Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries

If you’re craving a crispy, flavorful side dish, these air fryer sweet potato fries are about to become your new favorite! Made from scratch, they’re naturally sweet and perfectly seasoned, with a golden crunch that rivals deep-fried versions. Healthier and easier to prepare than traditional fries, this recipe will have you reaching for seconds every time.

These air fryer sweet potato fries are so yummy! They are completely made from scratch and taste amazing. Cooking these sweet potato fries in the air fryer gives them a nice crispiness on the outside, just like when you cook them in a deep fryer, but without all the oil!

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries

As much as I love regular french fries, I have to say sweet potato fries are in the running for my favorite kind of fry. I just love how they have that hint of sweetness that you can’t really get from a regular Idaho potato.

Besides having some amazing natural flavors, sweet potatoes are a great healthy alternative to white potatoes because they are packed with more fiber and are nutrients including Vitamin A.

If you haven’t tried these sweet potato fries, they are a must!

Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries

• Healthier Alternative: These fries are air-fried, not deep-fried, which means less oil and fewer calories without sacrificing crispiness or flavor. Sweet potatoes are also loaded with nutrients like Vitamin A and fiber.
• Quick and Easy: With a prep time of just 5 minutes and cook time of 15-20 minutes, these fries are ready in no time, making them perfect for busy weeknights.
• Perfect Texture: The air fryer ensures a crispy exterior with a tender and fluffy interior, delivering that satisfying crunch every time.
• Customizable Flavor: You can season these fries however you like! Add a pinch of paprika, garlic powder, or even cinnamon to complement their natural sweetness.
• Kid-Friendly: Sweet potato fries are a hit with kids! Their natural sweetness and fun fry shape make them a favorite for picky eaters.

Ingredients For Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries

• Sweet Potato: The star of the show, offering natural sweetness and a healthy dose of fiber and Vitamin A.
• Olive Oil: Helps achieve that crispy texture while keeping the fries light and healthy.
• Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the sweet potatoes.

For the exact measurements, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.

Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries

• Air Fryer: The key to achieving perfectly crispy fries without deep frying.
• Vegetable Peeler: Makes it easy to remove the skin from the sweet potato.
• Cutting Board: Provides a stable surface for slicing the sweet potato into fries.
• Knife: Essential for cutting the sweet potato into evenly sized strips for even cooking.
• Bowl: For tossing the sweet potato fries with olive oil and seasoning.

If you don’t yet own an air fryer, click here for the model I recommend. I use my air fryer several times per week and can’t imagine not having it!

Sweet potatoes not on your favorite veggies list? That’s okay! Here are a couple of other different fry recipes you can try in your air fryer or oven:

• Oven-Baked Garlic Parmesan Fries 
• Roasted Acorn Squash Fries
• Keto Zucchini Fries With NO Breading
• Baked Delicata Squash Fries

How To Make Sweet Potato Fries In The Air Fryer

Now, let’s talk about how to make these yummy fries! First, give them a good wash. Before you start cutting into the sweet potato, make sure to scrub the skin thoroughly and pat them dry.

After you have finished cleaning and prepping, peel the sweet potato, and cut into the shape of fries. To do this, I usually cut it into thin rounds, then cut each round into thin strips. Whichever way you decide to cut the potato, make sure to make all the pieces as even as possible so they all cook evenly.

Place the raw sweet potato fries into a bowl, pour olive oil over them and toss with your hands until the fries are evenly coated with oil.

Add the sweet potato fries in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure to not overcrowd the basket so the fries cook all the way through.

Cook the fries at 400 degrees for 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Check the fries after the 15 minutes are up to see if they are ready. If not, cook for an additional 5 minutes.

Add the sweet potato fries onto a serving plate and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.

What To Serve With Sweet Potato Fries

These crispy sweet potato fries are especially delicious with a nice juicy hamburger cooked in the air fryer!

I also love to serve these sweet potato fries with:

• Crispy Air Fried Chicken Wings
• Oven-Baked Rainbow Trout

Tips For Success

• Even Sizing: Cutting the sweet potatoes into evenly sized strips ensures they cook at the same rate. Uneven pieces may lead to some fries being undercooked or overcooked.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: The air fryer works best when air can circulate around the fries. Cook them in batches if needed for the crispiest results.
• Shake the Basket: Toss the fries halfway through cooking to promote even browning and crispiness. This step is crucial for achieving that golden exterior.
• Experiment With Seasonings: While salt and pepper are classic, try adding garlic powder, paprika, or even a touch of cayenne for a spicy kick.
• Serve Immediately: Sweet potato fries are at their crispiest and most delicious right out of the air fryer. Letting them sit too long can make them lose their crunch.

Variations and Substitutions

• Seasoning Variations: For a smoky flavor, add paprika or smoked paprika to the fries before air frying. If you prefer a bit of heat, sprinkle cayenne pepper or chili powder. For a sweeter twist, try a dusting of cinnamon and a pinch of brown sugar.
• Oil Alternatives: If you’re looking to cut down on olive oil, you can use avocado oil or coconut oil for a different flavor profile. Alternatively, use a cooking spray for an even lighter version.
• Sweet Potato Types: Regular orange sweet potatoes work best, but you can experiment with purple or white varieties for a unique taste and color. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly.
• Dipping Sauce Ideas: Pair these fries with sriracha mayo, honey mustard, or even a creamy garlic yogurt dip to complement their sweetness.
• Alternative Cooking Methods: If you don’t have an air fryer, bake the sweet potato fries in the oven at 425°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: Place any leftover sweet potato fries in an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to 3 days. Avoid leaving them at room temperature for extended periods to maintain freshness.
• Reheating in the Air Fryer: To bring back their crispiness, reheat the fries in the air fryer at 375°F for 3-5 minutes. This method prevents them from becoming soggy.
• Reheating in the Oven: If you don’t have an air fryer, you can reheat the fries in a preheated oven at 375°F for 7-10 minutes, flipping halfway through for even reheating.
• Microwave Option: While not ideal, you can use a microwave for a quick reheat. Keep in mind that the fries may lose some of their crispiness. Heat in 20-second intervals until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I leave the skin on the sweet potatoes?

Yes, you can leave the skin on for extra texture and nutrients. Just be sure to wash and scrub the sweet potatoes thoroughly before cutting them into fries.

Why aren’t my sweet potato fries crispy?

There are a few reasons this might happen. Ensure you’re not overcrowding the air fryer basket, as the fries need space to crisp up. Also, make sure they’re evenly coated with oil but not overly saturated, which can make them soggy.

Can I use frozen sweet potato fries for this recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen sweet potato fries can be cooked directly in the air fryer. Just follow the package instructions for cooking time and temperature adjustments.

What dipping sauces go well with sweet potato fries?

These fries pair beautifully with a variety of sauces like spicy sriracha mayo, honey mustard, garlic aioli, or even a simple ranch dressing. Their sweetness also complements a cinnamon sugar glaze for a dessert-style twist.

Can I make these fries ahead of time?

It’s best to enjoy them fresh, but you can cut the sweet potatoes into strips ahead of time and store them in cold water in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Dry them thoroughly before cooking to ensure they crisp up.

More Air Fryer Recipes

If you loved this sweet potato fries recipe, check out some of my other air fryer recipes!

These are some of my current veggie go-to’s:

• Roasted Mushrooms In The Air Fryer
• Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
• Crispy Roasted Asparagus
• Air Fryer Broccoli
• Corn In The Cob In The Air Fryer

See also:

• Air Fryer Baked Sweet Potatoes
• Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes
• Sweet Potato Pie In The Instant Pot