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Air fryer sweet potato fries are crispy on the outside, soft in the center, and tossed with the best simple seasoning. You only need a handful of ingredients and about 30 minutes to make these healthier fries right in the air fryer with no soaking. They’re the kind of easy side dish that works for busy weeknights, casual snacking, or serving alongside burgers and sandwiches when you want something a little more fun than regular fries.
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Pin ItI make sweet potato fries constantly because my kids could honestly eat sweet potatoes all day if I let them. After testing this air fryer recipe over and over, I realized sweet potatoes behave very differently from russets. They hold more natural moisture, which means they’re quick to steam and go soft if you’re not careful. That’s where the technique really matters. How thick you cut the fries, how lightly you coat them in oil, and making sure they cook in a single layer with space around each piece are what help them actually crisp instead of turning limp. With just a few pantry spices and the right method, these come out deeply golden on the edges, tender in the center, and perfectly seasoned every single time.
Tips for Beginners
- Give them space to crisp. Sweet potatoes naturally hold more moisture than russet potatoes, so if the basket is crowded, they will steam instead of crisp. Giving them space is what allows the hot air to circulate and dry out the surface. A true single layer is non-negotiable. Overlapping or piling the fries, even a little, is the fastest way to end up with limp results.
- Cut slightly thicker for texture. Very thin fries cook quickly, but can go from golden to burnt in minutes. Cutting them slightly thicker gives you that crispy exterior while keeping the centers soft and creamy.
- Shake the basket. If you don’t shake the basket halfway through cooking, the bottoms trap moisture and stay soft while only the tops brown.
- Rest before serving. These fries actually firm up more after they come out of the air fryer. Let them sit for 2-3 minutes, and you’ll notice the edges get even crispier.
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
Ingredients
- 2-3 large potatoes about 2 lbs.
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- ¼ tsp pepper
- ¼ tsp chili powder optional
Instructions
- Peel the potatoes. Then, slice them into French fry-shaped pieces.2-3 large potatoes
- Toss the fries in the olive oil and seasonings.2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp paprika, ¼ tsp pepper, ¼ tsp chili powder
- Arrange 1 batch of fries in an even layer in the air fryer.
- Fry at 375°F for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Shake the basket halfway through cooking.
- Repeat with the remaining fries.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
Equipment
- 1 Air Fryer (click for my favorite)
Becky’s Tips
- Do not line the basket with foil. It blocks airflow.
- Swap seasonings if desired.
- Leave skins on if preferred
- Works with wedges too, just increase cook time
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Did you make this? Leave a comment!
How to Make Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries Step by Step
Gather all the ingredients together.
Peel and cut the potatoes: Peel 2-3 large sweet potatoes (about 2 lbs. total) and slice them into French fry shapes about ¼ to ½ inch thick, keeping the pieces as uniform as possible so they cook evenly.
Oil and season: Add the cut fries to a large bowl and drizzle with 2 tbsp olive oil. Sprinkle with 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp paprika, ¼ tsp pepper, and ¼ tsp chili powder (if using). Toss until every fry looks lightly coated and glossy, not dripping with oil.
Arrange in a single layer: Place one batch of fries into the air fryer basket in a true single layer, making sure the fries are not overlapping or touching. This space is what allows them to crisp instead of steam.
Air fry and shake: Air fry at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking. The fries should look lightly browned at the edges and feel tender when pierced with a fork. Continue cooking until the edges turn a deep golden brown and the centers are soft and creamy inside.
Let them rest and crisp up: Transfer the fries to a plate and let them rest for 2-3 minutes. They will firm up and become even crispier as they cool slightly. Repeat with the remaining fries and serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
How to Store and Reheat
You can cut the sweet potato fries up to 24 hours ahead of time and store them submerged in water in the refrigerator. Just be sure to pat them completely dry before seasoning and air frying. Store any leftover cooked fries in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Freezing is not recommended since the fries turn mushy once thawed.
To reheat, place them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3 to 5 minutes until heated through and crisp again.
Serving Suggestions
I love serving these air fryer sweet potato fries with burgers, hot honey chicken sliders, wraps, or simple grilled chicken for an easy side that feels a little more fun than regular fries. We’ll even swap them in for burger bowls instead of traditional fries. They’re also perfect as a snack with dipping sauces like ranch, chipotle mayo, honey mustard, or garlic aioli. I make these all the time on busy weeknights when I want something wholesome that still feels satisfying, and they’re especially great alongside Denver steaks.
More Burger Night Recipes
- Air Fryer French Fries: When I’m craving a more classic fry, these air fryer French fries turn out golden, crispy, and perfectly fluffy inside with the same easy method.
- Air Fryer Hamburgers: These juicy air fryer hamburgers cook up quickly and make the perfect main dish to serve alongside a big batch of sweet potato fries.
- Crinkle Cut Fries: For a fun twist on texture, these crinkle cut fries have extra crispy edges and are a great homemade fry option to switch things up.
