Air fryer sweet potato fries are a fantastic and healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried fries. By using the air fryer, you can achieve that perfect crispy exterior while keeping the fries tender on the inside, all with minimal oil. This method significantly reduces the amount of fat and calories compared to deep frying, making it a great option for those looking to enjoy a guilt-free snack or side dish.
What makes these air fried sweet potato fries so special is their ability to perfectly balance crunch and softness. When prepared in the air fryer, the fries get a golden, crispy coating while maintaining the natural sweetness and tenderness of the sweet potato. The beauty of making these fries from scratch is that you can customize the seasoning to suit your taste. A simple sprinkle of salt and pepper works wonderfully, or you can add a spicy kick with paprika, cayenne pepper, or garlic powder for extra flavor.
This recipe is incredibly quick and easy, taking just 20 minutes from start to finish. First, slice the sweet potatoes into even matchstick-like pieces, toss them with a small amount of olive oil and your desired seasonings, and then pop them in the air fryer. The air fryer does all the work, cooking the fries evenly and quickly without the mess of deep frying. In just 20 minutes, you’ll have perfectly crispy sweet potato fries ready to enjoy.
These air fried sweet potato fries are the ideal side dish to serve alongside burgers, grilled chicken, or even fish. Whether you’re making a quick weeknight dinner or looking for a healthy side, these fries will become a favourite in your kitchen.
PREP 5 minutes
COOK 15 – 20 minutes
SERVES 1 person
KIT you will need an air fryer, mixing bowl and paper towels
Ingredients for Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced
1 or 2 tablespoons of olive oil (or spray oil)
1 teaspoon of paprika
1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon of onion powder
1/4 teaspoon of salt (or to taste)
1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
Optional: pinch of cayenne pepper for heat, or a little brown sugar for sweetness
Method
So start by prepping your sweet potatoes. Peel the sweet potatoes or you can leave the skins on if you prefer a rustic look. And then cut them into thin strips, about a quarter of an inch wide. Then pat the potatoes down with kitchen roll to remove any excess moisture. This will stop them being soggy once cooked. For extra crispy fries, you can soak the sweet potato strips in water for around 30 minutes before cooking. This helps to remove some of the starch. Then drain them and dry thoroughly with paper towels.
Place the sweet potato strips in a large mixing bowl and drizzle with olive oil or spray with oil. Then toss them to coat evenly with oil.
Sprinkle over the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper over the sweet potatoes, and toss again to evenly coat in seasoning.
You can preheat your air fryer to 190°C for about 5 minutes if you want your fries to be extra crispy.
Then place the seasoned sweet potato fries in to the air fryer basket in a single layer. It is okay if they overlap slightly, but avoid overcrowding the basket. The better the hot air can circulate, the crispier the fries will become. If you have a smaller air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches to ensure the fries cook evenly.
Then cook at 190°C for about 15 to 20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. After 15 minutes, check for desired crispiness. If you want them crispier, continue cooking for a few more minutes.
Once crispy and golden, remove the fries from the basket. Serve immediately with your favourite dipping sauce, like ketchup, mayonnaise, or a spicy aioli!
Enjoy your homemade, crispy air fryer sweet potato fries!
Tips for Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
1. Cut evenly
Slice sweet potatoes into thin, even-sized fries, roughly ½ cm thick. Uniform pieces cook evenly and crisp up better.
2. Soak before air frying
Soak the sliced fries in cold water for 20–30 minutes to remove excess starch. This helps them become crispier rather than soggy.
3. Dry thoroughly
After soaking, pat the fries completely dry with a clean tea towel or kitchen paper as moisture is the enemy of crispness!
4. Light oil coating
Toss fries in 1–2 teaspoons of olive oil or spray lightly. Don’t overdo it, just enough to help them crisp without making them greasy.
5. Season after cooking
Salt and seasonings (especially salt) can draw out moisture, so add them after cooking to keep the fries crisp. Garlic powder, paprika, or smoked chilli flakes work great.
6. Preheat your air fryer
Set to 200°C (390°F) and preheat for a couple of minutes to help the fries start crisping straight away.
7. Don’t overcrowd
Arrange fries in a single layer with room for airflow so cook in batches if needed. Crowding leads to steaming.
8. Shake halfway through
So toss or flip the fries halfway through the cook to ensure even browning on all sides.
9. Watch the edges
Sweet potato fries cook quickly so check around the 12–15 minute mark to avoid burning the thinner ends.
10. Serve immediately
They’re best enjoyed hot and crispy straight from the basket – perfect on their own or with dips like garlic mayo or spicy ketchup.
Similar recipes
If you’re loving the crispy, caramelised edges and natural sweetness of Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries, you’ll want to try these delicious air fryer pairings next. Whether you’re building out a fakeaway night, plating up the perfect veggie burger, or just want more snackable sides, these easy recipes are perfect for mixing and matching.
Air Fryer Halloumi Fries
Crispy, golden and packed with salty flavour, halloumi fries are the ultimate contrast to sweet potato. Serve with dips for the dreamiest duo.
Air Fryer Halloumi Burger
Thick slices of golden halloumi, stacked in a soft bun with all your favourite toppings. Pair with sweet potato fries for a veggie-friendly burger night done right.
Air Fryer Potato Skins
So crispy, cheesy and totally addictive, these loaded potato skins are an ideal side or starter, and a fab way to round out a comfort food spread.
Air Fryer Corn on the Cob
Sweet and juicy with lightly charred edges, air fryer corn is quick, crowd-pleasing and always goes down a treat alongside fries.
Air Fryer Halloumi
Quick and crispy, these halloumi bites are endlessly versatile. So serve as a side, snack, or add to wraps and bowls.
Put a few of these recipes together for a vibrant, fuss-free meal full of texture and flavour—ready in less time than it takes to order a takeaway!.
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