Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
Try air fryer sweet potato fries for a healthier alternative to traditional fries! They’re crispy on the outside, creamy in the middle, and coated in smoky, savory seasonings. Pair them with your favorite dips and burgers for the ultimate guilt-free treat.
If you’re looking for a sweet twist on baked potato wedges or French fries, air fryer sweet potato fries are where it’s at. You only need 5 ingredients to make this restaurant-quality snack or side dish. It doesn’t get much easier than that!
Why I love this recipe
I love making these air fryer sweet potato fries because they take less than 20 minutes from start to finish. They’re perfect for busy days when you want a quick, healthy snack without much hassle.
They’re ideal for health-conscious foodies or anyone looking for healthier fries. With only two tablespoons of oil in the entire recipe, you can satisfy your fast food cravings without compromising your health.
This recipe is also naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it a great option for a wide range of dietary needs and preferences. Once air-fried, they’re perfectly crispy on the outside and soft on the inside with a smoky and slightly sweet flavor.
Ingredient notes
With a few sweet potatoes and basic pantry staples, you’re ready to get these air fryer sweet potato fries started. Find a breakdown and suitable substitutes below!
Sweet potatoes
You will need orange-fleshed sweet potatoes for this recipe, which provide a sweet, creamy taste and characteristic orange color. For a restaurant-style preparation, peel the tough skin off. If you prefer more texture, you can also leave it on.
Substitute: You can use white or purple sweet potatoes, but the texture will be drier.
Granulated garlic
Provides a concentrated garlic flavor and savory depth. I don’t recommend using fresh minced garlic since it will burn in the air fryer.
Substitute: If you don’t have granulated garlic, replace it with garlic powder. Keep in mind that garlic powder is more potent, so reduce the amount slightly.
Smoked paprika
This spice offers a smoky flavor with a hint of sweetness, enhancing the taste of the fries. For the most potent flavor, make sure it’s fresh or well within the expiry date.
Substitute: Regular paprika or hot paprika will work in a pinch.
For a complete ingredient list and step-by-step guide, scroll down to the recipe card.
How to make
Learn the best way to make air fryer sweet potato fries with my straightforward, easy-to-follow instructions. Look for the tips in green throughout this section for consistent and successful results!
Preparation
Before cooking, preheat your air fryer to 380 degrees Fahrenheit, which usually takes 3-5 minutes. This ensures your fries start cooking as soon as they go in the air fryer. Slice each peeled sweet potato into ¼-inch thick planks and further into ¼-inch fries for optimal crispiness.
Cooking
Step 1
Toss the cut sweet potatoes in a mixing bowl with oil, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper until each fry is evenly coated.
Step 2
Arrange the fries in the air fryer basket, spreading them out in an even single layer.
It’s better to cook in batches if necessary than overcrowd the basket. Keeping the fries in a single layer allows hot air to circulate around each fry, resulting in a uniform crispness.
Step 3
Air fry the sweet potato fries for 12-14 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Serve the fries immediately once they are golden brown and crispy. Happy eating!
If you need to cook multiple batches, keep the cooked fries on a wire rack to maintain their crispiness while you finish the rest.
Expert tip
For the best results, you want your sweet potatoes to be as close to the same size as possible. Each fry should be cut to the same thickness so they all cook at the same rate, preventing some from being overcooked or undercooked
It’s also important to use an oil with a high smoke point, like grapeseed or avocado oil, to withstand the air fryer’s heat without burning. If it burns, it will impart an unpleasantly bitter flavor.
Serving suggestions
These air fryer sweet potato fries pair incredibly well with a variety of main courses, from veggie burgers grilled tempeh to tofu steak and cauliflower steak.
Pair them with my vegan chipotle sauce or spicy chili garlic aioli for a kick. Or, serve them with vegan ranch dressing, toum, or lemon tahini dressing for a zesty complement.
Cooking tips
Avoid water-soaking: Unlike regular potatoes, sweet potatoes don’t need to be soaked in water before air frying. This helps maintain the natural sugars that caramelize and enhance the flavor when cooked.
No excess oil: Use just enough oil to coat the fries. Too much oil can cause the fries to become soggy rather than crispy. Plus, it defeats the purpose of a healthier snack!
Shake gently: Shaking the basket gently during cooking prevents sticking and ensures even browning on all sides.
Serving temperature: Serve the fries hot. Sweet potato fries tend to lose their crispiness as they cool, so they are best enjoyed right out of the air fryer.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, it’s best to preheat your air fryer for about 3-5 minutes at 380 degrees Fahrenheit. This step helps the sweet potatoes start cooking immediately and evenly.
Absolutely! You can cook frozen sweet potato fries in the air fryer. Remember that the cooking time may be slightly longer than fresh ones. Add a few minutes at the end if they don’t look as crispy or golden brown as you’d like.
First, remember to cut the fries thinly (about ¼-inch thick) and make sure they are dry before seasoning them. Also, don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket to prevent the fries from steaming and becoming soggy. Cook them in batches if necessary!
Storing & reheating
Always allow your air fryer sweet potato fries to cool to room temperature before storing them to prevent too much moisture build-up.
Fridge
Once the fries are cool, transfer them to an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days this way.
Freezer
Sweet potato fries can be frozen in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. There is no need to thaw them or bring them to room temperature before reheating.
Reheating
The best way to reheat sweet potato fries is in the air fryer so they maintain their crispiness. Reheat them at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes until they’re warm and crispy again. You can also microwave them, but they won’t have a crispy texture.
More air fryer recipes
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Recipe
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries (5 Ingredients)
Equipment
- Vegetable peeler
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Air fryer
Ingredients
- 2 ¼ pounds sweet potatoes (peeled)
- 2 tablespoons grapeseed oil (or avocado oil)
- 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper (plus more to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 380°F for 4-5 minutes. Slice each peeled sweet potato lengthwise into ¼-inch thick planks, then into ¼-inch thick fries.
- Add the sweet potato fries to a mixing bowl with the oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
- Add the potatoes to the preheated air fryer in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd them. Cook them in 2-3 batches if necessary.
- Air fry for 12-14 minutes, shaking the basket at the halfway mark to cook evenly.
- Remove the potatoes from the air fryer when they are crispy and golden brown, then serve them immediately while warm. Happy eating!
Notes
Nutrition
Justine Drosdovech is a food writer, photographer, and one of the founders of Broke Bank Vegan. She is a self-taught plant-based chef but uses her healthcare background to craft dishes that are both delicious and nourishing.
Everyone, even carnivores, love my air fryer sweet potato fries. I don’t even use oil or spices since I’m salt, sugar, oil free, yet they’re still great.
Hi Geert,
Yup, they are pretty much a universally loved item! That’s great that you don’t use sugar, salt, or oil! Sweet potato fries are the best 🙂