Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries

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I’ve always had a soft spot for fries, but once I discovered how crispy, flavorful, and guilt-free sweet potato fries can be in an air fryer, there was no going back. These Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries are a game changer — golden on the outside, tender in the center, and perfectly seasoned every time. They satisfy that craving for something salty and crunchy without deep frying or loading up on oil.

The magic is in the balance of textures and the rich, naturally sweet flavor of the sweet potatoes. I like to toss them in a touch of olive oil, dust them with smoked paprika and garlic powder, and let the air fryer do its thing. Whether it’s a quick snack or a side for burgers, tacos, or wraps, these fries come together in no time and always disappear fast.

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Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries Recipe

These fries hit the trifecta of being quick, healthy, and addictively good. You’ll love how the air fryer crisps them up with barely any oil. The seasoning sticks beautifully, and the natural sweetness of the potatoes shines through in every bite. Plus, cleanup is minimal and the whole process is faster than baking. What’s not to love?

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What Kind of Sweet Potatoes Should I Use?

You can’t go wrong with classic orange-fleshed sweet potatoes — like Jewel or Garnet varieties. They’re naturally sweet, cook evenly, and give you that gorgeous golden-orange hue. Choose sweet potatoes that are firm and without soft spots. Thinner, longer potatoes are easier to cut into fry shapes and cook more evenly in the air fryer.

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Options for Substitutions

Whether you’re working with pantry staples or looking to switch things up, here are some easy substitutions:

• Oil: Olive oil is my go-to, but avocado oil or even a light spray of coconut oil works beautifully and adds a hint of flavor.
• Seasoning: Swap smoked paprika for chili powder, cayenne pepper, or chipotle powder for a spicy kick. Add rosemary or thyme if you’re craving something herby.
• Cornstarch: This is optional but helps crisp the fries. You can use arrowroot powder or tapioca starch if avoiding corn.
• Dips: If you don’t have ketchup or aioli on hand, try Greek yogurt mixed with hot sauce or a quick sriracha mayo.

These swaps keep the fries versatile and just as delicious.

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Ingredients for This Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries Recipe

• Sweet Potatoes
  The star of the recipe! Their natural sweetness and hearty texture make them ideal for crisping in the air fryer.
• Olive Oil
  Just a light drizzle helps the fries get golden and helps the seasoning stick. It also adds a subtle richness.
• Cornstarch (Optional)
  This is the secret to extra crispy edges. It creates a delicate coating that crisps up beautifully.
• Smoked Paprika
  Adds a warm, smoky depth that contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the potatoes.
• Garlic Powder
  For a savory, punchy flavor that brings the fries to life.
• Salt & Pepper
  Essential for balance. Salt enhances the sweetness and pepper gives a touch of heat.
• Fresh Parsley (Optional)
  Sprinkled on top at the end for a pop of color and a fresh finish.

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Step 1: Prep the Sweet Potatoes

Wash and scrub the sweet potatoes thoroughly. Leave the skin on for extra texture, or peel them if you prefer. Slice them into thin, even sticks — about 1/4-inch thick — to ensure uniform cooking.

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Step 2: Soak and Dry

Optional but worth it — soak the fries in cold water for at least 30 minutes to remove excess starch. This helps them crisp up better. After soaking, pat them completely dry with a clean kitchen towel.

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Step 3: Season

Toss the fries in a large bowl with olive oil, cornstarch (if using), smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until all pieces are evenly coated.

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Step 4: Arrange in the Air Fryer

Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C). Arrange the fries in a single layer in the basket — don’t overcrowd! You may need to cook in batches.

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Step 5: Air Fry

Cook the fries for 12–15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even crisping. Check for doneness around the 12-minute mark and adjust depending on how crisp you like them.

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Step 6: Serve

Once golden and crispy, remove the fries from the air fryer and sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

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How Long to Cook Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries

Sweet potato fries generally take 12 to 15 minutes in a preheated air fryer at 380°F (193°C). The exact time depends on how thick your fries are and how powerful your air fryer is. Thinner fries may crisp up faster, while thicker ones might need a couple of extra minutes. Shake the basket at the halfway mark for even cooking.

