Ever craved the perfect sweet potato fry? Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, with that irresistible sweet-savory balance? You’re not alone!
For years, I chased that restaurant-quality crunch at home, only to end up with soggy disappointments. That all changed when I discovered the magic of making Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries. This game-changing method delivers that coveted crispiness without drowning your fries in oil. It’s quick, it’s easy, and the results will make you wonder why you ever made them any other way.
Why This Recipe is Awesome
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries aren’t just another side dish—they’re a revelation. Using hot circulating air instead of bubbling oil, the air fryer creates a remarkably crispy exterior while preserving the sweet potato’s natural moisture inside. The result?
Fries with actual crunch that aren’t laden with excess calories from deep frying. What makes this recipe particularly special is its reliability. Traditional oven-baked sweet potato fries often disappoint with their tendency to become limp.
The air fryer solves this persistent problem while cutting cooking time nearly in half. These fries are also incredibly versatile. They pair beautifully with everything from burgers to grilled fish, and they’re equally delicious as a standalone snack with your favorite dipping sauce.
Plus, sweet potatoes deliver a nutritional boost that regular potatoes simply can’t match, offering significant amounts of vitamin A and fiber.
Equipment needed: Air fryer, sharp knife, cutting board, mixing bowl
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
Ingredients
- 2 medium sweet potatoes about 1 pound, scrubbed clean
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch key for extra crispiness
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika smoked paprika works wonderfully too
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt plus more to taste after cooking
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: pinch of cayenne pepper for heat
Instructions
- Prepare the sweet potatoes by cutting them into evenly sized fries about ¼-inch thick. Uniformity is crucial here—it ensures all your fries cook at the same rate.
- Soak the cut fries in cold water for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator). This removes excess starch and helps achieve maximum crispiness.
- Thoroughly pat the fries dry with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. Any remaining moisture will create steam and prevent crispiness, so be thorough.
- Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 3-5 minutes. Starting with a hot air fryer is essential for that immediate crisping action.
- In a large bowl, toss the dried sweet potato fries with cornstarch until lightly coated. The cornstarch creates a thin, crispy exterior layer.
- Add oil and seasonings to the bowl and toss until every fry is evenly coated. Use your hands to ensure thorough distribution.
- Arrange the seasoned fries in your air fryer basket in a single layer with small spaces between each fry. Work in batches if necessary—overcrowding is the enemy of crispiness.
- Cook at 380°F for 8 minutes, then shake the basket or flip the fries with tongs, and continue cooking for another 5-7 minutes until golden brown and crispy on the edges.
- Immediately season with additional salt if desired while the fries are still hot from the air fryer.
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce for maximum enjoyment.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, don’t skip the cornstarch coating—it’s a game-changer.
- Cutting the fries to a uniform thickness ensures even cooking.
- The soaking step is worth the extra time; it removes excess starch that can prevent crispiness.
- If you’re cooking multiple batches, keep finished fries warm in a 200°F (93°C) oven.
- Different air fryer models may require slight time adjustments—check your first batch early.
- These fries are best enjoyed immediately but can be reheated in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes.
Calories & Nutritional Info
- Calories: Approximately 120-150 calories per serving
- Carbohydrates: 23g per serving
- Fiber: 3.5g per serving
- Protein: 2g per serving
- Fat: 4.5g per serving (primarily from healthy olive or avocado oil)
- Vitamin A: 400% of daily recommended intake
- Dietary notes: Vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and paleo-friendly
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Cutting inconsistent sizes: Varied thickness means some fries will burn while others remain undercooked. Always aim for uniform cuts.
- Skipping the soaking step: This removes excess starch and makes a noticeable difference in crispiness.
- Not drying thoroughly: Moisture is the enemy of crispiness. Take the extra minute to ensure your fries are completely dry before seasoning.
- Overcrowding the air fryer basket: When fries touch or overlap, they steam rather than crisp. Work in batches for better results.
- Setting the temperature too high: Sweet potatoes contain more sugar than regular potatoes and can burn quickly. Stick to 380°F for perfect results.
Alternatives & Substitutions
- Oil alternatives: While olive oil and avocado oil work best, coconut oil or a light spray of non-stick cooking spray can also work.
- Cornstarch substitutions: Arrowroot powder or potato starch provide similar crispiness for those avoiding corn products.
- Seasoning variations: Try cinnamon and a touch of brown sugar for sweet fries, or curry powder and cumin for an Indian-inspired flavor.
- Dietary adjustments: This recipe is naturally vegan, gluten-free, and paleo-friendly.
- Sweet potato varieties: Orange sweet potatoes are most common, but white or purple varieties also work wonderfully with adjusted cooking times (usually 1-2 minutes less).
FAQs
Why aren’t my sweet potato fries getting crispy?
The most common culprits are moisture, overcrowding, or skipping the cornstarch. Make sure to dry your fries thoroughly, cook them in a single layer with space between each piece, and don’t skip the cornstarch coating which creates that crispy exterior.
Do I need to peel the sweet potatoes?
It’s completely optional! The skin contains additional nutrients and fiber. If you keep the skin on, just make sure to scrub the potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt.
How do I store and reheat leftover air fryer sweet potato fries?
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat in the air fryer at 380°F for 2-3 minutes until crispy again. Avoid microwaving, which will make them soggy.
Can I make these without an air fryer?
Yes! Bake them in a conventional oven at 425°F on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway. They won’t get quite as crispy but will still be delicious.
What are the best dipping sauces for sweet potato fries?
Classics include sriracha mayo, honey mustard, or chipotle aioli. For something different, try maple-cinnamon yogurt dip or curry ketchup which pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the potatoes.
Final Thoughts
These Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries bring restaurant-quality crispiness right to your kitchen with minimal effort. They’ve become a weeknight staple in my home—not just because they’re healthier than deep-fried alternatives, but because they genuinely taste better.
The perfect combination of crispy exterior and tender, sweet interior makes them irresistible. Give them a try, and I’m confident they’ll earn a permanent spot in your recipe collection too!
