If you are looking for a healthier alternative to regular fries that doesn’t compromise on taste, your search ends here. Air fryer sweet potato fries are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with natural sweetness. They are quick to make, require very little oil, and make a perfect side dish or snack for any occasion. Using an air fryer allows you to achieve a golden crispiness without the mess or excess fat of deep frying, giving you a guilt-free way to enjoy fries.
Why We Love This Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries Recipe
You will fall in love with this recipe for many reasons. First, it is incredibly easy to make. You don’t need special skills or complicated steps. With just a few simple ingredients like sweet potatoes, olive oil, and spices, you can make a snack or side dish that rivals restaurant-quality fries. Second, it is much healthier than traditional fries because it uses minimal oil and the air fryer circulates hot air to crisp them up perfectly. Third, the versatility of the recipe makes it a crowd-pleaser. You can enjoy these fries as a quick snack, a side dish for lunch or dinner, or even as a party appetizer. And the taste is irresistible—crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, with a perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors. This combination makes it a favorite for kids and adults alike.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
Here’s everything you need to make this simple, delicious snack at home:
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled (about 12 oz)
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon sweet paprika
- Fresh black pepper, to taste
How to Make Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
Making air fryer sweet potato fries is easy, and you have two methods to choose from depending on the crispiness you prefer.
Method 1 is quicker and requires cooking in batches. Start by preheating your air fryer and spraying the basket with a little oil to prevent sticking. Peel each sweet potato and slice it into 1/4-inch thick planks, then cut those into 1/4-inch fries. Toss the fries with olive oil, salt, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper until evenly coated. Air fry the fries at 380°F for about 12 minutes in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the basket. Shake or turn the fries halfway through cooking to ensure even crisping. Once golden brown, transfer them to a plate and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
Method 2 takes a little longer but produces extra crispy fries. Peel and slice the sweet potatoes as described above. Submerge the fries in hot tap water for 10 minutes, which helps remove excess starch and makes them crispier. Drain the water and thoroughly pat the fries dry with paper towels. Toss them with a portion of the oil in a clean, dry bowl, then transfer to the air fryer basket. Start cooking at 350°F for 8 minutes, shake, and cook for 5 more minutes. Transfer the fries back to the bowl and coat with the remaining oil, salt, and spices. Spray the air fryer basket lightly with oil, return the fries, increase the temperature to 380°F, and cook for another 4–5 minutes until golden and crisp. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
How to Serve Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
You can enjoy these fries in multiple ways. Serve them alongside your favorite burger, sandwich, or wrap to add a sweet and crispy side. They also make a perfect snack on their own. Try pairing them with dipping sauces like ketchup, aioli, or a simple yogurt-based dip for a delicious flavor boost. For a more gourmet presentation, sprinkle freshly chopped herbs like parsley or cilantro on top before serving. You can also season them with a pinch of cinnamon or smoked paprika to create a unique flavor twist. Serve them hot and fresh out of the air fryer to retain that perfect crunch, as they tend to soften slightly if left to sit for too long.
Expert Tips for Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
To get the best results, keep a few key tips in mind. First, make sure to cut your fries into uniform sizes so they cook evenly. Uneven fries may lead to some being overcooked while others remain undercooked. Second, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Giving the fries space allows hot air to circulate and ensures maximum crispiness. Third, drying the fries after soaking in water removes excess moisture, which is essential for achieving a crunchy exterior. Fourth, tossing the fries halfway through cooking helps them cook evenly and get a consistent golden-brown color. Finally, experiment with different spices. While garlic powder and paprika work wonderfully, you can try cayenne pepper for a mild heat or smoked paprika for a deeper flavor.
How to Store Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
If you have leftovers, storing them properly will help maintain their flavor. Place cooled fries in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat and regain some crispiness, place them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–5 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it tends to make the fries soggy. While these fries are best enjoyed fresh, proper storage ensures you can enjoy them as a quick snack or side dish later. You can also freeze cooked fries, but be aware that the texture may change slightly after freezing and reheating.
Variations of Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
You can easily modify this recipe to suit your taste or dietary preferences. For a spicier version, sprinkle some cayenne pepper or chili powder along with your other spices. For a sweeter version, add a dash of cinnamon or a light drizzle of maple syrup after air frying. You can also experiment with different oils, such as avocado oil or coconut oil, for a slightly different flavor profile. Another option is to add a parmesan topping after cooking for a savory twist. For a fun presentation, cut the sweet potatoes into wedges instead of fries or try crinkle-cut fries for extra texture. These variations allow you to enjoy the basic recipe in new and exciting ways every time.
Frequently Asked Questions about Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
How long do air fryer sweet potato fries take to cook?
The cooking time varies depending on the method and thickness of the fries. Typically, it takes about 12–15 minutes in batches or 18–20 minutes if cooking in one batch with pre-soaking.
Can I make these fries without an air fryer?
Yes, you can bake them in the oven at 425°F for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through for even cooking.
Why are my sweet potato fries soggy?
Soggy fries often result from overcrowding the air fryer or not drying the fries thoroughly after soaking. Cutting them evenly and allowing space in the basket helps achieve crispiness.
Can I season these fries differently?
Absolutely. You can try spices like smoked paprika, cayenne, cinnamon, or even a parmesan topping for a new flavor twist.
Are air fryer sweet potato fries healthy?
Yes, they are a healthier alternative to deep-fried fries because they use minimal oil while still achieving a crispy texture. They also provide nutrients like fiber, vitamin A, and potassium.
What dipping sauces go best with these fries?
Classic ketchup works great, but you can also try aioli, yogurt-based dips, barbecue sauce, or even a sweet chili sauce for variety.
Can I prepare sweet potato fries ahead of time?
You can pre-cut and soak the fries ahead of time, then refrigerate them until ready to cook. However, it’s best to air fry them fresh for optimal crispiness.
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Mixing Bowl
- Peeler
Ingredients
- 2 medium sweet potatoes peeled (about 12 oz)
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp sweet paprika
- Fresh black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer. Spray the basket lightly with oil to prevent sticking.
- Peel and slice sweet potatoes into 1/4-inch thick planks, then cut into fries.
- Toss the fries with olive oil, salt, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper until evenly coated.
- Air fry at 380°F for 12 minutes in batches, shaking halfway through.
- For extra crispy fries, soak the cut fries in hot water for 10 minutes, then dry and air fry at 350°F for 8 minutes, shake, and continue at 380°F for an additional 4-5 minutes.
- Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
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