These maple chili sweet potato wedges are the perfect mix of sweet and spicy! Roasted until crispy, they are a playful twist on traditional fries that you’ll love.
Honestly, the sweet maple coating with a kick of chili keeps me coming back for more! I can’t help but enjoy them as a snack or a side—delicious any time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes are the star of this dish. You can use orange or purple sweet potatoes based on your preference. If you’re short on sweet potatoes, carrots or butternut squash can be good substitutes, though their cooking time might vary slightly.
Maple Syrup: Pure maple syrup adds a lovely sweetness. If you don’t have any, honey or agave syrup can work as a substitute. For a lower-calorie option, try using a sugar-free syrup.
Chili Powder: This ingredient provides spice! You can replace it with a mix of paprika and cayenne for extra kick. If you’re looking for a milder flavor, try mild chili powder or omit it altogether.
Olive Oil: Olive oil is great for roasting, but feel free to use avocado oil or melted coconut oil if you prefer those flavors. They both hold up well at high temperatures.
How Do I Get My Sweet Potato Wedges Extra Crispy?
To achieve perfectly crispy wedges, consider these tips:
- Pat your sweet potatoes dry after washing; moisture can lead to sogginess.
- Cut the wedges evenly to ensure they cook at the same rate.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet; this allows hot air to circulate and crisp up every side.
- Flipping the wedges halfway through cooking helps them brown evenly on both sides.
- For an extra crispy finish, broil them for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end—just keep a close eye to prevent burning!
Maple Chili Sweet Potato Wedges
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Wedges:
- 3 large sweet potatoes, scrubbed clean
For The Maple Chili Glaze:
- 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
For Garnish:
- Fresh chopped parsley or green onion (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and 25–30 minutes to roast in the oven. In total, plan for around 40 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick and easy way to whip up a tasty side dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature helps the sweet potatoes get crispy as they roast. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:
Next, wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly. Cut each one in half lengthwise, then slice each half into 3 to 4 wedges. Try to keep the wedges around the same size so they cook evenly.
3. Make the Maple Chili Glaze:
In a large bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, olive oil, chili powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This tasty glaze will give your sweet potatoes a wonderful flavor!
4. Coat the Sweet Potato Wedges:
Add the wedges to the bowl with the glaze. Toss everything together until the wedges are fully coated in the delicious mixture. Make sure each wedge gets some of that flavor!
5. Arrange and Roast:
Place the sweet potato wedges in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, skin side down if possible. Be sure they aren’t overlapping, as this will help them get crispy. Then, roast them in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes. Flip the wedges halfway through so they brown nicely.
6. Finish and Serve:
Once the wedges are tender inside and caramelized on the edges, take them out of the oven. Let them cool for a couple of minutes. If you like, garnish with fresh chopped parsley or green onions to add a pop of color and flavor.
7. Enjoy:
Serve these sweet potato wedges warm as a delicious side dish or a satisfying snack. They’re sure to be a hit!
Can I Use Regular Potatoes Instead of Sweet Potatoes?
Yes, you can! Regular white or yellow potatoes will work, but keep in mind they will have a different flavor and texture. Also, adjust the cooking time as they might cook a bit faster than sweet potatoes.
How Can I Store Leftover Wedges?
Store any leftover sweet potato wedges in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to crisp them back up.
Can I Make These Wedges Spicier?
Absolutely! If you love heat, you can increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add some crushed red pepper flakes to the glaze. Just taste as you go to ensure it suits your spice tolerance!
Can I Prep These Wedges in Advance?
Yes, you can! Slice the sweet potatoes and toss them in the glaze, then store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before you plan to bake them. Just give them a quick toss again before roasting to ensure the glaze is evenly distributed.