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Foolproof Oven Baked Sweet Potatoes: Fluffy Inside, Crispy Skin

Two halves of fluffy baked sweet potatoes with caramelized orange flesh on a white plate.
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Learn the simple, no-foil method to bake perfect sweet potatoes. This technique guarantees a fluffy interior and a naturally caramelized, crispy skin every time you make this healthy side dish.

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°F (200°C). Place a wire rack over a baking sheet. This setup allows air to circulate around the potatoes for a crispier skin.
  2. Scrub the sweet potatoes thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt. Pat them completely dry with a paper towel. Moisture prevents crisping.
  3. Pierce each sweet potato deeply 6 to 8 times all over using a sharp fork. This lets steam escape, preventing the potato from exploding.
  4. Rub the entire surface of each potato with olive oil. Distribute the coarse salt and black pepper evenly over the oiled skins.
  5. Place the seasoned potatoes directly onto the wire rack on the baking sheet. Do not wrap them in foil.
  6. Bake for 45 to 60 minutes. The exact time depends on the size of your potatoes. They are done when the skin is slightly wrinkled and caramelized, and a fork slides easily into the center.
  7. Remove from the oven. Let the baked sweet potatoes rest for 5 minutes before slicing them open lengthwise. Fluff the inside flesh with a fork.
  8. Serve immediately with your favorite toppings, such as cinnamon butter or savory chili.

Notes

  • For an extra crispy skin, you can rub the potatoes with a thin layer of avocado oil instead of olive oil before seasoning.
  • If you prefer a twice baked sweet potatoes approach, scoop out the flesh after baking, mix it with your desired fillings, and return the mixture to the skins for a final 10 minutes of baking.
  • These are excellent for sweet potato meal prep; store cooked potatoes in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Nutrition

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