Indulge in the ultimate guilt-free snack or side dish with our easy-to-follow guide on how to make air fryer sweet potato fries. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and perfectly seasoned with a hint of smokiness and a touch of spice, these sweet potato fries are an irresistible treat.

overhead image of sweet potato fries scattered on a black background

Why You're Going To Love Sweet Potato Fries Made In Your Air Fryer

Fast. The perfect side dish that's made in a flash!
Easy. Quickly peel and season before cooking.
Few Ingredients. Less than 5 ingredients for the perfect crispy side dish the whole family will love.
Simple Cleanup. Toss them directly in your air fryer basket for cleanup that can be done in seconds.

Ingredients To Grab Before Getting Started

With only a few ingredients you can have the perfect air fryer sweet potato fries in a flash!

Here's what you'll need:

Sweet Potatoes- Sweet potatoes are the main ingredient and the star of the dish. They provide the natural sweetness and the distinct flavor of the fries.
Olive Oil- Olive oil is used to coat the sweet potato fries before air frying.
Paprika- Paprika is a spice that adds a mild, smoky, and slightly sweet flavor to the fries. It also contributes to the fries' appealing reddish-orange color.
Garlic Powder- Garlic powder adds a savory and slightly pungent garlic flavor to the fries.
Salt and Pepper- Salt is a crucial seasoning that enhances the natural flavors of the sweet potatoes and other seasonings. Pepper adds a touch of heat and balances the sweetness.

Why Do You Soak Potatoes In Water Before Air Frying?

Soaking potatoes in water before air frying or frying in general serves several purposes:

Remove Excess Starch. Potatoes contain a significant amount of starch, and soaking them helps remove some of this excess starch from the surface. Starch can cause the potatoes to stick together and become gummy during cooking. Soaking reduces this problem and results in crispier fries.
Prevent Browning. Soaking can help prevent the potatoes from turning brown when exposed to the air for an extended period. This is especially useful when you're preparing a large batch of fries or slicing potatoes ahead of time.
Enhance Crispiness. Soaking followed by thorough drying helps create a drier surface on the potato, which is key to achieving a crispy texture when air frying. The removal of excess moisture allows the fries to become crispier during cooking.

How Long Do You Cook Sweet Potato Fries In The Air Fryer?

Cooking times for sweet potato fries in an air fryer can vary depending on the thickness of the fries and the model of your air fryer. Following the instructions provided in this recipe, they will take between 15 and 20 minutes to cook.

Remember that air fryers can vary in cooking times, so it's essential to keep an eye on the fries, especially the first time you make them in your specific air fryer. Adjust the cooking time as needed for your preferences and to achieve the desired level of crispiness.

How To Make Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries

Preheat the Air Fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F for a few minutes.
Prepare the Sweet Potatoes. Wash and peel the sweet potatoes. Cut them into even-sized fries or wedges. Try to make them as uniform as possible to ensure even cooking. Allow to soak in cold water for
Season the Fries. Place the sweet potato fries in a large bowl. Drizzle olive oil over them, ensuring they are evenly coated. Add paprika and garlic powder if desired for extra flavor. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss the fries to ensure they are well-coated with the oil and seasonings.
Arrange in the Air Fryer. Place the seasoned sweet potato fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd the basket; cook them in batches if necessary. The more space they have, the crispier they will become.
Cooking Time. Cook the fries for about 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket or flipping the fries halfway through. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking or burning.
Check for Doneness. Test the fries with a fork or a toothpick. They should be tender on the inside and crispy on the outside. If they need more time, cook for an additional 2-5 minutes, checking for doneness.
Serve Hot. Once they're cooked to your desired level of crispiness, remove them from the air fryer immediately. Let them cool for a minute or two and then serve hot.

Close up image of sweet potato fries with a side of ketchup

Tips and Tricks

Making perfect air fryer sweet potato fries can be a breeze with the right tips and tricks. Here are some to help you achieve crispy, flavorful fries:

Choose the Right Sweet Potatoes. Opt for firm, fresh sweet potatoes. Look for ones with smooth, unblemished skin and avoid any that are soft or have sprouts.
Peel and Cut Uniformly. Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into evenly sized matchsticks or wedges. Uniformly sized pieces will cook at the same rate, ensuring even doneness.
Soak the Sweet Potatoes. Soak the cut sweet potatoes in cold water for at least 30 minutes, or even up to a few hours. This helps remove excess starch, making the fries crispier. Be sure to rinse and dry them thoroughly before cooking.
Don't Overcrowd the Basket. Arrange the sweet potato fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and less crispy results. If you have a lot of fries to cook, it's better to do multiple batches.

Variations

Air fryer sweet potato fries are delicious on their own, but you can elevate them with various seasonings and toppings. Here are some creative variations to try:

Spicy Sweet Potato Fries- Add a kick by tossing the fries in a mixture of chili powder, cayenne pepper, and a touch of cumin. Serve with a cool dipping sauce like garlic aioli or ranch to balance the heat.
Cajun Sweet Potato Fries- Season with a blend of Cajun spices, including paprika, cayenne, thyme, and oregano, for a bold and flavorful twist.
Garlic Parmesan Sweet Potato Fries- After air frying, toss the hot fries with minced garlic and grated Parmesan cheese. The heat from the fries will melt the cheese and create a savory, cheesy coating.

What To Serve With Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries

Sweet potato fries are a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses and dipping sauces. Here are some delicious options to serve with sweet potato fries:

Burgers- Whether you're grilling beef, turkey, chicken, or veggie burgers, sweet potato fries make an excellent side dish. The sweet and savory combination is a classic favorite.
Sandwiches- Serve sweet potato fries alongside sandwiches like BLTs, club sandwiches, or pulled pork sandwiches. The fries add a delightful contrast in both texture and flavor.
Grilled Chicken- Grilled or roasted chicken, whether in the form of breasts, thighs, or drumsticks, pairs wonderfully with sweet potato fries. Consider marinating the chicken in complementary flavors like honey mustard or BBQ sauce.

How Long Do They Last?

If you have leftover sweet potato fries, store them in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag in the refrigerator. Properly stored, they can last for about 3 to 4 days.

Can You Freeze Them?

To extend the shelf life of sweet potato fries, you can freeze them. Place the cooled fries in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until they are solid. Then transfer them to a resealable freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen sweet potato fries can last for up to 6 months.

More Easy Air Fryer Recipes

Once you see how easy it is to make some of your favorites in the air fryer, it will without a doubt be your favorite way to cook.

Here are a few of my favorite things to prepare with the help of my air fryer:

Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes Pin with text overlay

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