These crispy air fryer sweet potato fries are one of my favorite sides when I want something comforting and delicious while still being nutritious. The natural sweetness of the potatoes pairs so well with the warm spices, creating just the right balance of savory and sweet. And cooking them in my air fryer makes it easy to achieve a crisp exterior with a tender, fluffy center without any deep frying required.
This recipe is fast, simple, and one I come back to often, especially on busy days when I need an easy side that goes with just about anything. My whole family enjoys these fries, and they always feel like a small upgrade to any meal, whether it’s a quick lunch or a casual dinner at home.
Recipe Highlights
Requires basic ingredients: These air fryer sweet potatoes are made with simple everyday ingredients, most of which are spices I always have on hand.
Simple steps and minimal prep time: Unlike some homemade fries that require lots of soaking, drying, etc., this recipe comes together with no fuss and requires just 10 minutes of prep time.
A crisp exterior and incredible flavor: Thanks to a secret ingredient and the use of the air fryer, the fries turn out crisp on the outside and tender in the center. Then, the spices add just enough savory flavor to keep things interesting while letting the potatoes remain the star of the show.
Basic Ingredients That Are Needed
- Sweet potatoes: Choose a sweet potato that is large in size (roughly 1 pound), has no soft spots, and is solid and heavy (softer, hollow-feeling sweet potatoes are past their prime).
- Oil: A small amount of oil helps the fries crisp up and prevents sticking. Avocado oil is great for high-heat cooking due to its high smoke point, while olive oil offers a slightly richer flavor. Both work well and provide a good source of heart-healthy monounsaturated fat not found in the average French fry recipe.
- Cornstarch: This is my secret for creating an extra crispy exterior without the need to spend time soaking the potatoes. Sweet potatoes have a higher moisture content than regular potatoes, and the cornstarch helps absorb that moisture and creates a lightly crisp coating as the fries cook.
- Seasoning mixture: A simple blend of smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and fine sea salt (or kosher salt) creates a savory flavor with subtle smokiness and lots of depth, complementing the potatoes without being overpowering. I sometimes like to add some black pepper or a dash of cayenne pepper for a bit of heat, too.
Find the ingredient list with exact measurements in the recipe card below.
Sweet Potatoes Are Packed With Nutritional Benefits
Sweet potatoes offer many nutrients and health benefits, including being an excellent source of complex carbohydrates and fiber. They also contain high amounts of vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin B6, as well as essential minerals like manganese, copper, and potassium. Plus, they’re a source of carotenoid antioxidants, naturally gluten-free, and work well in a variety of special diets and sweet potato recipes.
One Of The Easiest Sides To Make
Every air fryer model is slightly different so timing may vary by a minute or two, but here are the basic steps to make sweet potato fries at home:
- Prep the potatoes: Before I begin, I always wash, dry, and cut my sweet potatoes into ¼-inch sticks, which is not quite thin enough to be shoestring fries but not as thick as steak fries. I find that this is the best size to help promote even cooking, resulting in a crispier exterior.
- Preheat the air fryer: I preheat my air fryer to 375℉ when I’m nearly done prepping the fries. This allows it to get nice and hot, helping the potatoes cook quickly.
- Season the potatoes: Next, I toss the potato slices with oil, cornstarch, and spices in a mixing bowl. I typically use my hands to really coat each piece thoroughly.
- Cook: Then, I arrange the sweet potato fries in a single layer in the basket of the air fryer. Mine is big enough to cook an entire potato at once, but work in batches if needed, avoiding any overlap. If the fries are too crowded, they won’t crisp evenly. Cook, shaking or flipping the fries halfway through, until they’re lightly golden brown. Even with the addition of cornstarch, the fries won’t be quite as crispy as those that are battered and fried, but they’re crisper than roasted sweet potatoes. Also, I avoid adding parchment paper or foil to the basket so the air can fully circulate around the fries.
- Serve: To finish, I sprinkle the warm fries with flaky salt and chopped fresh parsley, and serve them immediately with dipping sauces.
For serving size and the complete directions and ingredient amounts, scroll down to the recipe card below. All of our recipes include the nutrition analysis, listing calories (kcals), protein, carbohydrates/carb, fiber, sugar, sodium, cholesterol, and more per serving.
What To Pair These Fries With
I find these sweet potato fries go with just about everything, which is one of the reasons I make them so often. I’ve even been known to enjoy them as an afternoon snack on their own paired with BBQ sauce, honey mustard sauce, ketchup, or ranch dressing for dipping. Or, I add a sprinkle of feta or Parmesan cheese, and serve them as a restaurant-inspired appetizer with a small boost of calcium.
That said, these air fryer sweet potato fries are especially tasty alongside simple, protein-focused mains where they can add a little extra flavor and texture to the plate. My family enjoys them with these grilled turkey burgers, burger bowls, sloppy joes, and tuna melts. I’ve also paired them with grilled or baked chicken, salmon, sandwiches, and wraps. They work well with both casual, weeknight meals and slightly more put-together dinners, making them an easy go-to side dish no matter what’s on my menu.
Store For Later And Reheat
Air fryer sweet potato fries are best served right after they come out of the air fryer while they’re still warm and crisp. However, if I have leftovers, they keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, I arrange the fries in a single layer in a preheated air fryer at 350℉, and air fry for 3-4 minutes or just until they’re warmed through and lightly crisp. I avoid microwaving the fries, as it tends to make them soft and soggy.
For longer storage, it’s best to freeze sweet potato fries before cooking. To do so, I arrange the seasoned fries in a single layer on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and freeze them until solid. Then, I transfer them to a freezer-safe container and keep them stored for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, I air fry the frozen sweet potato fries without thawing, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, simply double the ingredients. Then, cook the fries in batches, arranging them in a single layer in the air fryer. Overcrowding the air fryer basket will cause the fries to steam instead of crisp, so work in batches and keep them in a single layer to get the best texture.
These crispy sweet potato fries can be a more nutrient-dense option since sweet potatoes are rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. When made in the air fryer with a small amount of oil, they’re lower in saturated fats and trans fats than traditional deep-fried fries.
Sweet potatoes can fit into a balanced diet for people with diabetes when enjoyed in appropriate portions. They contain fiber, which helps support stable blood sugar levels, but they are still a source of carbohydrates. Pairing them with protein or healthy fats can help slow digestion and support better blood sugar control. Be sure to consult a doctor or diabetes educator with any specific questions or concerns.
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries Recipe
These air fryer sweet potato fries are crisp on the outside, tender in the center, and full of sweet and savory flavors. Quick and easy to make, they’re a nutritious, family-friendly appetizer, side dish, or snack.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. sweet potatoes (1 large), washed, dried, and cut into ¼-inch thick sticks
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil or olive oil
- 1 ½ teaspoons cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon fine salt, plus more to taste
- Optional for garnish: chopped fresh parsley and flaky sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 375℉.
- In a medium bowl, place the cut sweet potato fries, oil, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Toss well to combine.
- In the basket of the air fryer, arrange the seasoned sweet potato fries in a single layer.
- Air fry for 8 minutes before removing the basket and flipping the fries over (or give the basket a shake to turn the fries).
- Air fry until the fries are brown and crispy on the edges, another 5-8 minutes.
- Remove the fries from the air fryer and, if desired, sprinkle with flaky salt and/or chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place the fries in a single layer in a preheated air fryer at 350℉ for 3-4 minutes.
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Notes
* The ideal size for homemade air fryer sweet potato fries is ¼ inch, which is not quite shoestring but also not a steak fry. This allows them to cook quickly and evenly in the air fryer. First cut the sweet potato into ¼-inch-thick slabs, then cut each slab into ¼-inch wide fries.
Nutrition Information
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the fries
- Calories: 122
- Fat: 3 g
- (Sat Fat: 0 g)
- Sodium: 202 mg
- Carbohydrate: 24 g
- (Fiber: 3 g
- Sugar: 5 g)
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Dietary
The photos in this post were taken by Megan McKeehan.
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