Sweet potato wedges are a delicious and nutritious alternative to regular potato wedges, and they are becoming increasingly popular in households around the world. These tasty side-dishes are not only easy to prepare but are also packed with essential nutrients that are beneficial for overall health.
While sweet potato wedges are a healthy and flavourful snack or side dish, it’s crucial to cook them properly to ensure they come out perfectly crispy and delicious. In this guide, we will address common questions and concerns about sweet potato wedges and provide you with tips and tricks for achieving the ultimate crispy sweet potato wedge.
Why Your Sweet Potato Wedges Aren’t Crisping Up
Despite their many health benefits and delicious taste, sweet potato wedges can sometimes turn out limp and soggy, leaving you feeling unsatisfied.
Here are some reasons why your sweet potato wedges might not be crispy and some tips for achieving the perfect crunch:
You’re not using enough oil:
Sweet potato wedges require a decent amount of oil to crisp up properly. If you’re not using enough oil, your wedges won’t cook evenly, and they’ll be more likely to turn out soft and soggy. Make sure to toss your wedges generously in oil before baking them.
Your oven temperature is too low:
A low oven temperature will prevent your sweet potato wedges from crisping up properly. Make sure to preheat your oven to at least 400 degrees Fahrenheit before baking your wedges.
You’re overcrowding the pan:
Overcrowding the pan will cause your sweet potato wedges to steam rather than bake, resulting in soggy wedges. Make sure to give your wedges plenty of space on the baking sheet.
You’re not flipping your wedges halfway through cooking:
Flipping your wedges halfway through cooking will ensure that both sides crisp up evenly. Make sure to flip your wedges with a spatula or tongs.
Top Tips For Achieving Crispy Sweet Potato Wedges
Cut your wedges into even sizes:
Cutting your sweet potato wedges into even sizes will ensure that they cook evenly and crisp up uniformly.
Use enough oil: As mentioned above, sweet potato wedges require a generous amount of oil to crisp up properly. Use at least 2-3 tablespoons of oil per sweet potato.
Toss your wedges in cornstarch: Tossing your sweet potato wedges in cornstarch before baking them can help create a crispy, crunchy exterior.
Don’t overcrowd the pan: Giving your sweet potato wedges plenty of space on the baking sheet will help them cook evenly and get crispy.
The Role of Soaking Sweet Potatoes Before Baking:
Soaking sweet potato wedges in cold water for at least 30 minutes before baking them can help remove excess starch and create a crispy exterior. This is because the excess starch can turn into moisture when heated, causing your wedges to turn out soft and soggy. Soaking your wedges in cold water helps remove this excess starch, resulting in crispier, crunchier wedges. Be sure to dry your wedges thoroughly after soaking them before baking them in the oven.
How to Cut Sweet Potatoes into Wedges
Cutting sweet potatoes into wedges can be a bit tricky if you’re not sure how to do it properly. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to cut sweet potatoes into wedges:
- Wash and dry your sweet potatoes thoroughly.
- Cut off the ends of each sweet potato using a sharp knife.
- Cut the sweet potato in half lengthwise.
- Cut each half into halves again, so that you now have four long pieces.
- Cut each long piece into wedges by slicing diagonally, making sure to keep the pieces relatively uniform in size.
- Repeat steps 3-5 for each sweet potato.
Baking Versus Boiling Your Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are a versatile vegetable that can be cooked in a variety of ways, including boiling and baking. Here are some pros and cons of each method:
Boiling Sweet Potatoes:
Pros:
- Boiling sweet potatoes is a quick and easy way to cook them.
- Boiling helps to retain the sweet potato’s nutrients and flavour.
- Boiled sweet potatoes are easy to mash, making them a great option for purees and soups.
Cons:
- Boiled sweet potatoes can turn out soggy and lack the crispy texture that many people enjoy.
- Boiling can cause the sweet potatoes to lose some of their nutritional value.
Baking Sweet Potatoes:
Pros:
- Baking sweet potatoes brings out their natural sweetness and results in a crispy exterior and soft interior.
- Baking allows for a variety of seasonings and toppings to be added, making it a versatile cooking method.
- Baked sweet potatoes retain their nutrients and are a great source of dietary fibre.
Cons:
- Baking sweet potatoes can take longer than boiling, depending on the size of the sweet potato.
- Baked sweet potatoes can be difficult to slice evenly, which can affect the texture of sweet potato wedges.
Which Method is Better for Making Sweet Potato Wedges?
When it comes to making sweet potato wedges, baking is the preferred method. Baking sweet potato wedges at a high temperature (around 200 degrees celcius) helps to create a crispy exterior and soft interior, resulting in delicious and satisfying sweet potato wedges. Boiling sweet potato wedges can result in a soft and soggy texture, which is not as enjoyable as a crispy texture. Additionally, baking allows for a variety of seasonings and toppings to be added to the wedges, making them a versatile and flavourful side dish or snack.
Should You Parboil Sweet Potatoes?
Parboiling is a cooking technique that involves partially boiling vegetables before finishing them off in the oven. Here’s why parboiling sweet potatoes before roasting is a great idea:
Benefits of Parboiling Sweet Potatoes:
- Reduces cooking time: Parboiling sweet potatoes can significantly reduce the amount of time it takes to roast them in the oven. This is especially helpful if you’re short on time or if you want to make sure your sweet potato wedges are fully cooked and crispy.
- Improves texture: Parboiling sweet potatoes before roasting helps to soften them up, allowing the sweet potato wedges to cook evenly and achieve a crispy exterior while maintaining a soft and fluffy interior.
- Enhances flavour: Parboiling sweet potatoes in salted water can add flavour and seasoning to the sweet potato wedges before they are roasted in the oven.
How To Season Your Sweet Potato Wedges
Seasoning Sweet Potato Wedges:
Sweet potato wedges are a delicious and versatile side dish that can be seasoned in a variety of ways. Here’s an overview of sweet and savoury seasoning options and some tips for creating unique and flavourful seasoning blends:
Sweet Seasonings: Sweet potato wedges have a natural sweetness that can be enhanced with sweet seasonings like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and brown sugar. These seasonings complement the natural flavour of sweet potatoes and create a warm and comforting flavour profile.
Savoury Seasonings: Sweet potato wedges can also be seasoned with savoury flavours like garlic, cumin, chilli powder, and smoked paprika. These seasonings add a depth of flavour to sweet potato wedges and create a more complex and spicy taste.
Tips for creating unique and flavourful seasoning blends:
- Experiment with different herbs and spices to find your favourite flavour combinations.
- Mix sweet and savoury seasonings for a unique and balanced flavour profile.
- Try using citrus fruits like lemon or lime to add a tangy flavour to sweet potato wedges.
- Add a pinch of salt to enhance the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes.
Best seasoning combinations for sweet potato wedges:
Cinnamon and brown sugar: This sweet seasoning blend is a classic combination for sweet potato wedges. It creates a warm and comforting flavour that is perfect for fall and winter.
Garlic and rosemary: This savoury seasoning blend is a delicious option for those who prefer a more herbaceous flavour. It creates a fragrant and slightly tangy taste that pairs well with grilled or roasted meats.
Smoked paprika and cumin: This spicy seasoning blend is perfect for those who like a bit of heat in their food. It creates a smoky and slightly spicy flavour that is perfect for game day snacks or BBQs.
My Sweet Potato Wedges Recipe
You can check it out here!
