I’ve always had a soft spot for crispy fries, but sweet potato fries take things to another level. They’ve got that natural sweetness that balances beautifully with savory toppings, and when made in the air fryer, they come out golden and crisp without needing to drown in oil. To me, this feels like the perfect blend of comfort food and wholesome goodness—crispy edges, tender centers, and just the right amount of seasoning.
When I first tried these air fryer sweet potato fries with garlic parmesan, it was honestly a game-changer. The garlic adds a punch of flavor, the parmesan creates a slightly salty, cheesy finish, and together they transform a simple side dish into something snack-worthy and irresistible. These fries pair well with burgers, grilled chicken, or even as a standalone appetizer with your favorite dipping sauce.
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Sweet Potatoes: The star of the recipe, sweet potatoes bring a natural sweetness and vibrant orange color. They crisp up beautifully in the air fryer and offer a hearty, nutritious base for the seasonings.
Olive Oil: Just a small drizzle helps the fries crisp up while keeping them from sticking together. Olive oil also adds a subtle richness and enhances the garlic and parmesan flavors.
Garlic Powder: This seasoning provides that unmistakable savory kick. It coats the fries evenly and ensures you get a burst of garlicky goodness in every bite.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated parmesan adds a nutty, salty finish that balances out the sweet potato’s natural sugars. It also creates a light, crispy layer that clings to the fries as they cook.
Salt and Black Pepper: The essentials for balancing flavors. Salt sharpens the taste of the fries, while black pepper adds a mild heat that rounds everything out.
Fresh Parsley (optional): A sprinkle of chopped parsley adds a touch of freshness and a pop of green color, making your fries look as good as they taste.
Ingredients List
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into fries
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
How to Make Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries with Garlic Parmesan
Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into evenly sized fries. Keeping them uniform in size helps them cook evenly and ensures you get that perfect crispness.
Step 2: Season the Fries
Place the sweet potato fries in a bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle in the garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss well so each fry is evenly coated.
Step 3: Air Fry the Fries
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C). Place the seasoned fries in a single layer in the basket (you may need to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding). Air fry for 12–15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until fries are golden and crisp on the edges.
Step 4: Add the Parmesan
Once the fries are cooked, immediately transfer them to a large bowl. While still hot, sprinkle with the grated parmesan cheese and toss until evenly coated.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Transfer the fries to a serving platter, top with fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Tips for Making this Recipe
- Cut the fries evenly for consistent cooking.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary for maximum crispiness.
- Preheating the air fryer helps achieve that golden, crunchy texture.
- Toss the fries with parmesan while they’re still hot so the cheese melts slightly and clings to them.
- For extra crispiness, soak the cut sweet potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes, then pat them dry before seasoning.
FAQs
Can I make these fries ahead of time?
They’re best enjoyed fresh, but you can reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–4 minutes to bring back the crispiness.
Do I need to peel the sweet potatoes?
Peeling is optional! The skin adds extra texture and nutrients, so feel free to leave it on if you like.
What dipping sauces go well with these fries?
Garlic aioli, chipotle mayo, ranch dressing, or even classic ketchup are great choices.
Can I use pre-shredded parmesan cheese?
Yes, but freshly grated parmesan melts and sticks better to the fries.
How do I prevent the fries from turning soggy?
Make sure to dry the fries well before seasoning, avoid overcrowding the basket, and always serve them right after cooking.