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Foolproof Oven Baked Sweet Potatoes: Fluffy Inside, Crispy Skin

Two perfectly baked sweet potatoes split open showing fluffy, bright orange insides on a white plate.
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Learn the simple, no-foil method to bake sweet potatoes perfectly every time. You get a soft, fluffy interior and a wonderfully caramelized, crispy skin. This is the best simple sweet potato side dish for any meal.

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 degrees Celsius). Position an oven rack in the center.
  2. Scrub the sweet potatoes well under running water to remove any dirt. Dry them completely with a paper towel. This step helps achieve crispy skin.
  3. Prick each sweet potato deeply 6 to 8 times all over using a sharp fork. This allows steam to escape and prevents bursting.
  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 center oven rack. Do not use foil; baking directly on the rack allows air circulation for crispier skin.
  7. Bake for 45 to 60 minutes. The exact oven baked sweet potatoes time depends on the size of your potatoes. They are done when the skin is slightly wrinkled and crisp, and you can easily pierce the center with a fork.
  8. Carefully remove the potatoes from the oven. Let them cool for 5 minutes before slicing them open lengthwise down the middle. Gently squeeze the ends to fluff the interior.
  9. Serve immediately with your favorite toppings.

Notes

  • For extra crispy skin, you can bake them directly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper instead of the rack, though the rack method yields the best results.
  • If you are meal prepping, you can bake them ahead of time. Store cooled, whole potatoes in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a 350 degree oven for 10 minutes to refresh the texture.
  • Try these simple sweet potato topping ideas: a pat of cinnamon butter, a drizzle of maple syrup, or a savory topping of Greek yogurt, chives, and sea salt.

Nutrition

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