Snack
Camote Fries with Chili Salt (Filipino Sweet Potato Fries)
Original name: Camote Fries with Chili Salt

About this dish
Golden, crispy camote fries tossed in a fiery chili salt, just like my Lola used to make from her backyard garden. A nostalgic Filipino snack that brings back memories of sunny afternoons and shared plates.
Ingredients
UK and US measurements are both included for every recipe.
Camote (sweet potato)
vegetable800 g
Imperial measurement: 1.75 lbs
Neutral oil (such as canola or vegetable)
fat2 tbsp
Cornstarch
other2 tbsp
Chili powder
spice1 ½ tsp
Sea salt (flaky, such as Maldon)
seasoning1 tsp
Vinegar for dipping (cane or coconut)
liquid½ cup
Method
Preheat and prep
PT5MPreheat oven to 220°C (425°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Cut the camote
PT5MScrub camote thoroughly (no need to peel for extra fiber, but peel if you prefer). Cut into even sticks, about 1 cm thick.
Rinse and dry
PT5MRinse the sticks in cold water to remove excess starch, then pat them completely dry with a clean kitchen towel.
Coat with cornstarch
PT5MIn a large bowl, toss the camote sticks with cornstarch until evenly coated. This helps them crisp up beautifully.
Season lightly
PT2MDrizzle with oil and toss to coat. Season with a pinch of salt (remember the chili salt comes later).
Arrange on tray
PT2MSpread the fries in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they have space between them for even baking.
Bake until crisp
PT30MBake for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and crispy on the outside and tender inside.
Make chili salt
PT2MWhile baking, mix chili powder and sea salt in a small bowl. Adjust to your heat preference.
Toss and serve
PT2MRemove the fries from the oven and immediately toss them with the chili salt in a warm bowl. Serve hot, with vinegar dip if you like.
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Large mixing bowl
- Clean kitchen towel
- Knife and cutting board
Nutrition facts
Tips
- For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chili salt, or use fresh chopped chili for a brighter kick.
- If your camote sticks are thicker, increase baking time by 5 minutes, just keep an eye on them so they don't burn.
- Don't skip drying the camote well after rinsing – this is the secret to crispy fries.
- Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, like canola or sunflower, to avoid off-flavors.
Serving suggestions
- Serve these camote fries as a snack with a tangy vinegar dip (sawsawan) for an authentic Filipino touch. They also make a great side for burgers or grilled meats.
- For.
- For a party, sprinkle with more chili salt and serve in newspaper cones for a nostalgic feel.
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Recipe by
Miguel Santos
Specialises in Filipino cuisineMiguel learned adobo from his Lola and added a twist: coconut milk AND cane vinegar. He is now considered a folk hero in Manila.
Describe yourself in three words: Proud, nostalgic, talks about his Lola a lot.