How to Bake Sweet Potatoes
Baking sweet potatoes couldn’t be easier, but the method you choose depends on whether you’re craving soft, fluffy insides or perfectly crispy skin. My favorite way uses a parchment-lined baking sheet covered with foil for easy cleanup and tender potatoes. For crispy, salted skin, try wrapping them in foil on the oven grate or baking on a wire rack for the ultimate crunch!
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 medium sweet potatoes
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
- Coarse sea salt and freshly cracked pepper optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Prepare the Potatoes: Rinse and scrub the sweet potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt. Use a large fork to poke holes all over each potato to allow steam to escape. Drizzle each with rouglhly 1 teaspoon of oil, rub it all over with your hands, and then sprinkle with salt and pepper (especially if you plan to eat the skin!)
- Choose Your Baking Method:For tender potatoes with easy cleanup: Wrap each sweet potato in aluminum foil, making sure to wrap it twice. If you prefer, place a piece of parchment paper between the potato and foil for an added barrier.For a balance of crispy skin and fluffy insides: Place the sweet potatoes on a parchment-lined baking sheet, then cover the entire pan with foil.For the crispiest skin: Place the sweet potatoes on a wire rack set inside a baking dish or on a baking sheet.
- Bake in the Oven: Place the prepared sweet potatoes in the oven and bake for 45-60 minutes, depending on their size. Larger potatoes may take closer to 60 minutes, while smaller ones could be done around 45 minutes. To test doneness, insert a fork or knife into the thickest part—it should slide in easily, or gently squeeze the potato to check for softness.
Video
Notes
- Cooking Time: Smaller potatoes may cook in 40 minutes, while larger ones take up to 60 minutes. Choose similar-sized potatoes for even cooking.
- Parchment Option: Place parchment paper between the foil and potato if you prefer not to have direct contact.
- Crispy Skin Tip: For crispy skin, use the wire rack method without foil to allow better air circulation.
- Storing Leftovers: Store baked potatoes in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for crispy skin or microwave for convenience (skin will soften).
Nutrition
Calories: 146kcal | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 94mg | Potassium: 573mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 24132IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 51mg | Iron: 1mg
