Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries are crispy on the outside, tender and fluffy inside, and seasoned to perfection. Simple to prepare, these fries make a fantastic side dish or appetizer — especially with a creamy homemade ranch for dipping.
Crispy Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
The air fryer gives reliably crispy sweet potato fries using far less oil than deep frying. Compared with baking, air-fried fries develop a superior crisp while staying soft inside. If you want restaurant-style fries at home without the extra oil, the air fryer is the best tool for the job.
These fries are one of my go-to recipes: easy, quick, and crowd-pleasing. They’re a little healthier than deep-fried versions, and the kids will happily eat them all the same.
Table of Contents
- Crispy Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
- How to Make Sweet Potato Fries in the Air Fryer
- Tips and Tricks
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries Recipe
How to Make Sweet Potato Fries in the Air Fryer
Preheat the air fryer to 370–380°F and give the basket a light spray of nonstick cooking spray.
Scrub the sweet potatoes under cold water and dry them completely. You can peel them or leave the skin on — leaving the skin adds texture and nutrients.
Cut the potatoes into long, thin sticks and toss with a small amount of oil and your preferred seasonings. A simple blend of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and a pinch of cinnamon and sugar works beautifully.
Cook the fries in single, non-overlapping batches for even crisping. Shake the basket every 5 minutes and begin checking for doneness after about 10 minutes, then check every 1–2 minutes until they reach your desired crispness.
Repeat until all fries are cooked and serve immediately.
How to Cut Sweet Potato Fries
Slice each sweet potato in half lengthwise. Place the cut side down, then slice each half lengthwise into strips about 1/4 inch thick. Turn each strip on its side and slice to make even 1/4-inch sticks. Thinner fries will cook faster and become crispier.
Tips and Tricks
- Choose medium-sized sweet potatoes: Tubers about 5–6 inches long are easiest to cut into even fries. Very long sweet potatoes may need to be halved crosswise to fit the basket.
- Cut evenly: Uniform pieces ensure all fries cook at the same rate.
- Don’t overcrowd: Spread fries in a single layer so hot air can circulate and crisp every piece.
- Turn and shake: Move the fries at least once during cooking for even browning.
- Keep warm between batches: Place cooked fries on a lined baking sheet in a 200°F oven while you finish remaining batches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Soaking isn’t required. I’ve had perfectly crispy results without soaking. Soaking can remove excess starch and help with crisping for some types of potatoes — if you choose to soak, submerge fries in cold water for 30–60 minutes, then dry thoroughly before cooking.
Use an oil with a higher smoke point. Extra virgin olive oil works well, and avocado or canola oil are good alternatives.
Timing varies by air fryer model and fry thickness. With a preheated air fryer at 380°F, expect at least 10 minutes. Most batches finish between 10–15 minutes; check frequently near the end.
Excess moisture prevents crisping. Make sure fries are completely dry before tossing with oil and seasonings. Cook in a single layer so hot air can circulate; stacking fries causes them to steam and lose crispness.
More Air Fryer Recipes and Cooking Resources
- Air Fryer Green Beans
- Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp
- Air Fryer Chicken Breasts
- Air Fryer French Fries
- Potato Types: A Guide to Popular Potatoes
- Yams vs. Sweet Potatoes: What’s the Difference?
Have you tried making Sweet Potato Fries in the Air Fryer?
Share your experience in the comments — I love hearing how readers adapt the recipe.
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries Recipe
Jessica Randhawa
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 2 medium sweet potatoes
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar optional
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon optional
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 380°F and lightly spray the basket with nonstick cooking spray.
- Scrub the sweet potatoes under cold running water and dry them completely. Peel if desired.
- Cut each potato in half lengthwise. With the cut side down, slice each half into ¼-inch strips, then turn and slice into ¼-inch sticks. If fries are longer than about 6 inches, cut them in half crosswise. Transfer to a large bowl.
- Toss the fries with olive oil, sugar (optional), salt, garlic powder, paprika, cinnamon (optional), and black pepper until evenly coated.
- Work in batches so fries sit in a single layer in the basket. Cook for 5 minutes, shake or flip, then cook another 5 minutes. If needed, continue cooking in 2–3 minute increments until crisp.
- Transfer cooked fries to a clean plate and season with additional salt if desired. Repeat with remaining fries.
- Serve hot with ketchup or your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- Keep cooked fries warm on a lined baking sheet in a 200°F oven while finishing batches.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To re-crisp leftovers, heat in a 360°F air fryer for about 2 minutes until warm and crispy.
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 25 g |
Protein: 3 g |
Fat: 7 g |
Sodium: 623 mg |
Fiber: 4 g |
Sugar: 7 g
Nutrition information is an approximation.
Did you make this? Leave a comment below!