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Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries

• Cut Evenly: Uniform thickness ensures even cooking and prevents some fries from burning while others remain soft.
• Don’t Skip the Soak: Soaking in cold water removes starch and helps the fries crisp better. Just be sure to dry them thoroughly afterward.
• Use Cornstarch: A light dusting before cooking makes a big difference in texture.
• Cook in Batches: Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Fries need space and airflow to crisp up properly.
• Shake the Basket: At least once or twice during cooking to prevent sticking and encourage even browning.
• Watch the Last Few Minutes: They can go from golden to too dark quickly. Check early and often.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overcrowding the Basket
  It’s tempting to cook them all at once, but piling fries in the air fryer leads to steaming, not crisping.
• Skipping the Soak
  While optional, soaking helps achieve that perfect crispy texture. If you’re short on time, at least give them a quick rinse.
• Using Too Much Oil
  Sweet potatoes don’t need much — too much oil can weigh them down and make them soggy.
• Inconsistent Sizes
  Fries that vary in thickness cook unevenly. Stick to 1/4-inch pieces for best results.
• Not Preheating the Air Fryer
  Starting with a hot basket ensures the fries begin cooking immediately, helping them get crispy.

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What to Serve With Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries?

1. Classic Burgers

The sweetness of the fries balances out a savory, juicy beef or veggie burger beautifully.

2. Grilled Chicken Wraps

Serve them on the side of a warm, spiced chicken wrap with tzatziki or ranch.

3. BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches

A smoky, tangy sandwich pairs perfectly with crispy sweet potato fries.

4. Fish Tacos

Light, crispy fish and zesty slaw match up great with these fries.

5. Veggie Bowls

Toss the fries into a hearty grain bowl with greens, avocado, and tahini dressing.

6. Fried Eggs or Breakfast Plates

Turn them into a breakfast side with scrambled or fried eggs.

7. Sliders of Any Kind

Mini sandwiches need mini fries — sweet potato versions bring color and texture.

8. Loaded Fries

Top with cheese, scallions, and a drizzle of sriracha mayo or chipotle sauce for a snack-style main.

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Storage Instructions

To store leftover sweet potato fries, let them cool completely first. Then place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 4–5 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that crispy texture — the fries tend to get soft and soggy.

If you’d like to freeze them, arrange the cooled fries in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Reheat straight from frozen in the air fryer at 375°F for 6–8 minutes.

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Estimated Nutrition

Here’s a general estimate per serving (based on 4 servings from 2 medium sweet potatoes and 1 tablespoon of oil):

• Calories: 130
• Fat: 4g
• Saturated Fat: 0.5g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 220mg
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 5g
• Protein: 1.5g

These numbers can vary slightly based on the size of your sweet potatoes and the amount of oil or seasoning used.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen sweet potato fries in the air fryer?

Yes! Just toss them directly into the air fryer from frozen. You won’t need oil or seasoning unless you want extra flavor. Cook at 400°F for about 15 minutes, shaking halfway through.

Do I need to peel the sweet potatoes?

Not at all. The skin adds texture, nutrients, and flavor. Just give them a good scrub if you’re leaving the skin on.

Why aren’t my sweet potato fries crispy?

This usually happens when they’re too crowded in the basket, weren’t dried properly, or lacked a coating like cornstarch. Also, make sure the air fryer is preheated.

Can I make these without oil?

Yes, but they won’t be as crispy. A tiny amount of oil helps with browning and texture. You can use a spray if you want to keep it minimal.

How thick should I cut the fries?

About 1/4 inch thick. Thinner fries cook faster and get crispier, while thicker ones stay softer inside but may need a longer cook time.

What dips go well with sweet potato fries?

Spicy mayo, garlic aioli, chipotle ketchup, or even maple mustard are all fantastic choices. Try mixing Greek yogurt with lime juice and hot sauce for a tangy twist.

Can I make them ahead of time?

Yes — prep and season the fries in advance, store them in the fridge in an airtight container, then cook when ready. You can also par-cook them for quicker finishing later.

Are air fryer sweet potato fries healthy?

Definitely healthier than deep-fried versions. They’re lower in fat and calories, plus rich in fiber, vitamins A and C, and complex carbs.

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Conclusion

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries are the perfect blend of simplicity and satisfaction. They offer that crispy, crave-worthy bite with far less oil than traditional fries, and they pair effortlessly with all kinds of meals. Once you try them, they’re bound to become a regular side in your rotation — whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a crowd. Quick, colorful, and full of flavor, they’re everything a great fry should be, minus the guilt.

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