Sweet potato fries in the air fryer are a total game-changer. You get that perfect balance of crispy outside and tender inside without the mess or heavy grease of deep frying.
Plus, they’re easy to customize and come together fast. Whether you’re serving them as a snack, side dish, or just because you’re craving something better than a bag of chips, these air fryer sweet potato fries deliver every time.
Ingredients
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into thin fries
- 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional for extra flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- Black pepper to taste
How to Choose the Best Sweet Potatoes
Start with firm, unblemished sweet potatoes. Look for ones that are smooth with no soft spots or wrinkles. Smaller to medium-sized sweet potatoes are easier to cut and tend to cook more evenly than oversized ones.
Their natural sweetness shines after roasting, giving you that irresistible contrast with the salty, savory seasoning.
Prep the Sweet Potatoes
Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into thin, even fries — about 1/4-inch thick. Keeping the size uniform helps them cook evenly and crisp up better. If the fries are too thick, they might burn on the outside before the inside gets tender. If they’re too thin, they could dry out and turn brittle.
Toss with Cornstarch and Oil
In a large bowl, toss the sweet potato fries with the cornstarch first. This step helps soak up any extra moisture and gives you that light crisp on the outside without having to deep fry. Then drizzle with olive oil and toss again until every fry is lightly coated.
Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder if you’re using them. The seasoning helps develop deeper flavor while the fries roast.
Arrange and Air Fry
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for a few minutes. A hot air fryer helps the fries start crisping immediately. Arrange the fries in a single layer in the basket — work in batches if needed.
Crowding the fries will steam them instead of crisping them, so take the time to spread them out.
Air fry for 12–15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to flip the fries around. Every air fryer cooks a little differently, so keep an eye on them toward the end. They should be golden and crisp around the edges but still tender inside.
Tips for Extra Crispy Fries
Getting your sweet potato fries perfectly crispy comes down to a few key steps. First, don’t skip the cornstarch. It’s the secret to creating that slight crunch on the outside without deep frying. Dry the sweet potatoes thoroughly after peeling and cutting, because any excess moisture can lead to steaming instead of crisping.
Always cook the fries in single layers; even if it means working in batches, it’s the only way to guarantee that hot air can circulate properly around each fry. Finally, remember to shake the basket or flip the fries halfway through cooking to ensure even crisping and to avoid any burnt spots.
Dipping Sauce Ideas
When it comes to dipping sauces, sweet potato fries pair well with a lot of different flavors. Garlic aioli is a favorite — just mix mayo with minced garlic and a squeeze of lemon for a creamy, tangy dip. Spicy ketchup is another easy option; simply stir a little sriracha into regular ketchup for a kick.
If you’re in the mood for something a bit sweeter, blend equal parts Dijon mustard and honey for a quick honey mustard dip. And if you want to really elevate things, try a maple-dijon dip by whisking a tablespoon of maple syrup into some mustard. The sweet-salty combo is unbeatable.
- Garlic Aioli: Mix mayo, minced garlic, and a squeeze of lemon.
- Spicy Ketchup: Stir a little sriracha into regular ketchup.
- Honey Mustard: Blend equal parts Dijon mustard and honey for a sweet and tangy dip.
If you want to really elevate things, try a maple-dijon dip — just a tablespoon of maple syrup whisked into some mustard. The sweet-salty combo is unbeatable.
Why This Recipe Works
Cornstarch is the secret weapon — it pulls surface moisture from the fries so they crisp up instead of going soggy.
The air fryer circulates hot air around every fry, mimicking the effect of deep frying but with a fraction of the oil. Plus, tossing the fries with spices gives them a ton of flavor without overwhelming the natural sweetness of the potatoes.
The sweet potatoes’ natural sugars caramelize during cooking, enhancing their flavor and giving those crispy edges a slightly sweet, toasty note that’s completely addictive. Using just a little oil keeps them from drying out without making them greasy.
Make It Your Way
This recipe is endlessly adaptable based on your cravings:
- Add a sprinkle of cinnamon and a little brown sugar for a sweet version.
- Toss with Cajun seasoning for a spicy kick.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley right after air frying for a savory twist.
- Swap out olive oil for avocado oil for a slightly richer taste.
You can even experiment with different seasonings like smoked paprika, chili powder, or cumin to create your own signature version.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
If you somehow end up with leftovers, store the sweet potato fries in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, pop them back into the air fryer at 375°F for 4–5 minutes until hot and crispy again. Avoid microwaving — they’ll turn soggy.
These fries are best enjoyed fresh, but knowing you can revive them easily is a good backup plan.
Try Them Today!
Air fryer sweet potato fries are proof that healthy-ish snacks don’t have to be boring. With a few simple tricks, you can turn basic sweet potatoes into something crispy, flavorful, and completely snack-worthy.
Whether you like them sweet, salty, spicy, or a mix of all three, this easy recipe gets the job done fast — and delivers every time. Make a batch once and you’ll be hooked — they’re that good
