Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries are a crispy and healthier twist on a classic treat. Made from tasty sweet potatoes, they’re quick to prepare and cook with much less oil!
These fries are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, making them super satisfying. I often eat them as a snack or a side dish—just add your favorite dipping sauce for extra fun!
What’s great is that the air fryer cuts down cooking time and mess. I love making a big batch to enjoy throughout the week. They always brighten up my meals!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: These are the stars of the recipe! Look for firm, smooth sweet potatoes. If you can’t find sweet potatoes, butternut squash works too. Just keep in mind that it might change the flavor profile a bit.
Olive Oil: Olive oil adds great taste and helps achieve crispiness. If you’re looking for a lighter option, avocado oil is a good substitute. Coconut oil can also be used, but it will add a distinct flavor.
Garlic Powder: This brings a delightful flavor to the fries. If you prefer fresh garlic, feel free to use minced garlic instead, but you might need a little less of it since fresh is more potent.
Paprika: For a smoky flavor, smoked paprika is fabulous. If you want extra heat, you can use chili powder instead. It adds a nice kick!
Fresh Parsley: This is optional but adds a nice touch. If you don’t have parsley, try cilantro or chives for a different flavor. You can also skip garnishing if you are short on time.
How Do I Get My Sweet Potato Fries Crispy in the Air Fryer?
Achieving crispy fries in the air fryer takes a few key steps. The slicing and seasoning are crucial here!
- First, cut the sweet potatoes into thin, even slices (about 1/4 inch). The thinner they are, the crispier they will get.
- Coat them well with olive oil and seasoning—this not only adds flavor but helps with crispiness too.
- Preheat your air fryer to ensure that the fries cook evenly and get that golden brown color. Don’t skip this step!
- Place the fries in a single layer in the basket. Overcrowding will steam them instead of crisping them up. Cook in batches if you have to.
- Shake the basket halfway through cooking for even exposure to heat.
Follow these tips, and you’ll have deliciously crispy sweet potato fries every time! Enjoy!
How to Make Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Sweet Potato Fries:
- 2 large sweet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For Serving:
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Ketchup or your favorite dipping sauce (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of preparation time and around 15-20 minutes of cooking time. So, plan for about 30 minutes in total to whip up these tasty and crispy sweet potato fries!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:
Start by peeling the sweet potatoes with a vegetable peeler. After they are peeled, slice them into thin fries, aiming for about ¼ inch thick. The thinner you slice, the crispier they will be!
2. Season the Fries:
Place the sliced sweet potatoes in a large bowl. Drizzle the olive oil over them, then sprinkle the garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together with your hands or a spatula until all the fries are coated evenly with the oil and spices.
3. Preheat Your Air Fryer:
Now, let’s get your air fryer ready! Preheat it to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This helps to achieve that perfect crispy texture that we all love.
4. Cook the Fries:
Once the air fryer is hot, place the seasoned sweet potato fries in the basket in a single layer. If you have a lot of fries, you may need to cook them in batches, so they have enough space to become crispy.
5. Shake and Cook:
Cook the fries for about 15-20 minutes. Remember to shake the basket halfway through the cooking time! This helps the fries cook evenly and get that lovely golden brown color.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
When the fries are done, carefully remove them from the air fryer and transfer them to a serving plate. For a pop of freshness, sprinkle some chopped parsley on top. Serve your sweet potato fries immediately with ketchup or your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy this delicious and healthy snack!
Can I Use Other Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While sweet potatoes give a unique flavor and sweetness, you can substitute regular potatoes like russets or Yukon golds. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as they may cook faster than sweet potatoes.
How Can I Make This Recipe Healthier?
If you’re looking to reduce calories, you can cut down on the olive oil or use a low-calorie cooking spray instead. You can also skip the salt or use a salt-free seasoning blend to keep the flavor without added sodium.
Can I Prep the Fries Ahead of Time?
Yes! Cut and season the sweet potatoes ahead of time, then spread them out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Just let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before air frying to ensure even cooking.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Sweet Potato Fries?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to regain their crispiness, or use an oven if you don’t have an air fryer.
