Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• You get that satisfying crisp with much less oil compared to deep frying.
• They cook relatively quickly and don’t require constant attention.
• Sweet potatoes bring natural sweetness and nutrients (vitamin A, fiber) into a fun side dish.
• You can easily adjust seasonings — smoky, spicy, herby — to match your meal.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Sweet potatoes
• Oil (olive oil, avocado oil, or another neutral oil)
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder (optional)
• Paprika or smoked paprika (optional)

Directions

1. Prep the sweet potatoes
   • Wash, peel (if preferred), and pat dry the sweet potatoes.
   • Cut into even sticks or fries, about ¼ inch (6 mm) thick. Uniform size helps them cook evenly.
2. Optional soak / dry step
   • You may soak the cut fries in cold water (10–30 minutes) to remove excess starch, then drain and thoroughly pat dry. This can help achieve crispier results. Season
   • In a bowl, toss the fries with a small amount of oil — just enough to lightly coat.
   • Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika (or smoked paprika) and toss to coat evenly.
3. Preheat air fryer (if needed)
   • Some air fryer models benefit from preheating; ~ 380 °F (≈ 193 °C) is a common target.
4. Air fry in batches
   • Place the fries in a single layer, giving them room — do not overcrowd the basket.
   • Cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping or shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even browning. If necessary, extend cooking by 1–2 minutes until crisp. (
   • Transfer to a serving plate and enjoy while hot, perhaps with a dipping sauce of your choice.

Servings and timing

• Servings: about 2–4, depending on portion size
• Prep time: ~10 minutes (plus optional soak)
• Cook time: ~10–12 minutes per batch
• Total time: ~20–25 minutes (including seasoning and cooking in batches)

Variations

• Spicy twist: Add cayenne, chili powder, or smoked chipotle to the seasoning.
• Herb variation: Toss in rosemary, thyme, or parsley after cooking for a fresh herbal note.
• Sweet & savory: After cooking, drizzle a little honey or maple syrup, and sprinkle with sea salt.
• Cinnamon sugar: For a dessert version, dust with cinnamon and a touch of sugar after frying.
• Seasoning blends: Use Cajun, za’atar, curry powder, or garlic & herb blends to change the flavor profile.
• Skin-on version: Leave the skin on the sweet potatoes for more texture and nutrients.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Let fries cool, then transfer to an airtight container. They keep about 2–3 days in the fridge.
• Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at ~ 350–375 °F for a few minutes until crisp again. Avoid microwaving (which makes them soggy).

FAQs

What thickness should I cut the fries?

About ¼ inch (6 mm) is ideal. That thickness strikes a balance between getting crispy and cooking through.

Do I need to soak the sweet potatoes?

It’s optional. Soaking (10–30 minutes) can help remove excess starch and produce crisper fries, but even without soaking you can get good results if dried well.

Why are my sweet potato fries soggy?

Common causes: overcrowding the basket, too much oil, fries touching and steaming instead of crisping, or inconsistent sizes.

Should I preheat the air fryer?

Yes, in many models preheating (to ~ 380 °F) helps achieve a crispier exterior.

How long exactly should I cook them?

Start with 10–12 minutes, flipping or shaking halfway. Depending on your air fryer and the fry thickness, you may need 1–2 extra minutes.

Can I make them ahead of time?

You can cut and season ahead, but save the air frying until just before serving so they remain crispy.

What oil is best?

Use a high-smoke point oil like avocado, light olive, or canola oil. Use just enough to coat lightly.

Can I cook frozen sweet potato fries?

Yes — increase the cooking time by a few minutes, and ensure fries are arranged so air can circulate.

What dipping sauces go well?

Ketchup, garlic aioli, spicy mayo, ranch, chipotle sauce, or even a yogurt-based dip pair nicely.

Will the seasoning burn?

Spices with finer particles (like garlic powder) may darken if cooked too long or at too high a temperature. Watch near the end and reduce time if needed.

Conclusion

Air fryer sweet potato fries are a delicious, healthier alternative to traditional fries — giving you crisp edges and soft interiors with minimal oil. With simple seasoning, quick cook time, and flexibility in flavor tweaks, they’re a great side or snack that’s easy to customize. Serve them hot, experiment with seasonings or sauces, and enjoy!

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries

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Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these air fryer sweet potato fries are a lighter, healthier version of the classic. With just a bit of oil and your favorite seasonings, they cook up fast and perfectly golden in the air fryer.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10–12 minutes per batch
• Total Time: 20–25 minutes
• Yield: 2–4 servings
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Air Fryer
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

• 2 medium sweet potatoes
• 1–2 tsp olive oil (or avocado oil)
• 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional)
• 1/2 tsp paprika or smoked paprika (optional)

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Instructions

1. Wash and peel (if desired) the sweet potatoes. Pat them dry thoroughly.
2. Cut into even 1/4-inch (6 mm) thick fries for uniform cooking.
3. Optional: Soak fries in cold water for 10–30 minutes to remove excess starch. Drain and dry completely with a towel.
4. In a bowl, toss fries with olive oil, salt, pepper, and any optional seasonings (garlic powder, paprika).
5. Preheat air fryer to 380°F (193°C) if required by your model.
6. Arrange fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket — do not overcrowd.
7. Air fry for 10–12 minutes, shaking or flipping halfway through. Cook an additional 1–2 minutes if needed for extra crispiness.
8. Transfer to a plate and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

• Cut evenly for best texture and cooking consistency.
• Don’t overcrowd the basket — air circulation is key for crisp fries.
• For extra crispiness, soak and dry the fries before cooking.
• Try seasoning variations: Cajun, chili powder, rosemary, or cinnamon sugar for a sweet version.
• Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 350–375°F for a few minutes to restore crispness.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving (1/2 sweet potato)
• Calories: 145
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Fat: 4g
• Saturated Fat: 0.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 26g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 0mg