Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
Crispy, golden Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries combine the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with savory seasonings, achieving restaurant-quality crunch with minimal oil and maximum flavor in just minutes.
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.