Tender and crispy air fryer sweet potato fries are easy to make from scratch! Plus, they’re a healthier alternative to regular french fries.
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
This isn’t the typical recipe for frozen sweet potato fries in the air fryer — I’m making them fresh! All it takes is some quick chopping and a toss with oil and seasonings to make homemade sweet potato fries in the air fryer.
Whether it’s for a quick snack or an easy dinner side, I can always count on these fries to add the perfect sweet and savory combo to my plate. It doesn’t hurt that my whole family loves them too.
Depending on what’s available at the farmers market, I’ll transform other veggies into crispy bites in a flash. Breaded zucchini fries don’t require any oil at all, and turnip fries taste just like the white potato version — even my kids were fooled!
Why you will love this recipe
- Made from scratch with fresh veggies
- Simple seasonings
- Packed with nutrients
- Healthier carbohydrate option compared to white potatoes
How to make crispy sweet potato fries in air fryer
Prep the potatoes. A large, sharp knife will make quick work of the sweet potatoes once peeled. These can be a bit starchy, so I’ll give my knife a light coating of oil if the pieces keep sticking to the blade.
Toss with oil and seasonings. I place the fries in a large bowl, then add the oil and seasoning. This gives me plenty of space to get my hands in there so every piece is well coated.
- Air fry, shaking halfway. Shaking the basket (or flipping air fryer sweet potato fries, if they’re on a tray) is crucial to achieving a crispy texture. It also ensures that each fry is cooked evenly and browns on all sides.
Pro Tips
- Keep fries uniform in size and shape. This can be tricky with wonky-shaped spuds, so a few might not match. As long as they’re in the same range, everything will still cook evenly.
- Cook in batches. It’s better to take a little more time making several rounds than to try and rush it and ruin all of them!
- Adjust the cooking time as needed. Thicker fries may need an extra few minutes. Also, second and third batches may take less time to cook since the air fryer is already nice and hot.
- Serve right away. I save air fryer sweet potato fries for last so they can go straight onto everyone’s plates! That said, leftovers can be kept in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days and reheated back in the air fryer.
Key Ingredients and Substitutions for Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet Potatoes: The star of the show! I look for larger potatoes that are more uniform in shape, compared to ones with curves or long, tapered ends. It just makes it easier to get more fries from each veggie.
Olive Oil: Any oil with a high smoke point will work. This is just what I usually have on hand!
Seasonings: Sea salt and garlic powder are more than enough, and really let the natural flavor of the sweet potatoes shine. Cinnamon makes them extra sweet, while smoked paprika turns them more savory.
Frequently Asked Questions about Sweet Potato Fries Air Fryer Recipe
Why do my sweet potato fries turn out soggy?
Soggy fries are usually due to overcrowding. Add sweet potato fries to the air fryer basket or tray in a single layer, leaving space for the hot air to circulate.
A preheated air fryer also guarantees crispier results. And when I have time, I soak the sweet potato slices in cold water for 30 minutes, then pat dry before seasoning. This removes excess starch, which would otherwise keep the fries on the softer side.
Can I make frozen sweet potato fries in the air fryer?
I love making Alexia sweet potato fries in the air fryer, especially when dinner is rushed! They are great straight from the bag, but sometimes I add a little oil and sea salt for extra flavor.
First, preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees for the crispiest results. Cook frozen sweet potato fries in the air fryer for about 10 minutes, shaking the basket or flipping them on the tray halfway through.
What are the best dipping sauces for sweet potato fries?
Ranch and honey mustard are popular pairings, but I especially love dipping air fryer sweet potato fries in garlic aioli! All it takes to make is some garlic and lemon juice whisked into mayonnaise, plus some salt and pepper to taste.
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
Ingredients
- 32 oz sweet potato
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Wash and peel your sweet potatoes. Then, chop them into uniform fries.
- Place them into a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil, salt, and garlic powder. Mix to coat evenly.
- Preheat the Air Fryer to 400F. Then, arrange the sweet potato fries in a single layer on the Air Fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer for best results. Make sure the fries don’t touch each other much to get a crispy texture.
- Cook for 8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway. This ensures that the fries cook evenly on all sides. It's a crucial step in achieving a uniformly crispy texture. You can extend the cooking time for an extra one or two minutes if needed. Repeat until with the remaining sweet potato fries.
- Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- Ensure that you cut the sweet potatoes into uniform fries. This ensures even cooking, so all the fries reach the desired level of crispiness.
- Depending on your Air Fryer and the thickness of the sweet potato fries, you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly. If needed, add an extra one or two minutes to achieve the desired level of crispiness.
- Sweet potato fries are best enjoyed when served immediately. The warmth enhances their flavor and texture. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce for an extra layer of deliciousness.
- Air frying requires significantly less oil than deep frying. In this recipe, the sweet potato fries are only lightly drizzled with olive oil, reducing overall fat content.
- Sweet potatoes are a nutrient-dense vegetable, rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber. They provide a healthier carbohydrate option compared to traditional white potatoes.
- Air frying generally requires less oil, contributing to reduced overall calorie content. This makes the sweet potato fries a lower-calorie option compared to their deep-fried counterparts.
- Air frying eliminates the need for trans fats commonly found in some cooking oils used for deep frying. Trans fats are associated with health risks and are best avoided.
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