Print

Foolproof Oven Baked Sweet Potatoes: Crispy Skin and Fluffy Inside

Two fluffy baked sweet potatoes, split open and seasoned, sitting on a white plate.
Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Follow this simple, no-fuss method to bake sweet potatoes perfectly every time. You get a caramelized, crispy skin and a soft, fluffy interior, making this the best sweet potato cooking method for a simple dinner side.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 medium sweet potatoes (about 8-10 ounces each)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon coarse salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 Celsius).
  2. Scrub the sweet potatoes well under running water to remove any dirt. Pat them completely dry with a paper towel. Drying the skin helps achieve a crispier result.
  3. Prick each sweet potato deeply 4 to 6 times all over using a fork. This allows steam to escape during baking.
  4. Rub the entire surface of each potato lightly with olive oil.
  5. Sprinkle the potatoes evenly with coarse salt and black pepper.
  6. Place the seasoned potatoes directly onto the middle oven rack. Do not use foil or a baking sheet, as this traps moisture and prevents the skin from crisping.
  7. Bake for 45 to 60 minutes. The exact time depends on the size of your potatoes.
  8. Check for doneness by squeezing the potato gently; it should yield easily. You can also insert a sharp knife into the center; it should slide in with no resistance.
  9. Remove the baked sweet potatoes from the oven. Let them cool for 5 minutes before slicing them open lengthwise. Fluff the inside flesh with a fork.

Notes

  • For a caramelized surface, skip wrapping the potatoes in foil. Baking them directly on the rack allows the natural sugars to caramelize.
  • If you want to make twice baked sweet potatoes, scoop out the flesh after baking, mix it with your desired fillings, and return the skins to the oven for 10 minutes to crisp up again.
  • For meal prep, bake the potatoes ahead of time. Store them whole in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
  • Try topping your fluffy baked sweet potatoes with cinnamon butter, brown sugar, pecans, or savory toppings like goat cheese and chives.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://tasteportfolio.com/baked-sweet-potatoes-fluffy-crispy-skin-easy/