Step 1: Soak the cut sweet potato sticks in a bowl of cold water for at least 30 to 60 minutes to remove excess starch.
Step 2: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 3: Drain the potatoes and pat them extremely dry using clean kitchen towels or paper towels. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness.
Step 4: Place the dried potatoes in a large dry bowl and toss with cornstarch until they are evenly and lightly coated.
Step 5: Add the oil, salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and pepper to the bowl. Toss thoroughly until every fry is coated in oil and spices.
Step 6: Spread the fries onto the prepared baking sheets in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching or overlapping.
Step 7: Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the pans and flip the fries using a spatula.
Step 8: Return to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the edges are browned and the fries feel crispy.