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    Where Is My Spoon > Recipes > Side Dishes

    Pan-Fried Sweet Potatoes (Only 3 Ingredients)

    Published by: Adina April 6, 2019 ยท Last modified: June 21, 2024 7 Comments
    Jump to Recipe
    pinterest image with title for pan fried sweet potatoes.

    Make crispy pan-fried sweet potato slices using just sweet potatoes, oil, and your preferred spices. They're ready in 20 minutes, crispy on the outside and soft inside.

    close up of pan-fried sweet potatoes in a small chipped bowl.

    Enjoy these golden-brown, crispy, pan-fried sweet potatoes! These tasty treats are packed with natural sweetness and are easy to make. They make a deliciously wholesome snack or meal or a perfect side dish for your favorite main course.

    Learn how to season them perfectly. Add a hint of sweetness with cinnamon or a spicy kick with paprika to make every bite delightful. Read our easy tips on cooking time and the best oil and pan to use for frying sweet potatoes. 

    Check out more of our favorite ways with sweet potatoes: Easy Sautรฉed Sweet Potatoes, Sweet Potato and Carrot Soup, savory Puff Pastry Sweet Potato Pie, Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries, or Sweet Potato Brownies. 

    Jump to recipe
    • โค๏ธWhy will you love this recipe?
    • ๐Ÿ“‹Recipe ingredients
    • ๐Ÿฅ˜Variations on the recipe
    • ๐Ÿ‘ฉ๐Ÿปโ€๐ŸณHow to fry sweet potatoes?
    • ๐Ÿ”ŠExpert Tips
    • โ“Recipe FAQ
    • ๐Ÿฝ๏ธWhat to serve with them?
    • ๐Ÿ“–Recipe
    • Pan-Fried Sweet Potatoes (Only 3 Ingredients)

    โค๏ธWhy will you love this recipe?

    • Easy and quick preparation: It involves simple steps like peeling, slicing, and pan-frying, making it easy for cooks of all levels. And it only takes about 20 minutes to make this simple dish. 
    • Few simple ingredients: You'll only need a few basic ingredients, making it a convenient recipe.
    • Texture: Frying the sweet potatoes in the pan gives them a crispy outside and a soft inside.
    • Flexibility: You can experiment with different spices, herbs, or extra ingredients.
    • Versatility in use: You can enjoy these tasty sweet potatoes in countless ways - as a side dish, stuffed in flatbreads, or added to salads or breakfasts.

    ๐Ÿ“‹Recipe ingredients

    one whole sweet potatoe, bowls with spices and oil and a vegetable peeler on a cutting board.

    Sweet potatoes with red skin and orange flesh. Caution: they are not yams, which have bark-like brown skin and starchy flesh. 

    One or two sweet potatoes. A total of 9 oz/ 250 g serves one or two as a main dish with salad or other sides or 2-3 as a side dish.

    Oil: I usually use olive oil or canola oil to fry the potatoes. You can substitute it with avocado oil, coconut oil, or ghee (clarified butter); they all work great in this fried sweet potato recipe. 

    Spices: You can keep this recipe simple and use fine sea salt and ground black pepper. 

    • However, spices add an extra layer of excitement to the dish. Below are some simple seasonings for pan-fried (or oven-roasted sweet potato slices), but feel free to use whatever spices you have on hand and enjoy.
    • You can always add a sprinkle of brown sugar and a bit of cinnamon to most sweet potato dishes; they both elevate their sweet flavor. 

    ๐Ÿฅ˜Variations on the recipe

    • Sweet and spicy: Sprinkle them with a mix of cinnamon, cayenne pepper, and a touch of brown sugar for a sweet and spicy flavor.
    • Herbs: Use a blend of dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, and oregano for a herby and aromatic twist.
    • Garlic Parmesan: Toss the pan-fried sweet potatoes with minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of black pepper.
    • Curry: Season them with curry powder and turmeric.
    • Citrus flavor: Sprinkle with a mix of orange zest, smoked paprika, and a touch of honey for a tangy and slightly sweet flavor.
    • Mediterranean blend: Season with a combination of dried basil, Italian herbs, a squeeze of lemon, and a drizzle of olive oil for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor.

    ๐Ÿ‘ฉ๐Ÿปโ€๐ŸณHow to fry sweet potatoes?

    Prepare sweet potatoes:

    showing how to chop a sweet potato into slices.

    Quarter them.

    sliced raw sweet potoatoes on a gray cutting board.

    Slice the quarters (ยผ - inch/ 6 mm thick).

    Add the spices and stir well to coat.

    close up sweet potato slices browned at the edges.

    Heat a little oil in a large skillet and add the slices in a single layer.

    cooked sweet potatoes sprinkled with parsley in a nonstick pan.

    Fry sweet potato pieces, turning them regularly, for about 15 minutes, depending on how thick they are.

    Start checking the pan-fried sweet potatoes after about 12 minutes; the slices should be golden brown, crispy on the outside, and really soft on the inside.

    ๐Ÿ”ŠExpert Tips

    What is the best pan to use?

    The best pan for frying sweet potato on the stovetop is a heavy pan with a thick bottom, like a cast-iron skillet (the Amazon link opens in a new tab). It heats evenly and helps make the slices crispy. You need a large one (12-inch/ 30 cm diameter).

    Alternatively, a non-stick skillet works well, too, as it prevents sticking and makes cleaning easier. 

    It's mostly about personal preferenceโ€”whether you prefer traditional heating with a cast-iron skillet or the convenience of a non-stick pan.

    I used both to make this recipe; it always turns out great.  

    Uniform slicing: Try to slice the tubers into evenly sized pieces. This ensures they cook uniformly, resulting in consistent texture and taste.

    Perfect frying: Ensure the pan is preheated before adding the slices and that they fit in the pan in one layer. This allows them to crisp up on the outside. Overcrowding the pan might lead to stewing instead of frying.

    Servings: This recipe makes enough fried sweet potatoes for one (main dish) to three servings (side dish). If you're making a larger batch, use two pans for better frying results.

    small bowl with sweet potatoes slices sprinkled with parsley.

    โ“Recipe FAQ

    Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?ย 

    You can try this recipe with regular potatoes or other root vegetables. Just note that cooking times may vary.

    What's the best way to achieve crispy sweet potato slices?ย 

    To get crispy pan-fried sweet potatoes, ensure they are cut evenly and not overcrowded in the pan. Use enough oil to coat the slices and fry them in a single layer, flipping occasionally for even cooking.

    How do I prevent them from sticking to the pan?ย 

    Using a well-seasoned cast-iron skillet or a non-stick pan and ensuring the slices are coated with enough oil should prevent sticking. Additionally, avoid overcrowding the pan.

    How to store and reheat sweet potatoes?

    Refrigeration: After cooking, allow the pan-fried sweet potatoes to cool down completely. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They'll stay good for around 3-4 days.
    Freezing: To freeze, lay out the cooled sweet potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer bag or freezer-safe container. When stored properly, they can last in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
    I donโ€™t recommend freezing, though; the potatoesโ€™ texture will change, and not for the better. I only use defrosted sweet potatoes to blend into creamy soups.ย 
    Reheat in a skillet on the stovetop over medium heat. A touch of oil or butter can help prevent sticking and restore some crispness. Stir occasionally until they're heated through, usually about 5 minutes.

    ๐Ÿฝ๏ธWhat to serve with them?

    • bbq sauce chicken breast in a bowl with a fork, rice, and broccoli.
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      Beef Tagliata โ€“ Italian Steak
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      Spelt Grain Salad
    • sliced apricot glazed pork tenderloin on a small black plate.
      Juicy Apricot Glazed Pork Tenderloin
    • โ€‹Serve as a main dish with salad or roasted vegetables. Add a fried egg on top. 
    • Proteins: They are a great side dish for chicken, seared tofu, roasted turkey, pork dishes, or baked fish.
    • Salads: Pair with a fresh green salad or a grain-based salad like quinoa or couscous salad.
    • Eggs: They make a delightful addition to a breakfast spread alongside scrambled eggs on toast, poached, or fried eggs. Or use them to make a breakfast hash.
    • Sandwiches/Wraps: Use them to fill sandwiches, wraps, or make a breakfast burrito. Add some greens, protein, and your favorite condiments for a delicious meal.
    • Dips/Sauces: Enjoy with a dipping sauce like aioli, chipotle mayo, or a yogurt-based dip for a flavorful snack or appetizer.
    • Soups/Stews: Serve alongside a warm bowl of soup or stew for a comforting meal, balancing the flavors and textures.
    • Burgers: Use the pan-fried sweet potatoes as a side for veggie burgers, beef or chicken fillet burgers as an alternative to fries.
    • Grain bowls: They are a great addition to grain bowls with quinoa, brown rice, or other grains, along with roasted vegetables and a protein source for a nourishing meal.
    • Toppings: Use them as a topping for pizzas, tacos, or nachos to add a unique twist and extra flavor.
    fried sweet potato slices in a non stick skillet.

