be sure to increase the baking time by 5 more minutes or until fully cooked.
2. In a small pot, melt the butter and combine all the seasonings well. Alternatively, you may use a microwave to melt the butter if that is your preference.
3. Directly in a large baking sheet, toss the sweet potatoes with the butter and seasonings and mix to coat well. Spread the sweet potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet, taking care not to overcrowd. Use two sheets if necessary.
4. Bake until sweet potatoes are tender and golden brown, approximately 25 minutes, flipping the potatoes mid-way.
5. Broil for 5 minutes until desired crispiness is reached. 

How to Reheat Sweet Potato Fries

Any leftover sweet potato fries can be stored in a tupperware container in the refrigerator.

The best way to reheat these Cajun sweet potato fries is using a cast iron skillet. Heat the skillet on medium-high heat and add a swirl of avocado oil to the pan. Toss the fries into the pan and spread on the skillet in one layer. Warm them up for 1-2 minutes, flip with a wide spatula, and continue to warm for another minute.

This will give you the best texture - crispy on the outside, tender on the inside.

Helpful Tools for these Cajun Sweet Potato Fries

• • Baking sheets - we love this inexpensive stainless steel 2-pack
  • Sharp Chef's knife - this one is great for all your chopping needs 
  • Weck jars - if you want to double or triple the Cajun seasoning recipe to save the for other dishes
  • Cast Iron Skillet - to reheat any sweet potato fries for that perfect next day texture

Printable Recipe

Cajun Sweet Potato Fries (Whole30, Paleo)

Anya @ Prepare & Nourish

Healthy and tasty alternative to french fries, these Cajun Sweet Potato Fries are subtly sweet with that Cajun spicy, zesty, savory and smokey flavor.

5 from 1 vote

Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save RecipeSaved!

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 8 servings

Calories 126 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 2 pounds sweet potatoes
• 2 tablespoons butter olive oil, avocado oil, or ghee will work too
• 1 ½ teaspoon sea salt
• 1 ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• ½ teaspoon oregano
• ¼ teaspoon ground cumin

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Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
• In a large bowl or directly on the baking sheet, toss the sweet potatoes with butter or oil and all spices.
• Arrange sweet potatoes in single layer on baking sheet, making sure not to overcrowd. Use two sheets if necessary.
• Bake until sweet potatoes are tender and golden brown, approximately 20 minutes. Turn with a wide spatula midway.
• Set broiler to high and broil for 5 minutes watching closely, until desired crispiness is reached.
• Remove the top sheet from the broiler oven and move the bottom sheet to the top to broil for additional 3 minutes.
• Serve hot with ketchup, ranch or just a dusting of coarse sea salt.

Notes

To make this recipe Whole30 and Paleo, use a compliant fat such as olive oil, ghee or avocado oil.

Nutrition

Calories: 126kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 8mg | Sodium: 524mg | Potassium: 389mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 16381IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 36mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition Information

The information shown is an estimate provided for your convenience by an online calculator. It should not be considered as a substitute for a professional nutritionist's advice. See our complete Nutritional Information Disclaimer.

Keyword budget friendly, Cajun, Dairy-free, kid friendly,, Nut-free, paleo, primal, quick & easy,, smoked paprika, sweet potatoes, Whole 30

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This post was originally published November 2015 but has since been updated to include helpful information.