Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries

If you have a couple of sweet potatoes sitting in your kitchen, make these Sweet Potatoes Fries. They’re tender in the middle, with deliciously browned edges and a slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with all kinds of meals.

You don’t need a long list of ingredients or any special equipment, just a baking sheet or an air fryer and a little time to get them nicely cooked.

I usually serve them alongside eggs for breakfast or with chicken and burgers for dinner. They’re also great for a quick snack with minimal prep. You can keep the seasoning basic or add your favorite spices to give them a little extra kick.

Sweet Potato Fries Recipe

Key Ingredients

Sweet potatoes are naturally sweet, so they brown at the edges and turn tender and creamy inside. I like how that sweetness balances the smoky seasoning.

Cornstarch gives the fries a light, crisp coating and helps the edges brown.

Smoked paprika and garlic powder add a savory, smoky flavor that balances the sweetness of the potatoes. For a sweet version, you can toss the hot fries with cinnamon and sugar instead.

Tips & Tricks

Cut the fries evenly: Fries of the same thickness cook at the same rate. I cut mine about 1/4 inch thick, since thin ones burn while thick ones stay soft.

Dry them well before coating: Pat the cut sweet potatoes dry before adding the cornstarch, because moisture keeps them from crisping.

Don’t crowd the pan: Crowded fries steam and turn soft. You should use two baking sheets, or cook in batches in the air fryer.

Season at the end: Paprika and garlic powder can scorch at high heat and taste bitter, so I toss them on after the fries come out of the oven.

Here’s how I make air fryer sweet potato fries:

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Fried Sweet Potatoes

Crispy sweet potato fries with browned edges and tender centers, baked in the oven or made in the air fryer and tossed in smoked paprika and garlic seasoning.

⏱ Prep 15 min🔥 Cook 30 min⏰ Total 45 min🟢 Easy🍽 Side Dish🌍 American

Rate this recipe ★★★★★

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Ingredients

Servings:

− 4 +

US Metric

• Sweet Potato Fries
• 2large sweet potatoes (about 1 1/2 lbs, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch-thick fries)
• 1 tablespooncornstarch
• 1 tablespoonsvegetable or olive oil (use 1 tablespoon for the air fryer)
• 3/4 teaspoonsalt
• Seasoning
• 1 teaspoonsmoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoongarlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoonblack pepper
• 1 tablespoonchopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

1. 1Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. 2Pat the cut sweet potatoes dry with paper towels.
3. 3Toss the sweet potatoes with the cornstarch in a large bowl until lightly coated. Add the oil and salt, and toss again until evenly coated.
4. 4Mix the paprika, garlic powder, and pepper in a small bowl and set aside.
5. 5Place half of the fries in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 12 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes, until browned and crisp. Repeat with the remaining fries.
6. 6Toss the hot fries with the seasoning mix, sprinkle with parsley, and serve right away.

Nutrition per serving

185

cal

37g

carbs

4g

fat

7g

sugar

5g

fiber

530mg

sodium

📌 Notes

• Baked sweet potato fries are crisp-edged and tender inside. They won't be as crunchy as deep-fried fries, and they soften as they sit, so serve them right away.
• Make ahead: cut the sweet potatoes and keep them in cold water in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Drain and dry very well before cooking.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in the air fryer at 400°F for 3 to 4 minutes, or in the oven at 425°F for 5 to 7 minutes. Avoid the microwave, which makes them soggy.
• For a sweet version, skip the paprika and garlic and toss the hot fries with 1 tablespoon sugar and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. For a spicy version, add 1/4 teaspoon cayenne to the seasoning.

By Sam

If you don’t have an air fryer, use the oven instead. Increase the oil to 2 tbsp and follow the 4 steps above and these:

1. Spread the fries in a single layer on the baking sheets, leaving space between them.
2. Bake for 15 minutes. Flip the fries, swap the pans between racks, and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes, until the edges are browned and crisp.
3. Sprinkle over the hot fries and toss gently. Let the fries sit on the pan for 5 minutes to crisp up. Sprinkle with parsley and serve hot.

How to Pair

Sweet potato fries taste crisp, salty, and gently sweet. Their caramel-like flavor pairs well with smoky meats, tangy sauces, fresh salads, and cool drinks. Here are some pairings:

• Grilled chicken, barbecue ribs, or pulled pork for a hearty meal.
• Garlic aioli, spicy mayonnaise, or honey mustard for dipping.
• A crisp green salad, black bean burger, or turkey sandwich.
• Iced tea, sparkling lemonade, or a cold lager help balance their sweetness.