Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
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These Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries are the side dish that finally cracks the code on crispy! Forget soggy, limp fries or ones that burn before they ever crisp… this recipe delivers golden fries with a crunchy outside and fluffy, tender inside every single time. Seasoned simply with paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper, they’re savory-sweet, addictive, and ready in 30 minutes flat. Once you taste the homemade version, the frozen bagged fries don’t stand a chance. Pair crispy sweet potato fries with burgers, serve them as a game-day snack, or just eat them straight from the basket (guilty). They’re that good!!
Table of Contents
WHY YOU’LL LOVE SWEET POTATO FRIES IN AIR FRYER
- Crispy texture: Perfectly golden on the outside, tender on the inside.
- Healthier option: Made in the air fryer with just a touch of oil.
- Quick & easy: Ready in 30 minutes from start to finish.
- Customizable: Adjust seasonings to make them spicy, smoky, or herby.
- Better than frozen: Homemade flavor and texture you can’t get from a bag.
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet potato fries are a non-negotiable in my house. If we’re at a restaurant and they’re on the menu, someone is ordering them, no questions asked.
But making them at home? Ugh… years of soggy, disappointing baskets that never lived up to the hype. Until now.
These air fryer sweet potato fries are everything: crispy edges, fluffy middles, and that salty-sweet balance that makes them completely irresistible.
I’m starting to think there isn’t a single vegetable you can’t make in the air fryer. Brussels sprouts, zucchini, carrots, green beans…
Honestly? I don’t even share anymore. I’ll make a batch of sweet potato fries in the air fryer just for me and guard them like gold. Once you try these, you’ll never look at the freezer aisle the same way again.
INGREDIENT NOTES
- Sweet Potatoes: Choose firm, evenly shaped potatoes for easier cutting. Peel if you prefer, but the skin adds flavor and extra crispiness.
Slice as evenly as you can to get crispy air fried sweet potato fries across the board.
Also, the fries will shrivel up a bit after they’ve cooked, so keep slices just a bit longer than you want your fries to be. - Olive Oil: Just enough to coat the fries lightly. A little more oil makes them slightly crispier and more flavorful, while a little less keeps them lighter.
- Sweet Paprika: Gives color and a mild smokiness. Smoked paprika works if you want a bolder flavor.
- Onion Powder: Adds a savory depth that balances the natural sweetness. Garlic powder can substitute.
- Salt: Kosher salt clings to the fries better than table salt. Add more after frying while they’re still hot.
- Pepper: Fresh ground black pepper adds a gentle bite. For more heat, add cayenne or chili powder.
VARIATIONS
Spicy: Add cayenne pepper, chili powder, or chipotle powder to the seasoning mix.
Garlic Parmesan: Toss air fried sweet potato fries with freshly grated parmesan and garlic powder.
Smoky BBQ: Use smoked paprika and a touch of brown sugar for a BBQ twist.
Herb Lover’s: Sprinkle fries with chopped fresh rosemary or thyme before air frying.
Sweet & Savory: Dust hot fries with a little cinnamon sugar for a fun snack.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
- Burgers & Sandwiches: Perfect with our Stovetop Burgers for an easy weeknight meal.
- Dipping Sauces: Try them with homemade ranch dressing or chipotle lime mayo.
- Salad Shortcut: Pair air fryer sweet potato fries with a crisp garden salad for a lighter meal.
- Comfort Combo: Serve alongside baked mac and cheese for the ultimate cozy dinner.
- Wine Pairing: A chilled rosé complements the sweetness of the fries beautifully.
SWEET POTATO FRIES AIR FRYER FAQ
I didn’t notice much of a difference when testing this recipe, so I skip the extra step!
Make sure you pat the slices dry before seasoning and don’t go overboard with the oil. Cook in smaller batches with plenty of space between each fry to prevent them from steaming.
Also, cook sweet potato fries with an air fryer at a slightly lower temperature (375°F is perfect) for a longer time so they crisp without drying out.
If you’re still having trouble, include a little cornstarch when you toss the fries with seasonings!
They are when you reheat them in the air fryer! Sweet potato fries will especially get soft in the refrigerator and aren’t quite as crispy as the first time around… but still delicious the next day.
The secret to crispy sweet potato fries comes down to three things: size, spacing, and starch.
Cutting fries into uniform ¼-inch strips ensures even cooking. Spacing them in a single layer allows hot air to circulate, mimicking deep frying without the oil.
And while soaking sweet potatoes in water can draw out excess starch, I’ve found it doesn’t make a dramatic difference in crispiness… the air fryer does the heavy lifting here.
The result is fries that are crispy on the outside, fluffy in the center, and every bit as good as a restaurant basket!
DONNA’S PRO TIPS
- Cut evenly: Keep fries at ¼-inch thickness for best results. Too thick and they won’t crisp, too thin and they’ll burn.
- Dry well: Pat potatoes dry before seasoning. Excess moisture leads to soggy fries.
- No overcrowding: Cook in batches so hot air can circulate. Overcrowding = steamed fries.
- Shake halfway: Tossing the basket ensures all sides crisp evenly.
- Oil wisely: 1–2 tablespoons is enough, but a little more gives better browning.
- Season twice: Salt before cooking for flavor, then again right after frying so it sticks.
- Reheat like new: The air fryer revives leftover fries better than the microwave or oven.
TOOLS NEEDED
- Chef’s Knife & Cutting Board: For slicing sweet potatoes into even strips.
- Large Mixing Bowl or Zip-Top Bag: To toss fries with oil and seasonings.
- Air Fryer (5.8 quart recommended): Cooks fries quickly and evenly.
- Tongs or Spatula: For shaking or flipping midway, and removing hot sweet potato fries from the air fryer.
- Paper Towels: Pat potatoes dry before seasoning for maximum crispiness.
Enjoy!
With love, from our simple kitchen to yours.
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Other Air Fryer Recipes
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 large sweet potatoes, washed and scrubbed well (peel optional)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, use more if needed, see notes
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat a 5.8-quart (or larger) air fryer to 375°F for even cooking. If your basket is smaller, plan to cook the fries in batches so they crisp instead of steam.
- Cut the Potatoes: Wash and scrub sweet potatoes. Cut into 1/4-inch planks, then slice into 1/4-inch fries for uniform cooking.
- Season the Fries: Place fries in a large bowl or zip-top bag. Add 1–2 tablespoons olive oil (enough to lightly coat) plus onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
- Air Fry in Batches: Arrange fries in a single layer with space between each. Cook in batches if needed (a 5.8 qt basket fits about half the fries at once). Fry for 15–20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Overcrowding will steam the fries instead of crisping them.
- Check Doneness: Fries should be crispy outside and fluffy inside. Cook 1–2 minutes longer if needed, but keep an eye on thinner ends as they can char quickly.
- Season and Serve: Sprinkle with additional salt immediately after cooking so it clings. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Donna’s Notes
Nutrition
All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe’s nutritional value will vary depending on the ingredients used, measuring methods, and portion sizes.
Originally published December 2022, updated and republished October 2025
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We’re Donna and Chad, the dream team behind The Slow Roasted Italian. Our focus is on taking complicated OUT of the kitchen. Life is busy enough, making meals should be fast and easy, to help make your life as simple as possible. Read More >>
This recipe makes me feel like im being healthy! I love it, and it’s so easy to make
VERY good. I’m a beginner and my first try at this was successful. Thanks for a tasty treat!
Hi Terry!
So glad that you enjoyed!
TSRI Team Member,
Devlyn