The Foolproof Method for Perfectly Baked Sweet Potatoes: Crispy Skin and Fluffy Inside
Learn the best way to bake sweet potatoes in the oven for a creamy interior and crispy skin every time. This simple, no-foil method is perfect for a healthy side dish or meal prep staple.
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 45 min
- Total Time: 50 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 medium sweet potatoes, scrubbed clean
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon coarse salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Place a wire rack on top of a baking sheet.
- Prick each sweet potato deeply several times all over using a fork. This allows steam to escape and helps achieve a fluffy interior.
- Rub each sweet potato lightly with olive oil.
- Sprinkle the potatoes evenly with coarse salt and black pepper.
- Place the seasoned sweet potatoes directly onto the wire rack. Do not wrap them in foil.
- Bake for 40 to 50 minutes, depending on the size of the potatoes. The potatoes are done when the skin is slightly wrinkled and crispy, and a fork easily pierces the center.
- Remove from the oven. Let them cool for 5 minutes before slicing them open lengthwise. Fluff the inside flesh with a fork.
- Serve immediately with your favorite toppings.
Notes
- For the crispiest skin, place the baking sheet in the oven while it preheats.
- If you are meal prepping, bake the potatoes ahead of time and store them whole in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a 350 degree oven for 10 minutes to crisp the skin again.
- Simple topping ideas include a pat of butter, a sprinkle of cinnamon, brown sugar, or a savory topping like garlic butter or sour cream and chives.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 potato
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 13
- Sodium: 230
- Fat: 5
- Saturated Fat: 1
- Unsaturated Fat: 4
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 34
- Fiber: 6
- Protein: 3
- Cholesterol: 0