I’ve always loved the golden, slightly caramelized edges of sweet potato fries, but I used to dread the thought of frying them in oil. When I discovered the air fryer, everything changed. The magic of cooking sweet potatoes until crispy on the outside and tender on the inside without drowning them in oil completely won me over. Now, whipping up a batch of perfectly crisp sweet potato fries feels like a treat I can enjoy anytime—guilt-free and so satisfying.
The best part about making sweet potato fries in the air fryer is the versatility. You can keep them simple with just a sprinkle of salt, or play around with paprika, garlic powder, or even a hint of cinnamon for a sweet-savory twist. Each fry comes out with a delicate crunch, a touch of natural sweetness, and that irresistible warmth that makes them perfect for snacking, lunch sides, or even game day. Trust me, once you try this method, you’ll never go back to deep frying again.
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Sweet Potatoes: The star of the show, sweet potatoes are naturally sweet and packed with nutrients. When cut into fries, they cook to a tender inside while forming a crisp exterior in the air fryer, giving you that perfect balance of flavor and texture.
Olive Oil: Just a touch of olive oil helps the fries crisp up in the air fryer and adds a subtle, nutty flavor. It also helps the seasonings stick to each piece, enhancing every bite.
Cornstarch: This simple ingredient is a secret weapon for extra crispiness. Tossing the fries in a light coating of cornstarch creates a delicate crust that keeps them from getting soggy.
Salt: Salt is essential for bringing out the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes. I usually add it just before serving to maintain that perfect balance of flavor.
Optional Seasonings: Paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, or cinnamon can elevate the fries and give them a fun twist. You can mix and match depending on whether you want them savory, smoky, or lightly sweet.
Ingredients List
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into fries
- 1–2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper (optional)
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
Peel and cut your sweet potatoes into evenly sized fries. Keeping them uniform ensures they cook evenly in the air fryer and achieve that perfect crisp.
Coat with Cornstarch and Oil
In a large bowl, toss the cut sweet potatoes with cornstarch until lightly coated. Drizzle the olive oil over them and toss again, making sure each fry gets a thin layer of oil. This step is key for crispiness.
Season the Fries
Add salt and any optional seasonings to the bowl and toss until evenly distributed. This is where you can get creative with flavors like paprika, garlic powder, or a pinch of cinnamon for a sweeter twist.
Preheat the Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for 3–5 minutes. A hot air fryer ensures the fries start cooking immediately, giving them a crispy outside.
Air Fry the Fries
Place the fries in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 15–20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Keep an eye on them in the last few minutes to avoid burning.
Serve and Enjoy
Once golden and crispy, remove the fries from the air fryer. Serve immediately for the best texture. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauce or enjoy them on their own—they disappear fast!
Tips for Making this Recipe
- Cut fries uniformly for even cooking.
- Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket; cook in batches if needed.
- Lightly tossing fries in cornstarch is key for extra crunch.
- Adjust cook time depending on the thickness of your fries.
- Serve immediately—sweet potato fries lose their crisp if left to sit.
- Experiment with seasonings: smoked paprika, cayenne, or cinnamon sugar work beautifully.
FAQs
Can I make these fries without cornstarch?
Yes, but cornstarch helps achieve that extra crispiness. Without it, fries may be softer on the outside.
Can I use frozen sweet potato fries?
Absolutely! Just adjust the cook time slightly and make sure to shake the basket halfway through.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer to regain crispiness.
Can I make them spicy?
Yes! Add cayenne pepper, chili powder, or hot paprika to the seasoning mix for a spicy kick.
What dipping sauces pair well with sweet potato fries?
Ketchup, garlic aioli, chipotle mayo, or honey mustard are all delicious options.