Better Than Fries! Crispy, Delicious, and Very Easy

### Instructions: How to Make Better Than Fries!

Making these crispy delights is simple and fast, so let’s get cooking!

**Step 1: Preheat the Oven**
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature ensures your bites come out crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

**Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables**
Start by washing your sweet potatoes (or alternative vegetables) thoroughly. If you’re using sweet potatoes, you can leave the skin on for extra texture and nutrients, but you can also peel them if preferred.

Next, slice the vegetables into thin strips, about the size of regular fries. The thinner the strips, the crispier they’ll become, so try to keep them uniform in size for even cooking.

**Step 3: Season the Veggies**
Place the vegetable strips into a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with **olive oil**, then sprinkle with **garlic powder**, **paprika**, **salt**, and **pepper**. Toss everything together until the vegetables are evenly coated with oil and seasonings. If you’re using **Parmesan cheese** or fresh herbs, you can add those at this point as well, for extra flavor.

**Step 4: Arrange on a Baking Sheet**
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with oil to prevent sticking. Spread the seasoned vegetable strips in a single layer, making sure they’re not overlapping. This allows the heat to circulate around the vegetables, ensuring they cook evenly and get that golden crisp.

**Step 5: Bake the Crispy Bites**
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time, flip the vegetable strips to ensure they crisp up evenly on both sides. Keep an eye on them, as cooking times can vary based on the size of your vegetable strips.

**Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!**
Once your crispy bites are golden brown and perfectly crispy, remove them from the oven. Let them cool for a minute or two, then serve them up with your favorite dipping sauce or enjoy them on their own. They’re perfect for pairing with ranch dressing, garlic aioli, or even a tangy barbecue sauce.

### Tips for Perfect Crispy Bites

1. **Uniform Sizing**: Cutting the vegetables into evenly sized pieces is key to ensuring they cook at the same rate and come out perfectly crispy.
2. **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan**: Space the veggie strips out on the baking sheet. Overcrowding can result in steaming, which will prevent them from getting crispy.
3. **Use a Wire Rack**: For even better results, you can place the veggie strips on a wire rack set over the baking sheet. This allows air to circulate on all sides, making them even crispier.
4. **Experiment with Different Vegetables**: While sweet potatoes are a fan favorite, you can experiment with other vegetables such as zucchini, carrots, or even parsnips for variety. The recipe is versatile and adaptable to what you have on hand.
5. **Spice It Up**: Don’t be afraid to play around with seasonings! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat, or try some Italian seasoning for a more herbaceous flavor.

### Why This Recipe is Better Than Fries

– **Lower in Carbs**: Using sweet potatoes or other vegetables makes these crispy bites a healthier alternative to traditional fries.
– **More Flavor**: The combination of seasonings and the option for added Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs gives these bites a depth of flavor that regular fries just can’t match.
– **Crispy Texture**: With the right balance of oil and baking time, you’ll achieve a crispy texture on the outside, while keeping the inside tender and flavorful.
– **Healthier Option**: Baking these vegetable bites is a healthier option than frying, and they still deliver that satisfying crunch.

### Final Thoughts

These **Better Than Fries! Crispy, Delicious, and Very Easy** vegetable bites are the perfect alternative to traditional fries, offering a healthier and equally satisfying option. Whether you’re craving a crispy snack, looking for a new side dish, or need a crowd-pleasing appetizer, these crispy bites are sure to become a favorite.

With their amazing crunch, rich flavor, and simple preparation, these bites will quickly become your go-to recipe for any meal. So, next time you’re in the mood for something crunchy and delicious, ditch the traditional fries and give this easy, crispy recipe a try!