Start by washing the sweet potatoes thoroughly under running water. Using a vegetable scrubber can help remove any dirt. Once clean, slice them into even fry-shaped pieces, about ½ inch thick. Keeping the skin on adds texture and nutrients, so don’t peel them!
In a large bowl, combine the sliced sweet potatoes with 2 tablespoons of kosher salt, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon of ground chipotle chile pepper. Toss everything together until the sweet potato fries are well-coated. This will ensure every fry is packed with flavor.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using a gas grill, simply turn on the burners. For charcoal, light your coals and let them burn until they are covered in ash. A hot grill is essential for achieving that perfect char on your fries.
If you have a grill basket, place the fries in it. If not, you can thread them onto skewers for easier handling. Grill the sweet potato fries for about 15-20 minutes, turning them halfway through. Look for nice grill marks and tenderness; they should be crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
Once the fries are done, remove them from the grill and let them cool for a minute. If desired, sprinkle with the additional teaspoon of kosher salt and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro for that extra pop of flavor. Serve immediately while they’re still warm, and watch them disappear!