Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a baking sheet inside the oven while it heats to get it nice and hot.

Peel the sweet potatoes (optional) and cut them into 1/4 inch thick fries. Try to make them as uniform as possible to ensure they cook evenly.

Place the cut sweet potato fries in a bowl of cold water for 30 minutes. This step removes excess starch, which is key to getting crispy fries.

After soaking, drain and pat the fries dry with a paper towel to remove moisture. In a large bowl, toss the fries with 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. If you're using cornstarch for extra crispiness, sprinkle it in now and toss everything together.

Carefully remove the hot baking sheet from the oven. Spread the fries in a single layer on the sheet, ensuring they aren't overcrowded. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping the fries halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.

Once the fries are crisp and golden, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.