    Do you like this recipe?

    Please leave a good rating in the recipe card below. Stay in touch through social media: Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram. Donโ€™t forget to tag #whereismyspoon when you try a recipe!

    ๐Ÿ“–Recipe

    pan-fried sweet potatoes sprinkled with parsley in a small bowl.

    Pan-Fried Sweet Potatoes (Only 3 Ingredients)

    Enjoy these golden-brown, crispy, pan-fried sweet potatoes! They're made using 3 ingredients and are ready in 20 minutes.
    4.64 from 11 votes
    Print Pin Share GrowSaved! Rate
    Course: Side Dishes
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 20 minutes minutes
    Servings: 2
    Calories: 244kcal
    Author: Adina

    Equipment

    • Large cast-iron skillet (12 inches/ 30 cm) or non-stick pan
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients 

    • 9 oz sweet potato 250 g, 1-2 sweet potatoes, Notes 1, 2
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil Note 3
    • ยฝ teaspoon sweet paprika powder OR ground cinnamon to taste, Note 4
    • fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
    • parsley /sesame seeds /nigella seeds to sprinkle on top, optional

    Instructions

    • Slice: Quarter the sweet potato. Cut the quarters into slices, about 4 - 5 mm/ 0.15 - 0.19 inches. Add the spices and stir well to coat.
      9 oz sweet potato/ 250 g + ยฝ teaspoon sweet paprika powder or cinnamon + fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
    • Heat the oil in the pan. Add the sweet potato slices in a single layer.
      2 tablespoons olive oil
    • Fry sweet potatoes over medium heat, turning them every few minutes for about 15 minutes, depending on their thickness. Start checking after about 12 minutes; the sweet potato slices should be golden brown, crispy on the outside, and really soft on the inside.
    • Sprinkle with fresh herbs/sesame seeds/ nigella seeds, and serve immediately.

    Notes

    1. Sweet potatoes: Red-skinned and orange-fleshed ones. They differ from yams, which have bark-like brown skin and starchy flesh. Choosing sweet potatoes of uniform size helps ensure even cooking.
    2. Servings: 9 oz/ 250 g sweet potatoes are enough for one or two as a main dish or 2-3 as a side dish. The nutrition is calculated for 2 servings.
    3. Seasoning: If using cinnamon, add it to taste. Read the blog post for more seasoning ideas.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1/2 | Calories: 244kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 18g | Sodium: 169mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @adinabeck or tag #WhereIsMySpoon!

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    Comments

    1. Kay says

      September 30, 2021 at 2:04 pm

      My kids got use to sweet potatoes by my mixing 2 white baking potatoes with 1 sweet potato when making mashed potatoes. Increase the sweet potatoes after a while. I myself didn't like them as a kid and not until I got married and my husband made them. I was pleasantly surprised. ?

      Reply
      • Adina says

        September 30, 2021 at 4:13 pm

        Hi Kay. Thank you for the tip. I will try! ๐Ÿ™‚

        Reply
    2. Jim Reed says

      January 06, 2020 at 4:09 am

      I cube them about an inch, and fry at 250 degrees in 1/2 stick of butter. Salt, pepper, and granulated garlic (or powder) each turn. 20 minutes, turn, 20 minutes, turn, 20 minutes. Been eating these instead of regular potatoes for breakfast for years.

      Reply
      • Adina says

        January 06, 2020 at 11:04 am

        Sounds delicious! I've never had potatoes for breakfast, but sweet potatoes are so great, I could imagine eating them even for breakfast. ๐Ÿ™‚

        Reply
    3. Kathy @ Beyond the Chicken Coop says

      April 09, 2019 at 2:40 pm

      Sweet potatoes are always a favorite in our house. This is a delicious and simple side dish that's perfect for everyday dinners.

      Reply
    4. priya says

      April 08, 2019 at 10:22 am

      Simply delicious.. I love pan fried potatoes,sweet potatoes and yam.. I sometimes add a bit of garlic ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
    5. angiesrecipes says

      April 06, 2019 at 3:14 pm

      Looks like a side dish for growups :-)) I am not surprised that your kids don't enjoy them. As a kid I didn't really like them, but now I LOVE them.

      Reply
    4.64 from 11 votes (11 ratings without comment)

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