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Tex-Mex Seasoned Purple Sweet Potato Fries

Updated: Jan 31, 2025 · Published: Jul 8, 2024 by Allie · This post may contain affiliate links ·

If you haven’t tried purple sweet potato fries, you are missing out! Not only are these baked Tex-Mex seasoned purple sweet potato fries a gorgeous color, they are oil-free, taste delicious, and incredibly good for you!

close up of Tex-Mex seasoned sweet potato fries on parchment paper
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  • Ingredients
  • Instructions
  • FAQ
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Ingredients

whole purple sweet potato
labeled jars of spices for seasoning blend
  • Purple sweet potatoes: From the outside, these potatoes look like your typical sweet potato. But when you cut them open, their gorgeous purple color will blow your mind! Also mind-blowing: they are loaded with 2 to 3 times as many antioxidants as white and yellow potatoes.
  • Ground cumin
  • Chili powder
  • Garlic powder
  • Paprika (or smoked paprika, for a smokier flavor)
  • Ground coriander
  • Black pepper
  • Ground cayenne (optional; for added spice)

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

While the oven is heating, slice the sweet potatoes into ½-inch fries.

partially sliced purple sweet potato on a cutting board with a knife

Spread the fries on the prepared baking sheet. Avoid overlapping the fries on the sheet—they need space so they can bake evenly.

baking sheet with raw purple sweet potatoes arranged on parchment paper

Next, make the seasoning blend by combining the cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, paprika, coriander, and black pepper in a small bowl. 

small bowl containing unmixed spices for Tex-Mex seasoning blend
small bowl containing Tex-Mex seasoning blend

Sprinkle the seasoning blend over the fries and toss to coat. 

baking sheet with Tex-Mex seasoned purple sweet potato fries arranged on parchment paper

Bake the Tex-Mex seasoned purple sweet potato fries for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, remove the baking sheet from the oven, flip the fries, and return the sheet to the oven. Continue to bake the fries for 10 to 20 minutes longer, or until they are puffy with crispy edges.

Transfer the fries to a serving bowl and sprinkle them with any seasoning left on the baking sheet. These are best served immediately, either as a side dish or topped with black beans in lime juice, guacamole, and cilantro for a more substantial main dish.

oval serving dish holding Tex-Mex seasoned purple sweet potato fries

FAQ

Will traditional orange sweet potatoes work as a substitute?

Yes! If you can’t find purple sweet potatoes or simply want something a little more traditional, orange sweet potatoes work just as well!

Is the seasoning spicy?

No—the seasoning is mild and adds a touch of texture and flavor without being overpowering. If you want something spicer, a dash of cayenne will do the trick.

What alternative seasoning works with these fries? 

Not a fan of Tex-Mex flavors? No problem! Try ½ to 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder and onion powder instead. Or simply enjoy these plain or lightly salted to accompany a more flavorful dish.

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close up of Tex-Mex seasoned purple sweet potato fries on parchment paper

Tex-Mex Seasoned Purple Sweet Potato Fries

If you haven’t tried purple sweet potato fries, you are missing out! Not only are these baked Tex-Mex seasoned purple sweet potato fries a gorgeous color, they are oil-free, taste delicious, and incredibly good for you!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 30 minutes mins
Total Time 40 minutes mins
Course Side Dish
Cuisine Tex-Mex Inspired
Servings 4

Equipment

  • baking sheet

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound purple sweet potatoes (approximately 1 large sweet potato), rinsed and eyes removed

Seasoning blend

  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika (or smoked paprika)
  • ½ teaspoon ground coriander
  • ⅛ to ¼ teaspoon ground cayenne (optional, for spicier fries)
  • freshly cracked black pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Slice the sweet potatoes into ½-inch fries and spread them on the prepared baking sheet. (See Note)
  • In a small bowl, combine the cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, paprika, coriander, and black pepper to make the seasoning blend.
  • Sprinkle the seasoning blend over the sweet potato fries, and toss to coat.  
  • Bake the fries for 15 minutes. Then, remove the baking sheet from the oven and flip the fries, using a spatula or tongs. Return the baking sheet to the oven and continue to bake the fries for 10 to 20 minutes longer, or until they are puffy with crispy edges.
  • Transfer the fries to a serving bowl and sprinkle them with any seasoning left on the baking sheet. Serve immediately. The fries taste great as a side dish with veggie burgers. Or, for a more substantial main dish, top them with black beans in lime juice, guacamole, and cilantro.

Notes

  • Removing the peel is optional and is a matter of personal preference. Leaving it on will give an extra antioxidant boost. However, because the peel has a brownish color, peeling it will result in more vibrantly colored fries.
Keyword baked fries, oil-free, purple sweet potato fries, sweet potato fries

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Welcome!

I’m Allie and I’m so glad you’re here! In this blog, you’ll find quick, healthy, and delicious plant-based recipes that anyone can make. I hope you find something here to brighten your day!

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