Preheat your oven to 220°C (430°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking.
Wash and scrub the sweet potatoes thoroughly; peel them if you prefer, but leaving the skin on adds texture and nutrients. Pat them dry with a towel.
Cut the sweet potatoes into even-sized fries, about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick, aiming for uniform pieces for even baking.
Place the cut fries into a large mixing bowl, then drizzle with olive oil. Toss gently to coat all pieces evenly, ensuring every fry gets a light, glossy layer.
Sprinkle the salt, smoked paprika (if using), and black pepper over the fries. Toss again to distribute the seasonings uniformly.
Sprinkle the cornstarch over the fries and gently toss to evenly coat. This step helps create a crispy exterior during baking.
Spread the fries out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they aren’t overlapping or crowded for maximum crispness.
Bake for about 20 minutes, then carefully flip the fries with a spatula or tongs, rotating the sheet for even browning.
Continue baking for another 10-15 minutes, until the edges are golden, slightly charred, and crispy with a crackling sound when you bite into them.
Remove the fries from the oven and let them rest for 2-3 minutes to set the crust. Serve immediately with your favorite dip or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt.