Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries Recipe

Quick & Crispy Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries Recipe

Crispy air fryer sweet potato fries elevate ordinary side dishes into a crave-worthy sensation that delights taste buds and challenges traditional cooking methods.

Vibrant orange root vegetables bring incredible nutritional value and rich, earthy flavors to this simple yet remarkable recipe.

These golden, perfectly seasoned fries offer a healthier alternative to deep-fried counterparts without sacrificing crunch or satisfaction.

Home cooks appreciate the quick preparation and minimal cleanup that air frying provides for this popular side dish.

Optimal seasoning creates a magical balance between natural sweetness and savory spices that complement the potato inherent richness.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike appreciate how air fryers deliver consistent, restaurant-quality results with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Nutritionists love how sweet potatoes pack a powerful punch of vitamins and minerals while maintaining a delightful texture.

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries You’ll Want Every Day

  • Crunch into Crispy Goodness: These air fryer sweet potato fries deliver an irresistible crunch that rivals traditional deep-fried versions, but with a healthier twist and less oil.
  • Spice Up Your Snack Game: The clever blend of garlic powder, smoked paprika, and other seasonings creates a flavor explosion that transforms ordinary sweet potatoes into an exciting, restaurant-quality side dish.
  • Lightning-Fast Cooking Method: Using an air fryer means you'll have crispy, golden fries in just 20 minutes, making this recipe perfect for quick weeknight dinners or spontaneous snack cravings without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Customize Your Comfort: The recipe allows flexible cutting sizes and easy seasoning adjustments, letting home cooks personalize their fries to match their exact taste preferences and hunger levels.

Ingredients List for Sweet Potato Fries

Potato Base:
  • Sweet Potatoes: Hearty root vegetable that provides the core of this crispy fry recipe, best when firm and free from soft spots or sprouts.
Seasoning Blend:
  • Salt: Classic seasoning that enhances overall flavor profile.
  • Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and complexity to the spice mix.
  • Garlic Powder: Provides deep, savory undertones without fresh garlic texture.
  • Onion Powder: Contributes sweet and pungent background notes.
  • Smoked Paprika: Offers rich, smoky dimension to the fry seasoning.
Coating and Cooking Support:
  • Tapioca Flour, Cornstarch: Helps create extra crispy exterior by absorbing moisture and promoting golden browning.
  • Avocado Oil: High smoke point oil that supports even cooking and helps seasonings adhere to sweet potato surface.

Steps to Get Perfectly Crispy Sweet Potato Fries

Step 1: Prepare Seasoning Blend

Mix the following spices in a small bowl:
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Smoked paprika
  • Tapioca flour or cornstarch

Set the spice mixture aside.

Step 2: Clean and Dry Sweet Potatoes

Thoroughly rinse sweet potatoes and use paper towels to remove excess moisture completely.

Step 3: Cut Sweet Potatoes into Fries

Slice sweet potatoes into uniform fry shapes, aiming for 1/4-1/2 inch thickness.

Step 4: Season Sweet Potato Fries

Place cut sweet potatoes in a large bowl and add:
  • Prepared spice mixture
  • Avocado oil

Gently toss ingredients using clean hands until potatoes are evenly coated.

Step 5: Preheat Air Fryer

Heat air fryer basket to 400°F.

Step 6: Cook Sweet Potato Fries

Arrange fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket.

Cook for 20 minutes, shaking basket halfway through cooking time.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Remove fries from air fryer and serve immediately for maximum crispiness.

Tips to Avoid Soggy Results in the Air Fryer

  • Maximize Crispiness: Pat sweet potatoes completely dry to ensure a crispy exterior and prevent soggy fries.
  • Perfect Coating Technique: Toss sweet potato wedges thoroughly with oil and spice mixture, ensuring even coverage for maximum flavor.
  • Strategic Air Fryer Placement: Arrange fries in a single layer without overcrowding to promote proper air circulation and uniform cooking.
  • Midpoint Shake Trick: Gently shake the basket halfway through cooking to guarantee even browning and prevent sticking.
  • Serve Immediately Hack: Enjoy fries right after cooking to maintain peak crispiness and optimal temperature for the best texture and taste.

Keeping Fries Crisp After Cooking

  • Refrigeration: Store leftover sweet potato fries in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep them refrigerated for up to 3-4 days to maintain quality and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Reheating Method: Revive crispy texture by placing fries back in the air fryer at 375°F for 3-4 minutes. Spread them in a single layer and shake halfway through to ensure even heating and restore their original crunchiness.
  • Freezing Option: Freeze cooled fries in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers. When ready to enjoy, reheat directly from frozen in the air fryer at 400°F for 5-6 minutes, turning once midway to guarantee a crisp exterior.

