01 -
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a baking sheet inside the oven while it heats to get it nice and hot.
02 -
Peel the sweet potatoes (optional) and cut them into 1/4 inch thick fries. Try to make them as uniform as possible to ensure even cooking.
03 -
Place the cut sweet potato fries in a bowl of cold water for 30 minutes. This removes excess starch, which is key to achieving crispy fries.
04 -
Drain and pat the fries dry with a paper towel to remove moisture. In a large bowl, toss the fries with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. If using cornstarch for extra crispiness, sprinkle it in now and toss until fully coated.
05 -
Carefully remove the hot baking sheet from the oven. Spread the fries in a single layer on the sheet, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
06 -
Once the fries are crisp and golden, remove them from the oven. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving.