Golden-brown, perfectly seasoned sweet potato fries made in the air fryer — crispy on the outside, tender on the inside — this is my go-to side dish when I want something quick, delicious, and a little healthier. With minimal oil and just a few spices, these fries pack a flavorful punch and satisfy all my crispy cravings without deep-frying.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into fry-shaped sticks
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Directions
I start by preheating my air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3–5 minutes.
While the air fryer heats, I toss the peeled and cut sweet potatoes in a large bowl with olive oil to make sure every piece is coated.
Then I season them with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, tossing again until the spices are well distributed.
I arrange the fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket. I make sure not to overcrowd them, so they crisp up nicely.
Then I cook the fries for 12–15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to help them cook evenly.
Once they’re golden and crispy, I take them out and serve immediately with my favorite dipping sauces like garlic aioli or classic ketchup.
Servings and timing
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: Approximately 200 kcal per serving
Variations
Sometimes I switch things up by adding a pinch of cayenne for heat or swapping smoked paprika with chipotle powder for a smoky kick. I also like tossing the fries in grated Parmesan right after cooking for a cheesy twist. If I want a sweeter version, I’ll use cinnamon and a touch of brown sugar instead of the savory spices.
Storage/Reheating
If I have leftovers, I store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I pop them back in the air fryer at 375°F for about 3–5 minutes until they’re crispy again. I avoid the microwave since it makes them soggy.
FAQs
What’s the secret to getting sweet potato fries crispy in the air fryer?
I make sure to cut the fries evenly, avoid overcrowding the basket, and shake them halfway through cooking. Preheating the air fryer also helps crisp them up.
Can I make these sweet potato fries without oil?
Yes, but they won’t be as crispy. I’ve tried using a light spray instead of a full tablespoon, and it still works — just expect a slightly softer texture.
Do I need to soak the sweet potatoes before air frying?
I don’t soak them for this recipe, but soaking can help remove excess starch and make them even crispier. If I have extra time, I soak them in cold water for 30 minutes and dry them thoroughly before seasoning.
Can I use frozen sweet potato fries?
Absolutely. I adjust the cook time slightly and don’t add extra oil since most frozen fries are pre-coated. I still shake the basket midway to ensure they crisp up evenly.
What are the best dips to serve with sweet potato fries?
I like pairing them with spicy mayo, chipotle aioli, honey mustard, or a simple mix of Greek yogurt and lemon juice for a creamy tang.
Conclusion
These crispy air fryer sweet potato fries have become a staple in my kitchen. They’re simple, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying — all without the guilt of deep frying. Whether I’m making them as a snack or a side, they always hit the spot and keep me coming back for more.
📖 Recipe:
Print
Crispy Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Golden-brown, perfectly seasoned sweet potato fries made in the air fryer — crispy on the outside, tender on the inside. A quick, healthy, and delicious side dish made with minimal oil and bold flavor.
Ingredients
2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into fry-shaped sticks
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes.
- In a large bowl, toss the peeled and cut sweet potatoes with olive oil to coat evenly.
- Add garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss again until the fries are well seasoned.
- Arrange the fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding.
- Cook for 12–15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking.
- Once golden and crispy, remove from the air fryer and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
Add a pinch of cayenne or chipotle powder for a spicy kick.
Toss with grated Parmesan after cooking for a cheesy twist.
For a sweet variation, use cinnamon and a touch of brown sugar instead of savory spices.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days; reheat in the air fryer at 375°F for 3–5 minutes.
Soaking the fries in cold water for 30 minutes before cooking can make them even crispier.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
