Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries (Crispy Recipe)

Name: Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 large sweet potato, about 1 pound; 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/4 teaspoon paprika; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

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Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries turn out perfectly crispy after just a few minutes roasting. They are packed with flavor and such a healthy side dish recipe for dinner tonight! You can make them with just a few seasonings, or get creative by adding some cinnamon or Parmesan cheese. Or if you want to make them with no oil at all, I have that recipe variation as well! So, grab your air fryer and let’s get dinner on the table!

Why I Love This Recipe

I think it goes without saying that anything that is a carb and crunchy is always a favorite of mine, and my family! After I created my air fryer potato wedges, I knew I wanted to try out sweet potatoes in the air fryer. I’ve always been such a fan of sweet potatoes, whether they are super healthy like these air fryer sweet potato fries, or loaded with all the goodies inside a praline sweet potato casserole.

And now that I am obsessed with my air fryer and creating all types of amazing air fryer recipes, I can’t stop thinking of all the recipes I can move from the oven to the air fryer. Here in Arizona, that is such a great option when it gets crazy hot here in the summer and I’m already paying a fortune to keep my home cool. If I can carry that air fryer outside and make dinner, I’m in!

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries Ingredients & Tools

Large sweet potato
Extra virgin olive oil
Kosher salt
Smoked paprika
Garlic powder
Large chef’s knife
Cutting board
Large mixing bowl
Air fryer

How to Make Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries

If you have just a few minutes of time for prep work, you can have an amazing side dish for dinner tonight!

Time needed: 15 minutes

How to Make Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries

Select quality fresh sweet potatoes
You will use about a pound a fresh sweet potatoes to make these fries, but be sure they are good quality ones. You want ones that are very firm when you squeeze them and have no soft or dark spots on the outside.
Cut fries that are about the exact same thickness
This is an important step because if you have some fries that are thin and others that are thick, you will end up with some fries that are overcooked, or ones that are still crunchy. Evenly cut fries will equal an even cook across them all.
Preheat your air fryer
Some air fryer recipes don’t require any preheating but this recipe definitely does. The key to crispy air fryer sweet potato fries is a hot temperature from the moment they go in to roast.
Shake the sweet potato fries halfway through the cooking time
This is an important step so the fries evenly brown all over and get crispy. All you need to do is shake the basket enough so the fries toss around inside.
Eat them as soon as they finish cooking
Sweet potato fries don’t stay crispy very long due to their higher levels of sugar and starch. So, be sure to eat them fresh from the air fryer for the most crispy experience.

Recipe FAQs

Why are my sweet potato fries soggy in the air fryer?

Because sweet potatoes have higher levels of sugar and starch, they are harder to get crispy compared to standard potatoes. However, be sure that your air fryer is preheated to a high temperature, around 380 degrees. And, do not overcrowd the basket of your air fryer. Sweet potato fries need a very high temp and a lot of space for that hot air to move around each fry to get them crispy.

How long to cook sweet potato fries in the air fryer?

The length of time it takes to cook air fryer sweet potato fries depends on the power level of your machine and the size you cut each wedge. Flip your machine over and on the sticker, you will find what power level your air fryer is. For a 1500-watt machine, sweet potato fries that are cut about 1/4″ thick will take about 15-18 minutes. A 1300-watt machine will take more time, while a 1700-watt air fryer will take less.

Are air fryer sweet potato fries healthy?

Because each person defines healthy foods in different ways, you are the only one who can truly answer that question. It is dependent on what is important for your personal eating goals. If low calorie is your focus, sweet potato fries in the air fryer are very healthy, coming in at 155 calories per serving. But if you are wanting low-carb foods, you should eat these occasionally because each serving has 19 grams of carbohydrates.

Why did my sweet potato fries burn?

Because of the natural sugar in a sweet potato, you will always get dark edges when roasting them in an air fryer. However, to keep them from burning, don’t use a temperature that is above 380 degrees, and be sure to toss them well halfway through the cook time. Also, be sure you cut the fries evenly so there aren’t small fries that will burn before the larger ones are finished cooking.

Should I soak the fries in water before cooking them?

If you are not happy with the level of crispiness, soaking in ice water would be my recommendation. They get perfectly crispy as long as you don’t crowd the basket of your air fryer without the soak. However, if you want even better results, you can certainly take the extra time. Soak the cut fries in ice water for at least 30 minutes. Be sure they are completely dry before you dress them with oil and seasonings.

Looking for More Delicious Air Fryer Recipes?

If you loved these air fryer sweet potato fries, then I know you will completely obsess over these other great side dish recipes. Each one are ready in just a few minutes and are so tasty!