Some recipes just stick—and air fryer sweet potato fries are one of those for me. I first made them after my kids begged for fries, but I wanted something healthier and faster. I tossed a few sweet potatoes with spices, popped them in the air fryer, and boom—crispy, golden fries with a sweet-savory kick and none of the guilt. Now they’re a weekly staple in our house.
💡 Morgan Tip: Choose medium-sized sweet potatoes with tight skin—they’re easier to slice and cook evenly, giving you perfect air-fryer sweet potato fries every time.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These air fryer sweet potato fries are going to become your new obsession—and here’s why:
- Super crispy without deep-frying – Thanks to the air fryer’s magic
- Sweet meets savory – That rich flavor plays perfectly with spices
- Faster than oven roasting – Ready in just 15–20 minutes
- Great for kids and adults alike – A healthier comfort food
- Perfect side dish or snack – From burgers to Buddha bowls
💡 Morgan Tip: For crispier results, soak your fries in cold water for at least 30 minutes before cooking—this draws out starch and gives a better crunch.
air fryer sweet potato fries Ingredient
You don’t need much to make perfect air fryer sweet potato fries. Just a few staples and you’re set:
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into ¼-inch sticks
- 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
- ½ tsp sea salt
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Optional: ¼ tsp cayenne or cinnamon for a flavor twist
Morgan Tip: Don’t skip the oil—it’s key to getting those irresistible crispy edges on your sweet potato fries in the air fryer.
Step-by-Step Instruction
Step 1 – Slice & Soak
Peel sweet potatoes and cut into even matchsticks. Soak them in a bowl of cold water for 30–60 minutes. Drain and pat completely dry.
Step 2 – Season & Toss
In a bowl, combine sweet potato sticks with oil, salt, paprika, garlic powder, and any optional spices. Toss until evenly coated.
Step 3 – Preheat Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 3 minutes.
Step 4 – Air Fry in Batches
Place fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket (work in batches if needed). Cook for 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway, until golden and crisp.
This recipe is part of our full air fryer recipes for one person collection
💡 Morgan Tip: Don’t overcrowd the basket—air needs to circulate for the fries to crisp properly. It’s worth doing a second batch!
My Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries Tips
- Soak and dry – Soaking removes starch, and drying ensures crispiness
- Cut evenly – Uniform size helps fries cook at the same speed
- Add starch – Tossing with 1 tsp cornstarch before oiling can improve texture
- Shake the basket – Keeps fries from sticking and promotes even browning
💡 Morgan Tip: After cooking, sprinkle with flaky sea salt or parmesan cheese while hot for a flavor upgrade. A drizzle of maple syrup or hot honey is fun too!
Serving Ideas
These air fryer sweet potato fries are more than just a snack—they go with everything:
- As a snack – Serve with spicy mayo, ranch, or garlic aioli
- Side for burgers or wraps – Perfect pairing for game day or BBQ
- Healthy bowl topper – Add to quinoa or grain bowls for crunch and color
- Brunch side – Great next to eggs or avocado toast
💡 Morgan Tip: I love packing these in lunchboxes—reheat in the air fryer for 3 minutes and they taste freshly made!
Recipe Help & FAQs
How long do sweet potato fries take in an air fryer?
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries usually take 12 to 15 minutes at 380°F (193°C). Make sure to shake the basket halfway through cooking for even crispiness. Thinner-cut fries may cook faster, while thicker wedges might need an extra couple of minutes. Always check for that golden crisp edge before serving.
Why are my sweet potato fries not crispy in the air fryer?
If your sweet potato fries aren’t crispy, the likely culprits are:
Overcrowding the basket, which blocks air circulation
Skipping the soak, which leaves excess starch on the surface
Not using enough oil, as even a light coating helps them crisp
Also, moisture is the enemy of crispiness—make sure the fries are thoroughly dried before air frying.
How to get crispy sweet potatoes in the air fryer?
To get crispy air fryer sweet potato fries, follow these pro tips:
Soak the cut sweet potatoes in cold water for at least 30 minutes
Pat them completely dry before cooking
Lightly toss with olive oil or avocado oil
Don’t overcrowd—cook in a single layer
Shake the basket halfway and cook at high heat (around 380°F)
These steps help reduce moisture and maximize crunch with every bite.
Why do you soak sweet potatoes in water before air frying?
Soaking sweet potatoes in cold water helps draw out excess starch, which leads to a crispier texture when air fried. This step is especially important if you want fries that aren’t soggy. Even a quick 30-minute soak can make a noticeable difference. Just be sure to dry them well before air frying to avoid steam buildup.
Why aren’t my sweet potato fries crispy?
They might be too wet or overcrowded. Always soak, dry, and cook in a single layer for best results.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Slice and soak the fries ahead. Store them in water in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just drain, dry, season, and fry when ready.
Can I use frozen sweet potato fries?
Absolutely. Just reduce cook time to 12–15 minutes and shake the basket halfway through.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–5 minutes to re-crisp.
💡 Morgan Tip:Want a fun twist? Mix sweet potato and regular fries together—it’s a colorful, crunchy combo that everyone loves!
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
Description:
These air-fryer sweet potato fries are golden, crispy, and ready in just 20 minutes. Perfect as a side, snack, or healthy treat!
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Ingredients
Ingredients:
2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into ¼-inch sticks
1 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp sea salt
½ tsp paprika
½ tsp garlic powder
Optional: ¼ tsp cayenne or cinnamon
Instructions
Instructions:
Step 1 – Slice & Soak the Fries: Peel and slice sweet potatoes into sticks. Soak in cold water for 30–60 minutes.
Step 2 – Dry & Season Well: Drain, pat completely dry. Toss in a bowl with oil, salt, paprika, garlic powder, and optional spices.
Step 3 – Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 3 minutes.
Step 4 – Crisp in Batches: Place fries in a single layer in basket. Air fry for 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway through. Work in batches.
Notes
Notes:
Soaking is optional but improves crispiness.
Use cornstarch (1 tsp) for added crunch if desired.
Reheat leftovers in air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Snack, Side Dish
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: air-fryer sweet potato fries, healthy fries, air fryer snacks
Let’s Stay Connected
Love easy air fryer recipes? Me too. Come hang out with me online! I share quick wins, honest flops, and real dinner tricks that actually work—even on wild days.
- → Follow me on Facebook for daily tips and fun behind-the-scenes
- → Save your faves and get inspired on Pinterest
- → Read more stories and recipes on Medium—it’s where I get real about food and family
Let’s make something amazing—even on the wild days.
🍗 More Chicken Air Fryer Recipes to Try
If you loved air fryer chicken recipes, explore these reader favorites:
Want more? Check out our air fryer recipes for one person collection—another fast, flavorful option