If you have been searching for a snack or side that thrills your taste buds and fits right into a busy lifestyle, this Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries Recipe is an absolute must-try. It transforms humble sweet potatoes into golden, crispy, flavorful fries that are perfectly crunchy without drowning in oil. Whether you’re craving a wholesome snack or a vibrant side for dinner, this recipe brings together simple seasoning and air fryer magic to elevate your sweet potatoes into a crowd-pleasing favorite that you can make in less than half an hour.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a clear role, enhancing the natural sweetness and texture of the fries while boosting the overall flavor profile. With just a handful of pantry staples, you’ll have a delicious, healthy option ready to impress.
- Sweet potatoes: The star ingredient, providing natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- Oil: Helps achieve that irresistible crispiness while keeping the fries moist inside.
- Onion powder: Adds a mild savory depth that complements the sweetness perfectly.
- Paprika: Brings a subtle smoky warmth and beautiful reddish hue to the fries.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for balancing flavors and seasoning every bite.
How to Make Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
Start by preheating your air fryer to 375°F. This step ensures your sweet potato fries begin cooking immediately upon contact, setting you up for a perfectly crispy exterior and tender inside. Preheating is a simple trick that guarantees every batch cooks evenly and thoroughly.
Step 2: Cut Sweet Potatoes Into Uniform Strips
Next, grab two large sweet potatoes that have been washed and scrubbed. Cut them into 1/4-inch-wide strips, making sure they are as uniform as possible. Uniformity in size is crucial because it allows all fries to cook at the same rate, preventing some from burning while others remain undercooked.
Step 3: Toss in Oil to Coat Evenly
Drizzle about 1 ½ tablespoons of oil over the sweet potato strips and toss well to ensure each fry is lightly coated. This thin layer of oil is key to achieving a satisfying crunch without excess greasiness, keeping the fries flavorful and healthier than traditional deep-fried versions.
Step 4: Season with Onion Powder, Paprika, Salt, and Pepper
Time to sprinkle in 1 teaspoon each of onion powder and paprika, along with salt and pepper to taste. These spices add an irresistible savory kick, enhancing both aroma and taste. Fully mixing the fries with spices makes every bite a burst of balanced flavor.
Step 5: Arrange Fries in the Air Fryer Basket
Place the seasoned fries into the air fryer basket in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding to promote even air circulation. Overlapping the fries will lead to uneven cooking, so it’s better to do this in batches if needed.
Step 6: Cook for 15-20 Minutes, Shaking Halfway
Cook the fries for about 15 to 20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time. This simple action keeps fries from sticking and ensures every side crisps beautifully. The wait is worth it when you see that vibrant golden finish.
Step 7: Serve Hot with Your Favorite Dipping Sauce
Once the fries are perfectly crispy and cooked through, serve them immediately. Pairing them with a favorite dipping sauce makes these fries a delightful companion to any meal or a satisfying snack on their own.
How to Serve Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle fresh herbs like chopped parsley or cilantro over the fries for a burst of color and freshness. A light dusting of parmesan cheese or a drizzle of spicy mayo can also take these fries from simple to special, adding layers of texture and flavor that complement the natural sweetness.
Side Dishes
These fries make fantastic companions to grilled chicken, burgers, or fish tacos. Their vibrant taste pairs wonderfully with lighter mains as well as hearty dishes, bringing a wholesome and crispy element that everyone will appreciate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a playful presentation, serve your Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries Recipe in small paper cones or colorful bowls with multiple dipping sauces—think chipotle ranch, garlic aioli, or honey mustard. This approach not only looks inviting but also turns serving into a fun interactive experience for your family and friends.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any fries left over, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They keep well for up to 3 days. Keeping them sealed prevents moisture from softening their texture prematurely, which helps maintain a good level of crispness after reheating.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked sweet potato fries as well. Lay them out in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. This method stops fries from sticking together and makes reheating quick and convenient whenever the craving strikes.
Reheating
To bring your fries back to their crispy glory, reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F for 3 to 5 minutes. This method refreshes their crunch much better than the microwave, ensuring you still get that delicious texture and flavor without starting from scratch.
FAQs
Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes for this recipe?
Absolutely! While this recipe highlights sweet potatoes for their natural sweetness and color, regular russet or Yukon gold potatoes also work wonderfully in the air fryer. The seasoning and method remain the same, though cooking times might vary slightly.
Do I need to soak the sweet potato fries before cooking?
No soaking is necessary for this Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries Recipe. Because the air fryer uses circulating hot air to crisp the fries, soaking isn’t needed and helps you get dinner on the table faster.
What type of oil is best for air frying these fries?
Opt for oils with a high smoke point such as avocado oil, canola oil, or light olive oil. These oils help achieve crispiness without burning, while also adding a neutral or slightly fruity flavor that won’t compete with the seasoning.
Can I make these fries spicy?
Definitely! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, chili powder, or even some smoked chipotle powder to the seasoning mix to give your fries a spicy kick. It’s a great way to customize the recipe to your heat tolerance.
How do I make sure the fries don’t stick together in the air fryer?
Make sure to cut the fries evenly and avoid overcrowding the basket. Shake the basket halfway through cooking to separate them. If necessary, cook in smaller batches to keep these fries crisp and perfectly cooked throughout.
Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites for a reason. It’s quick, packed with flavor, and hits that perfect balance of crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Whether for weeknight dinners, parties, or a cozy night in, these fries are sure to become a staple that your family and friends will ask for again and again. Give it a go—you might just find your new favorite way to enjoy sweet potatoes!
Print
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
A simple and delicious recipe for crispy Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries, seasoned with paprika and onion powder, perfect as a healthy snack or side dish.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 large sweet potatoes (washed and scrubbed)
- 1 ½ tablespoons oil
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F to ensure it’s ready for cooking the fries evenly.
- Cut Sweet Potatoes: Slice the sweet potatoes into uniform 1/4-inch-wide strips for even cooking and crispiness.
- Coat with Oil: Place the cut fries in a large mixing bowl and drizzle with the oil, tossing to coat each fry evenly.
- Season Fries: Add onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to the fries. Mix well to ensure all fries are thoroughly seasoned.
- Arrange in Air Fryer: Place the seasoned fries in the air fryer basket in a single layer without overcrowding for optimal crisping.
- Cook Fries: Air fry the fries for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking to promote even crispiness.
- Serve: Once the fries are crispy and cooked through, serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- Cut fries evenly for uniform cooking.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure crispiness.
- Shaking the basket halfway through cooking helps to brown fries evenly.
- Adjust seasoning to taste; try adding garlic powder or cayenne for extra flavor.
- Serve immediately for best texture.
