How to Freeze Sweet Potato Fries

Marie Overton
a few seconds ago
2 min read

Sweet potato fries are one of my husband's favorite fried treats, so when I run into a good deal for sweet potatoes at the store I like to pick them up in bulk. Having them all prepared and in the freezer makes adding them to a meal so much easier later.

Why Freeze sweet potato fries?

The biggest reason to freeze sweet potato fries is convenience. With all the peeling, cutting, and even par-cooking the fries ahead of time, they are ready for cooking when you need them.

Freezing also helps dry out the fries, which results in a crispier fry.
The freezer is also a great place to store excess from the garden.

Preparing Fresh sweet potatoes for Freezing

To maximize flavor and quality, proper preparation of sweet potatoes before freezing is crucial. You can follow these steps to ensure the best results.

1. Peel

Person in apron peels a sweet potato on a striped cutting board. A bowl of potatoes is in the background on a speckled countertop.

Peel the sweet potatoes and remove any and all bad spots.

2. Cut into Fries

Using a sharp knife, or a French fry cutter to cut the sweet potatoes into fries. This not only helps them freeze evenly but also makes it easier to use later.

3. Blanching: The Key Step

Carrots in an ice water bath in a metal bowl, with a ladle moving sliced carrots into a pot. Kitchen setting, mosaic tile backsplash.

Blanching is an essential part of preparing your fries for freezing. It helps maintain nutritional value while stopping enzyme action that can degrade their color, flavor, and texture.

Follow these steps:

Boil Water: Fill a large pot with water and get it to a rolling boil.
Blanch sweet potatoes: Add your fries to the boiling water. Blanch for 5 minutes. Transfer it to ice water for 2-3 minutes to stop the cooking of the interior.

4. Drain and Dry

Hands cutting carrots with a metal scoop on a kitchen counter. A bowl of carrots is in the background. Neutral tones dominate the scene.

Drain the fries as you remove them from the water. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to remove excess moisture. This step is crucial to prevent ice crystals from forming during storage.

Hands pressing a white cloth on a countertop, wearing an apron with the name "Marie." Kitchen setting with subtle lighting and warm tones.

5. Pack for Freezing

Begin by placing the dry fries on a baking sheet and freezing them for 4-6 hours. This makes it so they don't stick to each other, allowing you to take smaller amounts out at a time.

Hands roll parchment paper over sliced carrots on a baking tray. A kitchen counter and plastic bags are in the background.

Place your frozen fries into freezer bags or airtight containers. Be sure to eliminate as much air as possible before sealing, as trapped air can lead to freezer burn. Flattening the bags helps save space in the freezer.

Frozen sweet potato fries on a green floral plate, placed on a woven mat. The setting is a speckled countertop. The mood is casual and rustic.

How to Store Frozen sweet potato fries

Hands label a freezer bag with a pen. Trays of sliced carrots on a gray countertop. Kitchen sink and jars in the background.

Label Your Bags: Always label your freezer bags with the date. While frozen sweet potato fries can be stored for up to 12 months, it is recommended to use it within 6 months for the best taste and texture.