This sweet potato fries in air fryer recipe is the kind of side dish that makes me wonder why I ever bothered with deep-frying in the first place. Have you ever pulled a tray of fries out of the oven only to find them soggy and limp? Yeah, me too, and it’s always a letdown. That’s exactly why I turned to my air fryer, and honestly, it was a game-changer.

I still remember the first time I tried it. I tossed the sweet potatoes with a little olive oil and my favorite seasonings, crossed my fingers, and hit start. Twelve minutes later, I had fries that were golden, crisp on the outside, and soft in the middle. The best part? No greasy mess and way fewer calories than the fast-food kind.

So, if you’ve got a craving for something salty and satisfying but don’t want to spend forever in the kitchen or deal with a vat of oil, you’re in the right place. This recipe is quick, simple, and honestly feels a little magical the first time you see just how well it works.

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE

Quick cooking time – These fries are ready in under 20 minutes from start to finish, which means you can satisfy that craving fast without hovering in the kitchen all night. I love knowing I can whip these up on a weeknight without stress.
Perfect crispiness – The air fryer gives you that golden, crunchy exterior without drowning the fries in oil. They don’t come out soggy like oven-baked fries often do, and that crisp bite is what makes them so addictive.
Healthier than deep-fried – By using just a small drizzle of olive oil, you cut way back on calories and fat compared to traditional deep-frying. It feels good to snack on fries that don’t leave you feeling weighed down.
Customizable seasoning – Garlic powder and paprika are my go-to, but you can easily switch it up with chili powder, Cajun spice, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon and sugar if you want something sweet. The options keep it interesting every time you make them.
Minimal cleanup – No greasy pans or splattered oil all over the stovetop. The air fryer basket rinses clean in minutes, and honestly, that alone makes me want to make these more often.

INGREDIENTS FOR SWEET POTATO FRIES IN AIR FRYER

Main Ingredients

2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled
2 teaspoons olive oil

Seasonings

½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon paprika
⅛ teaspoon black pepper

STEP BY STEP INSTRUCTIONS

STEP 1) Preheat the air fryer to 380°F while you prepare the sweet potatoes.
STEP 2) Peel the sweet potatoes and slice them into even ¼-inch thick sticks so they cook evenly.
STEP 3) Place the sweet potato sticks into a large mixing bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and add the salt, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper, then toss until everything is well coated.
STEP 4) Arrange the fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket, working in 2 or 3 batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding, and cook for about 12 minutes, flipping them halfway through for even crispiness.
STEP 5) Serve the fries immediately while hot and crispy, pairing them with your favorite dipping sauce.

EXPERT COOKING TIPS

Cut evenly. The fries will only crisp up properly if they’re the same thickness. I stick to ¼-inch sticks, because anything thicker tends to stay soft in the middle.
Don’t overcrowd. It’s tempting to dump them all in at once, but that just leads to soggy fries. Cooking in two or three batches makes a world of difference.
Flip halfway through. This step feels minor, but it ensures both sides get that perfect golden crisp. If you skip it, you’ll end up with uneven fries.
Season after cooking if you want extra crunch. I toss mine with seasoning before cooking for flavor, but sprinkling a touch more salt or spice right after air frying keeps that crispy texture intact.
Adjust the time for your air fryer. Not all air fryers cook exactly the same, so the first time you try this, keep an eye on them at the 10-minute mark and adjust from there.

RECIPE FAQ

Can I make these without peeling the sweet potatoes?

Yes, you can! The skin actually adds extra fiber and texture. Just make sure to scrub the potatoes really well before slicing.

How do I keep the fries crispy after cooking?

Serve them right away if you can. If you need to hold them for a bit, keep them in the air fryer on the “keep warm” setting, or re-crisp them with a quick 2-minute blast at 360°F before serving.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely, but don’t cook them all at once. Just prep a bigger batch and fry in multiple rounds. Overcrowding the basket is the fastest way to lose crispiness.

What dipping sauces go best with these fries?

I’m partial to classic ketchup, but they’re also amazing with chipotle mayo, honey mustard, or even a simple garlic yogurt dip.

HOW TO STORE AND REHEAT SWEET POTATO FRIES

If you end up with leftovers, don’t worry, I’ve tested this plenty of times. Store the fries in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. They won’t stay as crispy sitting overnight, but they’re still delicious.

When it’s time to reheat, the air fryer is your best friend. Set it to 360°F and heat the fries for 1 to 2 minutes until they perk back up. A toaster oven works well too, though it might take a little longer. I don’t recommend the microwave unless you’re in a rush, because it makes the fries soft instead of crispy.

WHAT TO SERVE WITH SWEET POTATO FRIES

These fries are one of those sides that go with just about everything. I love pairing them with a simple grilled chicken breast or a juicy burger when I want that classic “fries and protein” combo. They’re also a great sidekick for lighter mains like baked salmon or even a big hearty salad if I’m keeping things balanced.

If you’re serving them as a snack, set them out with a few dipping sauces so everyone can pick their favorite. Ketchup is a given, but ranch, chipotle mayo, or a tangy garlic yogurt dip always steal the show. Honestly, I’ve even served them at parties as an appetizer and people can’t stop reaching for them.

And that’s pretty much everything you need to know to nail these air fryer sweet potato fries. They’re quick, they’re crisp, and they fit into just about any meal or snack spread. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve made them on a whim, only to have the basket wiped clean in minutes. If you’ve got an air fryer sitting on your counter, give these a try. I have a feeling they’ll end up in your regular rotation, just like they did in mine.

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