Grilled Sweet Potatoes
Published Jun 03, 2026
Grilled sweet potato wedges seasoned with paprika, garlic powder, and olive oil. Ready in about 15 minutes and goes with any grilled main.
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grilled sweet potato wedges are soo good!
I don’t know why it took me so long to start grilling sweet potatoes, but once I did, I stopped thinking of them as an oven-only vegetable. The grill gives them these caramelized edges and a char that roasted sweet potatoes just don’t get. A simple toss in olive oil, paprika, and garlic powder before they go on, and the grilled sweet potatoes basically take care of themselves.
The wedge shape is the thing here. They’re thick enough not to fall through the grates but still cook through in about 15 minutes, which means they time out nicely alongside whatever protein you already have going (Usually grilled chicken burgers for me!). I like to serve these grilled sweet potato wedges with mashed avocado on the side for dipping, which sounds like an odd combination, but the creaminess really works against the smoky exterior. They’re just as good plain if you’re serving them next to something saucy.
Happy Cooking!
– Yumna
Grilled Sweet Potatoes Ingredients
- Sweet potatoes: Look for sweet potatoes that are somewhat symmetrical so you can get clean wedges. I recommend leaving the skins on. Make sure to thoroughly wash the sweet potatoes and pat them completely dry with a paper towel. Cut each potato into 8 wedges, keeping the pieces as even as possible so they cook at the same rate. For help, read my tips on how to cut sweet potatoes.
- Seasonings: I coat the sweet potato wedges with a little olive oil or avocado oil before grilling. I use paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to season. I’ve also used ranch seasoning, Cajun seasoning, lemon pepper seasoning, and BBQ seasoning on the wedges.
How to Grill Sweet Potatoes
The photos below walk through the process from seasoning to finished char. For full quantities and instructions, jump to the → Grilled Sweet Potatoes Recipe
1. Season the Potato Wedges
Add the olive oil directly to the bowl first, then sprinkle the paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper over the top.
2. Toss to Coat
Mix everything together until the color is consistent across all the wedges. Any pale or dry spots mean those sections will not get the same caramelization on the grill.
3. Arrange on the Grill
Oil the grates well before laying the wedges down, then give each one a little space so they are not touching. When sweet potatoes are too close together, they steam instead of char.
4. Grill Until Tender
Cook, turning once halfway through. Look for visible grill marks and caramelized edges. They are done when a fork slides in without resistance.
Grilled Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 large sweet potatoes cut into 8 wedges each
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoons garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Avocado mashed, for serving
Instructions
- Place the sweet potato wedges in a large bowl with the olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss well to combine.
- Preheat the grill or grill pan to medium heat and oil the grates or pan.
- Arrange the sweet potatoes on the grill. Grill for 15 minutes or until lightly charred and tender, turning halfway through.
- Serve with mashed avocados, if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information provided is an estimate. It will vary based on cooking method and specific ingredients used.
Recipe Variations
- Load ’em up: As soon as the wedges come off the grill, sprinkle them with cheddar cheese, top them with chopped green onions, and serve with blue cheese or ranch dip.
- Try other toppings: Add caramelized onions for a sweet and savory flavor combination, or toss the wedges with ¼ cup Parmesan cheese and a clove of minced garlic.
- Make them sweeter. Mix 1 tablespoon of honey into the olive oil before tossing the wedges. The honey caramelizes on the grill and gives the outside more color and a slightly sweet crust.
Recipe Tips
- Mind the heat. Preheat the grill and oil the grates very well. And grill the sweet potatoes using indirect heat to keep them from burning. This also helps cook them evenly.
- Oil the grates well before you start. Sweet potatoes stick more than most vegetables, especially on a dry grill. A well-oiled grate makes flipping much easier.
- Flip carefully. Wait to turn the sweet potato wedges until after they develop grill marks on one side. Then, flip them carefully using a spatula or tongs to prevent them from breaking apart.
Serving Ideas
- Burgers: These grilled sweet potatoes are a great side dish for Grilled Turkey Burgers, Quinoa Burgers, or Lamb Burgers.
- Skewers: Pair the sweet potatoes with Grilled Veggie Kabobs, Grilled Chicken Kabobs, or Salmon Kabobs.
- Sides: Serve these grilled sweet potatoes alongside Crunchy Red Cabbage Slaw, Cauliflower Potato Salad, or Watermelon Blueberry Salad.
FAQs
Check for doneness by piercing the potatoes with a fork or knife. They should be tender on the inside and have a nice char on the outside. If they’re burning too quickly, make sure they’re not on direct heat.
The wedges are probably cut too thick, or the grill was not fully preheated before the potatoes went on. Keep the pieces even and make sure the grill is at a steady medium heat before you start.
More Grilled Side Dish Recipes
Check out my entire collection of grilled veggie recipes for more ideas, too!