Dips and Main Dishes That Pair with These Fries

  • Pair with Zesty Dipping Sauce: Whip up a tangy mix of Greek yogurt, chopped chives, lemon juice, and a dash of smoked paprika to complement the sweet potato fries' smoky flavor.
  • Match with Protein Power: Serve alongside grilled chicken or turkey burger to balance the sweet and crispy fries with lean protein.
  • Cool Down with Beverage: Enjoy with a cold craft beer or crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the fries' richness and enhance their spicy seasoning.
  • Fresh Herb Finish: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or cilantro on top to add brightness and extra layer of flavor to the crispy sweet potato fries.

Different Spices to Change Up Sweet Potato Fries

  • Zesty Herb Infusion: Swap smoked paprika with fresh rosemary and thyme, adding a vibrant garden-fresh flavor to your sweet potato fries. Sprinkle chopped herbs before air frying for an aromatic Mediterranean-inspired experience.
  • Spicy Cayenne Kick: Replace black pepper with cayenne powder and add a pinch of chili flakes for a fiery version that brings heat and excitement to the classic recipe. Perfect for those who love a spicy edge.
  • Parmesan Cheese Crunch: After air frying, sprinkle grated parmesan cheese over the hot fries. The cheese will melt slightly, creating a crispy, savory coating that elevates the sweet potato's natural sweetness. Finish with a light dusting of fresh parsley for extra color and flavor.
  • Maple Cinnamon Sweet: Mix 1 tsp ground cinnamon and 1 tbsp maple syrup into the oil before tossing with sweet potatoes. This variation offers a subtle sweet profile that complements the potato's natural sugars, creating a delightful balance between savory and sweet.
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Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries Recipe

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries Recipe


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4.5 from 33 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 2 1x

Description

Crispy air fryer sweet potato fries bring golden, restaurant-quality goodness straight to your kitchen. Perfectly seasoned and healthier than traditional fries, this simple recipe delivers irresistible flavor you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Primary Ingredients:

  • 1 sweet potato
  • 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) tapioca flour or cornstarch

Seasoning Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) avocado oil
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika

Spice Ingredients:

  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Craft a zesty seasoning blend by mixing salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and tapioca flour or cornstarch in a compact mixing container.
  2. Thoroughly cleanse sweet potatoes under cool running water, then meticulously dry them using paper towels to eliminate excess moisture.
  3. Slice sweet potatoes into uniform fry-shaped strips, maintaining a consistent thickness between 0.25-0.5 inches (0.6-1.3 centimeters).
  4. Transfer potato strips into a spacious mixing bowl, then incorporate the prepared spice mixture and avocado oil.
  5. Massage ingredients together using clean hands, ensuring each potato strip is evenly coated with seasonings and oil.
  6. Activate air fryer and preheat to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204 degrees Celsius).
  7. Arrange seasoned potato strips in a singular, uncrowded layer within the air fryer basket to guarantee optimal crispiness.
  8. Cook for approximately 20 minutes, pausing midway to gently agitate and rotate fries for uniform browning.
  9. Remove fries when golden and crisp, then serve immediately to maintain maximum crunchiness.

Notes

  • Moisture matters most when creating crispy fries, so thoroughly pat sweet potatoes dry with paper towels before seasoning.
  • Cutting fries uniformly ensures even cooking and consistent texture throughout the batch.
  • Cornstarch or tapioca flour acts as a secret weapon, helping create that coveted golden-brown and super crispy exterior.
  • Shaking the basket midway through cooking prevents sticking and promotes balanced, all-over browning.
  • Serving immediately keeps fries at peak crispiness, so time your preparation to enjoy right out of the air fryer.
  • High heat and single-layer placement are key techniques for achieving restaurant-quality sweet potato fries at home.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Side Dish
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2
  • Calories: 190 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 420 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 17 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 1 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Liam O'Brien

Liam O’Brien

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Traditional Irish Dishes
  • Farm-to-Table Cooking
  • Recipe Creation
  • Teaching Cooking Skills
  • Sustainable Food Practices

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (now Technological University Dublin)

  • Program: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in cooking techniques, kitchen management, and exploring both Irish and international cuisines.

Ballymaloe Cookery School, County Cork, Ireland

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Farm-to-table cooking, emphasizing the use of fresh, local ingredients and traditional cooking methods.

Liam O’Brien is the co-founder and kitchen soul behind Good Tasting Meals, a chef who believes that cooking shouldn’t feel stressful or complicated.

He earned his culinary stripes at Technological University Dublin and polished his farm-to-table skills at Ballymaloe Cookery School. With over 15 years flipping pans and stirring up stories, Liam has worked in family cafés, bustling bistros, and everything in between.

At Good Tasting Meals, Liam brings you recipes that feel like home: cozy, simple, and full of flavor.

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