Go Back
Close-up of crispy sweet potato fries garnished with parmesan and herbs on a plate with a side of ketchup.

Easy Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries

These incredibly easy air fryer sweet potato fries are perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with minimal oil. A quick and healthy side dish for any meal!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Total Time 28 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 210
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 medium sweet potatoes about 1.5 lbs total
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika optional
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder optional

Equipment

  • Air Fryer
  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Vegetable peeler
  • Sharp Knife

Method
 

  1. Wash and peel the sweet potatoes. Cut them lengthwise into 1/4 to 1/2-inch thick fries. Try to keep them as uniform as possible for even cooking.
  2. For extra crispy fries, place the cut sweet potatoes in a large bowl of cold water for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour. Drain thoroughly and pat them very dry with paper towels. This step helps remove excess starch.
  3. In the large mixing bowl, toss the dry sweet potato fries with olive oil until evenly coated. Sprinkle the cornstarch over the fries and toss again until lightly coated. Finally, add the salt, black pepper, smoked paprika (if using), and garlic powder (if using), tossing until all fries are well-seasoned.
  4. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes.
  5. Place a single layer of seasoned sweet potato fries in the air fryer basket, ensuring not to overcrowd it. Cook in batches if necessary to avoid steaming instead of crisping.
  6. Air fry for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket every 5-7 minutes to ensure even cooking and browning. The fries are done when they are golden brown and crispy to your desired preference. Cooking time may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model and the thickness of your fries.
  7. Transfer the cooked fries to a serving dish. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ketchup, aioli, or a spicy mayo.

Notes

For Crispier Fries: Don't skip the soaking step and make sure to pat the sweet potatoes very dry before seasoning. The cornstarch also significantly contributes to crispiness.
Don't Overcrowd: Cooking in a single layer is key to achieving crispy fries. If you overcrowd the basket, the fries will steam and be soft.
Storage: Leftover fries can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-8 minutes until crisp again.