Healthy Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Crispy on the outside, tender inside, these Spicy Roasted Sweet Potatoes are tossed in a blend of warming spices and olive oil. Quick, healthy, and flavorful, they’re perfect as a side for any meal or for easy meal prep throughout the week.
Equipment
- 1 large baking sheet
- Measuring spoons
- Vegetable Peeler
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing Bowl
- Oven
Ingredients
- 1 –3 large sweet potatoes peeled and cubed
- 2 –3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, for extra heat
Instructions
- Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Start by washing your sweet potatoes thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt. Use a vegetable peeler to peel off the skin completely, revealing the bright orange flesh underneath. Next, place the peeled sweet potatoes on a clean cutting board and cut them into evenly sized cubes, about 1-inch pieces. Uniform cubes ensure even cooking, giving you perfectly tender and lightly crispy potatoes.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). A properly preheated oven ensures the sweet potatoes roast evenly and develop a slightly crispy exterior while staying soft and fluffy inside. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Coat with Olive Oil: Transfer the cubed sweet potatoes into a large mixing bowl. Drizzle 2 to 3 tablespoons of olive oil over the potatoes. Using clean hands or a spatula, gently toss the cubes to coat each piece thoroughly in oil. The olive oil not only helps the spices stick but also creates a golden, crisp exterior when roasted.
- Mix the Spices: In a small bowl, combine all your seasonings: 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon chili powder, ¼ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and optional ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper for extra heat. Stir them together until evenly blended.
- Season the Sweet Potatoes: Sprinkle the spice mix evenly over the olive oil-coated sweet potato cubes. Use your hands or a large spoon to toss the potatoes until every cube is coated with the aromatic spice blend. Take a moment to smell the fragrant mix—it will give you a preview of the delicious flavor in every bite.
- Arrange for Roasting: Spread the seasoned sweet potato cubes in a single, even layer on the prepared baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as giving the cubes space allows them to roast properly, producing a crisp exterior. If necessary, use two baking sheets to maintain proper spacing.
- Roast in the Oven: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 25 to 35 minutes. About halfway through, carefully use a spatula to turn the sweet potatoes for even browning. The cubes should turn slightly golden on the edges while remaining tender inside. You can test doneness by piercing a cube with a fork—it should slide in easily.
- Final Crisping (Optional): For extra crispiness, you can switch the oven to broil for the last 2–3 minutes of cooking. Keep a close eye to prevent burning. This step gives the sweet potatoes a beautiful caramelized surface while maintaining a soft, flavorful interior.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once roasted to perfection, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Let the sweet potatoes cool for a few minutes. Transfer them to a serving dish and serve immediately. These spicy roasted sweet potatoes make a wonderful side for weeknight dinners, holiday meals, or even meal prep for the week. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro if desired.
- Optional Storage Tips: If you have leftovers, allow them to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes to maintain their crispiness, or microwave if you prefer a softer texture.
Notes
- Choose firm, evenly sized sweet potatoes for consistent roasting.
- Peeling is optional; unpeeled potatoes give a rustic texture, peeled cubes hold spices better.
- Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet to ensure crispy edges.
- Adjust spices according to your preferred heat level; a little cayenne goes a long way.
- Toss cubes thoroughly in olive oil before seasoning for even flavor distribution.
- Roast until golden brown on the edges but tender inside for the perfect texture.
- Let roasted potatoes rest a few minutes after baking to enhance natural sweetness.
