Airfryer Sweet Potato Fries

Name: Airfryer Sweet Potato Fries
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 large sweet potatoes; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: One Pot Recipes

I absolutely love making Airfryer Sweet Potato Fries at home! They are crispy, flavorful, and a healthier alternative to traditional fries. The air fryer gives them that perfect crunch without the excess oil, and seasoning with a touch of paprika and garlic elevates their natural sweetness. These fries are not just a side dish; they’re an excellent snack or appetizer that everyone will enjoy. Trust me, once you make these, you’ll never want to go back to regular fries!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-02-17T13:06:19.106Z

When I first tried making sweet potato fries in the air fryer, I was amazed at how quickly they cooked and how crispy they turned out. Sweet potatoes are naturally sweet and pairing them with light spices creates a delicious flavor combination that excites the palate. I love experimenting with different seasoning blends, but the classic combination of salt and pepper with a sprinkle of paprika always brings me back.

A tip I found invaluable is to soak the sweet potato strips in water for about 30 minutes before cooking. This helps them become extra crispy by removing excess starch. It's a small step that makes a big difference!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Crispy texture without the extra oil
Naturally sweet with tailored seasoning
Quick and easy to make for any occasion

      

Mastering the Air Fryer

Using an air fryer for sweet potato fries transforms the cooking experience by rendering them perfectly crispy while using significantly less oil than traditional frying methods. Preheating the air fryer for at least 5 minutes is essential as it creates an ideal cooking environment. This time ensures the circulating hot air reaches the sweet potato strips immediately upon placing them in the fryer, allowing for optimal browning and crispiness.

When arranging the sweet potato strips in the air fryer, make sure they are in a single layer. Overcrowding the basket can lead to uneven cooking and steaming rather than frying. If you're preparing a larger batch, consider frying them in multiple batches to achieve that desirable crunch on every slice.

Key Ingredient Insights

Sweet potatoes are naturally sweet, but the addition of paprika and garlic powder not only enhances their flavor but also adds complexity to each bite. Paprika, with its mild heat and rich color, brings depth to the fries and complements their sweetness beautifully. On the other hand, garlic powder infuses a savory note that balances the taste, making it more appealing.

For those looking to customize their fries, consider swapping out the paprika for chili powder or cayenne for an added kick. You can also experiment with other spices such as cumin or Italian seasoning if you want to explore varied flavor profiles. Don’t forget to adjust salt levels when trying new seasonings to ensure a harmonious taste!

Storage and Serving Suggestions

Once prepared, sweet potato fries can be enjoyed immediately or stored for later. For any leftovers, make sure to refrigerate them in an airtight container. They typically last about 3-4 days. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes to regain their crispiness instead of using a microwave, which can make them soggy.

These fries are versatile when it comes to serving options. They pair beautifully with a variety of dipping sauces such as spicy ketchup, garlic aioli, or a creamy avocado dip. You could also serve them as a side alongside grilled meats or in a salad for an extra crunch. Adjust your seasonings based on the dips you choose to create a cohesive flavor experience.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create delicious Airfryer Sweet Potato Fries:

Ingredients

2 large sweet potatoes
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Make sure to wash and peel the sweet potatoes well before slicing.

Instructions

Follow these steps to prepare your Airfryer Sweet Potato Fries:

Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

Wash, peel, and cut the sweet potatoes into thin strips, about 1/4 inch thick. Ensure they are uniform to achieve even cooking.

Soak the Strips

Place the sweet potato strips in a bowl of cold water and let them soak for about 30 minutes. This helps to release the starch and makes them crispier.

Season and Oil

Drain the sweet potatoes and pat them dry with a towel. Toss the strips in a bowl with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until fully coated.

Airfry

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. Place the seasoned sweet potato strips in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

Serve

Once they are crispy and golden brown, remove the fries from the air fryer and let them cool slightly. Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce!

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Pro Tips

Feel free to experiment with different spices like chili powder or onion powder for varied flavors. Also, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.

Common Troubleshooting Tips

If your air fryer sweet potato fries come out soggy, it’s often due to excess moisture. Ensure that the sweet potato strips are thoroughly dried after soaking and draining. This step is crucial because any residual water on the fries can create steam during cooking, which prevents crispiness.

Another common issue is uneven cooking, which can often stem from overcrowding the fryer basket. To correct this, simply batch-cook the fries or give them a good shake halfway through cooking to ensure all sides get exposure to the heat. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the cooking time to prevent over-browning.

Variations and Flavor Combinations

To switch up the flavor profile of your sweet potato fries, consider adding other spices such as smoked paprika for a smoky taste, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon for a sweet and savory mix. If you're a fan of cheese, toss your fries in some grated Parmesan or feta just after they come out of the air fryer while they are still hot.

You can also create a 'loaded fry' dish by topping cooked fries with ingredients like cheese, jalapeños, green onions, and a drizzle of sour cream or ranch dressing, turning these simple fries into a crowd-pleasing appetizer or snack that's perfect for gatherings.

Scaling the Recipe

Scaling up the recipe for larger crowds is straightforward; just increase the quantities of sweet potatoes and seasonings accordingly. However, keep in mind that the air fryer can only handle a certain capacity at once. If you're doubling the recipe, it's better to keep the fries in batches to maintain that crispy texture everyone craves.

For meal prep enthusiasts, these fries can be pre-cut and seasoned a day in advance. After coating them with the olive oil and spices, store them in the refrigerator in a sealed container to save time during busy weeknights. Just air fry them directly from the fridge, adding a minute or two to the cooking time as needed.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I cook these fries without an air fryer?

Absolutely! You can bake them in the oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.

→ How do I keep the fries crispy?

Make sure to not overcrowd the air fryer basket and soak the sweet potato strips before cooking. Letting them cool slightly before serving also helps maintain their crispiness.

→ What dipping sauces go well with sweet potato fries?

Sweet potato fries pair wonderfully with ketchup, aioli, or a spicy mayo. You can also try a yogurt-based dip for a refreshing twist.

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

Yes! Just adjust the cooking time as needed. Usually, frozen fries will take a few more minutes than fresh.