I love sweet potatoes. They are a staple in my kitchen, and for good reason! They are easy to prepare and always make a meal feel special. Today, I want to share two of my favorite ways to get perfectly crispy and crunchy sweet potatoes every time.
Whether you like them smashed flat and extra crisp, or diced into crunchy roasted bites, I’ve got you covered. These simple recipes will show you how to get that amazing texture you crave. Let’s get cooking!
Jump to Recipe:
Crunchy Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe
These crunchy roasted sweet potatoes are simple, satisfying, and seasoned just right. Cubed and roasted, they become tender on the inside with a lovely crunch on the outside.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Roasted Sweet Potatoes
- Evenly Cubed: Cut your sweet potatoes into similar-sized cubes. This makes sure they cook at the same rate and all get equally tender and crunchy.
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: Give the sweet potato cubes space on the baking sheet. If they are too close, they will steam instead of roast, and won’t get crunchy. Use two baking sheets if needed.
- Seasoning Choice: A simple mix of garlic powder and paprika adds so much flavor. Feel free to add a pinch of chili powder for a little kick or cinnamon for a warmer taste.
What You Need for Crunchy Roasted Sweet Potatoes
- 2 large sweet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
⏱️ Time: 30 minutes🍽️ Yields: 3-4 servings
How to Make Crunchy Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Step 1: Preheat and Cut Sweet Potatoes
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Wash and peel the sweet potatoes. Cut them into 1-inch cubes. Try to make them all about the same size so they cook evenly.
Step 2: Season the Cubes
In a large bowl, combine the sweet potato cubes with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, sea salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together until the sweet potato cubes are fully coated with the oil and spices.
Step 3: Roast Until Crunchy
Spread the seasoned sweet potato cubes in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Make sure they are not touching too much. Roast for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until they are tender inside and golden brown and crunchy on the outside.
📝 Final Note
Leftovers are great! Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan or air fryer for best results to keep them crunchy.
Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe
These crispy smashed sweet potatoes are a fantastic side dish. First, you boil the sweet potatoes until they are soft, then you smash them flat before roasting them to golden perfection.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Smashed Sweet Potatoes
- Boil Them First: Boiling makes the sweet potatoes soft enough to smash easily. This also helps the inside get fluffy while the outside gets crisp.
- Smash Them Flat: Use the bottom of a glass or a potato masher to get them as flat as possible. More surface area means more crispy edges!
- High Heat Roasting: Roasting at a higher temperature helps the sweet potatoes get extra crisp and golden brown quickly. Don’t be afraid to crank up the oven.
What You Need for Smashed Sweet Potatoes
- 2 large sweet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: fresh rosemary or thyme for garnish
⏱️ Time: 45 minutes🍽️ Yields: 2-3 servings
How to Make Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes
Step 1: Prep and Boil Sweet Potatoes
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash the sweet potatoes well. You can peel them if you like, but I usually leave the skin on. Cut the sweet potatoes into 1-inch thick rounds. Place them in a pot of cold, salted water and bring to a boil. Cook until they are fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes.
Step 2: Smash and Season
Drain the sweet potatoes and let them cool for a few minutes. Place the cooked sweet potato rounds on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Using the bottom of a glass or a potato masher, gently press down on each round until it flattens to about 1/4 inch thick. Drizzle the smashed sweet potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Roast to Crispy Perfection
Bake the sweet potatoes for 20-25 minutes, or until they are deeply golden brown and crispy at the edges. Flip them halfway through cooking for even crispiness. If you are using herbs, sprinkle them on top before serving.
📝 Final Note
For extra crispiness, try placing the baking sheet in the oven for 5-10 minutes before adding the sweet potatoes. This pre-heats the pan and helps get a better sear.
