Get ready to fall head-over-heels for Crispy Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries! These golden, irresistible fries are the ultimate blend of salty, sweet, and savory, all wrapped up in that crave-worthy crunch—without a drop of deep frying. If you’ve ever dreamed of making restaurant-quality fries right in your kitchen, this is the game-changing recipe you’ve been waiting for.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Extra Crispy—No Deep Frying: All the crunch you crave, thanks to the air fryer, with just a tiny bit of oil and none of the greasy mess.
- Sweet & Savory Perfection: A flavor explosion from the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes paired with garlic, paprika, and just enough salt.
- Fast, Foolproof, and Healthy: From prep to plate in under 20 minutes, you get a snack or side that’s deliciously wholesome and waistline-friendly.
- Easily Customizable: Change up the spices, add your favorite dips, or even make them extra spicy—the possibilities are endless!
Ingredients You’ll Need
What’s magic about these Crispy Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries is how every ingredient matters, even if the list is short. Each piece brings its own sparkle—sweet potatoes for color and flavor, olive oil for perfect browning, and the seasonings for a savory kick that keeps you reaching for “just one more.”
- Sweet potatoes: The star of the show! Their natural sweetness and vibrant orange color make the crispiest and most flavorful fries.
- Olive oil: Just a couple of teaspoons helps caramelize the potatoes and lock in that golden crisp, without overwhelming them with grease.
- Salt: Essential for bringing out the potatoes’ sweetness and balancing all the other flavors.
- Garlic powder: Adds a subtle depth and aromatic savoriness that plays beautifully with sweet potatoes.
- Paprika: Gives a warm, smoky note and a lovely boost to the color and flavor.
- Black pepper: For just a bit of kick—enough to make you smile without overpowering the fries.
Variations
One of the joys of making Crispy Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries at home is just how easy it is to make them your own! Feel free to play with new flavors, spice levels, or dietary swaps—from swapping out spices to tossing in fresh herbs, these fries are as flexible as your cravings.
- Spicy Cajun Fries: Add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper and swap paprika for smoked paprika for a serious Cajun kick.
- Parmesan & Herb Twist: Sprinkle freshly grated parmesan and a pinch of Italian herbs over the hot fries after air frying for a cheesy, savory upgrade.
- Low-Sodium Option: Reduce the salt and bump up flavor with more garlic powder and a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
- Oil-Free: Use a light cooking spray or skip the oil entirely—a little less crispy, but still totally satisfying.
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
Step 1: Preheat and Prep the Potatoes
Start by preheating your air fryer to 380°F—this ensures the fries get that signature sizzle right when they hit the basket. While it heats, peel your sweet potatoes and slice them into even 1/4-inch sticks for uniform cooking and maximum crispy edges. Don’t worry if they aren’t ruler-perfect; just aim for consistency.
Step 2: Season and Toss
Add the sliced sweet potatoes to a big bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle over the salt, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper. Toss everything really well—your hands are the best tool here! Every fry should have a thin, even coating for perfect flavor and crunch in every bite.
Step 3: Air Fry in Batches
Don’t be tempted to pile them all in at once! Arrange the fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket (you’ll probably need to work in 2 or 3 batches, depending on your machine). Overcrowding leads to steaming instead of crisping. Cook for 12 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they’re deep golden and deliciously crispy.
Step 4: Serve Hot
As soon as those Crispy Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries come out of the basket, serve them up right away with your favorite dipping sauce. Trust me—waiting to eat these is the hardest part!
Pro Tips for Making Crispy Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
- Uniform Slicing Matters: The more even your slices, the crispier your final fries—aim for 1/4-inch sticks for the perfect texture.
- No Overcrowding: Give those fries some air! Crowding means steaming, so be patient and work in small batches for maximum crunch.
- Don’t Skip the Halfway Flip: Turning your fries midway helps both sides get beautifully golden and evenly crisp.
- Serve Immediately: Sweet potato fries are at their crispy best right out of the fryer—prepare your dips before they finish cooking for that first hot, crunchy bite.
How to Serve Crispy Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
Garnishes
A handful of fresh parsley or cilantro, a dusting of smoked paprika, or a sprinkle of flaky salt can dress up your Crispy Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries in seconds. For extra zing, add a squeeze of lime or a dash of chili flakes right before serving!
Side Dishes
These fries shine next to so many mains—try them as a vibrant side with grilled chicken, burgers, or your favorite veggie wraps. They’re also fantastic piled up next to sandwiches or laid atop a big leafy salad to add crunch and color.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your sweet potato fries in rustic metal cups lined with parchment for that bistro feel, or create a “fry board” with different dipping sauces. For a crowd, arrange fries in a cone-shaped paper wrapper or alongside mini sliders for a party-ready platter everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you miraculously have leftovers, store your cooled fries in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. They’ll soften a little, but will still taste fantastic after a quick reheat!
Freezing
While Crispy Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries are best fresh, you can freeze them: Lay the cooled fries out on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. They’ll keep for up to a month—just note the texture will be a bit softer after reheating.
Reheating
Your air fryer is perfect for bringing leftovers back to life! Reheat fries at 360°F for 1-2 minutes to revive that crispy bite. You can use a toaster oven, too, but the microwave will give you softer, less crispy fries—still delicious, just different!
FAQs
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How do I make my fries even crispier?
The biggest keys are slicing the fries thinly and evenly, not overcrowding the basket, and using just enough oil to coat but not drench. Cooking in small batches and flipping halfway through are game changers for the crunch factor!
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Can I use other oils besides olive oil?
Absolutely! Avocado oil or a light vegetable oil both work beautifully and stand up to high air fryer temps. Just avoid butter or low smoke point oils, as they can burn or leave a bitter taste.
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Do I need to soak sweet potatoes in water before air frying?
Unlike classic white potatoes, sweet potatoes don’t need soaking—their lower starch content means they’re naturally less sticky. Save yourself time and jump right to seasoning and air frying!
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Can I double the recipe for a family-sized batch?
Yes, but for best results, fry in batches so the fries cook evenly and stay crispy. Keep cooked batches warm in a low oven while you finish the rest, then serve everything together hot and fresh.
Final Thoughts
Give these Crispy Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries a try next time you’re craving a knockout side or snack—your kitchen will smell amazing and your friends and family will rave! I can’t wait for you to enjoy that golden, crispy, just-one-more magic right at home.
Print
Crispy Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Air Fry
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries are a healthier alternative to traditional fries, with a crispy exterior and a tender interior. Seasoned with a blend of spices, they make a delicious snack or side dish.
Ingredients
Sweet Potato Fries:
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
Seasoning:
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 380°F.
- Season the Fries: In a mixing bowl, toss sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper.
- Cook the Fries: Cook in batches in the air fryer until crispy, about 12 minutes, turning halfway.
- Serve: Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
Peel the sweet potatoes and slice each into 1/4-inch sticks.
Notes
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat in the air fryer or toaster oven.
- Substitutes: Feel free to experiment with different spices and oils.
- Equipment: I used the NuWave Air Fryer for this recipe.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 232 kcal
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 706mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
