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Home » Sides » Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries

Profile photo of chef Jessica Randhawa of The Forked Spoon Jessica Randhawa
October 20, 2021
5 from 6 votes


Last Updated October 20, 2021 | 0 Comments

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Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries Pinterest pin image collage
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries Pinterest pin image collage
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries Pinterest pin image collage

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries are crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and perfectly seasoned all over. So easy to make, these sweet potato fries are the best and make the most delicious side dish or appetizer – especially when dipped in homemade ranch dressing!

Crispy sweet potato fries made in the air fryer and served in a small metal tin with ketchup.

Crispy Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries

If you’re looking for guaranteed crispy and delicious sweet potato fries, then the air fryer is the way to go. Made with WAY less oil than deep frying, they’re also WAY crispier than baked sweet potato fries (yes, I know, I said it). In other words, if there was ever a reason to purchase an air fryer it would be just for the fries. And maybe the Brussels sprouts.

Anyway, these are my favorite sweet potato fries ever. Completely guilt-free and good for you, you’ll never know the difference between deep-fried restaurant sweet potato fries and these air fryer sweet potato fries. Well, maybe you’ll be able to tell just a tiny bit, but the kids won’t!

Sweet potato cut into thin matchsticks for french fries and placed in a large bowl tossed with olive oil and seasoning.

How to Make Sweet Potato Fries in the Air Fryer

Start by preheating your air fryer to between 370-380 degrees F. Spray the inside with a light coating of non-stick cooking spray.

Prepare the sweet potatoes with a good scrubbing under cold water. Dry thoroughly. You can peel the skin or leave it on (I like to leave the skin on my sweet potatoes).

Cut the sweet potatoes into long and thin sticks (see below) and toss with a little oil and your favorite seasonings. I recommend a simple combination of salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, cinnamon, and sugar.

Cook the sweet potato fries in single, non-overlapping batches for best results. Shake the basket every 5 minutes and start checking every 1-2 minutes for doneness after 10 minutes.

Repeat until all of the sweet potato fries have been cooked.

How to Cut Sweet Potato Fries

Cut each sweet potato in half lengthwise to make two halves. Place the two halves cut-side (or flat-side) down onto the cutting board. Cut each half lengthwise into strips about 1/4-inch thick. Turn the strips on their side and slice any thicker strips so that they are each 1/4-inch thick on all sides.

The thinner they’re cut, the crispier (and faster) they’ll cook!

Overhead image looking into the basket of an air fryer filled with uncooked sweet potato fries.

Tips and Tricks

  • Longer isn’t always better: Try to purchase sweet potatoes that are about 5-6 inches in length. Sweet potatoes longer than 8-9 inches will need to be cut in half crosswise so that they can fit in the air fryer basket.
  • Cut the potatoes evenly: This simply helps ensure that your potatoes will all cook in the same amount of time.
  • Cook in batches: As tempted as you may be, it’s best not to overcrowd the basket. Cook them in a single layer.
  • Turn and shake at least once: Flip, toss, shake, turn, just make sure the fries change position at least once during cooking.
  • Keep them warm:  Keep cooked sweet potato fries warm between batches by transferring them to a lined baking sheet and placing them in a preheated 200°F oven.
Overhead image looking into the basket of an air fryer filled with cooked sweet potato fries.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have to soak your sweet potato fries before air frying?

I did not soak my sweet potato fries and found them to be perfectly crispy and delicious. With that said, it is known that soaking not only sweet potato fries but all types of potatoes, in water before cooking helps remove some of the excess starch. Should you choose to soak your sweet potato fries, do so in a bowl filled with cold water for 30-60 minutes. Dry well after draining.

What kind of oil is best for air fryer sweet potato fries?

Pick an oil with a higher smoke point. I used extra virgin olive oil, but avocado oil and canola oil will also work great.

How long should I cook sweet potato fries in the air fryer?

The total time will depend on which model air fryer you are using, the temperature you are cooking them at, and how thick your fries have been cut. In general, plan on at least 10 minutes in an air fryer preheated to 380 degrees Fahrenheit.

Why are my sweet potato fries soggy in the air fryer?

If there’s too much moisture, your sweet potato fries will have a hard time getting crispy. Remember to dry your sweet potato fries before tossing them in oil and seasoning. Also, remember to cook them in a single layer. This will allow the hot air to circulate around, and crisp, the entire sweet potato fry. When they’re piled on top of each other, the sweet potato fries are going to steam each other as their moisture is released during cooking.

Crispy sweet potato fries made in the air fryer and served in a small metal tin with ketchup.

More Air Fryer Recipes and Cooking Resources,

  • Air Fryer Green Beans
  • Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp Recipe with Dipping Sauce
  • Perfect Air Fryer Chicken Breasts (No Breading!)
  • Air Fryer French Fries (coming soon)
  • Potato Types: A Guide to Popular Types of Potatoes
  • Yams vs. Sweet Potatoes: What’s the Difference?

Have you tried making Sweet Potato Fries in the Air Fryer?

Tell me about it in the comments below! I always love to hear your thoughts. And tag me #theforkedspoon on Instagram if you’ve made any of my recipes, I always love to see what you’re cooking in the kitchen.

Crispy sweet potato fries made in the air fryer and served in a small metal tin with ketchup.

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries

5 from 6 votes
Chef: Profile photo of chef Jessica Randhawa of The Forked SpoonJessica Randhawa
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries are so easy to make! Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and perfectly seasoned all over.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate Recipe Save Saved!
Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 14 mins
Total Time 24 mins
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 2 servings
Calories 170 kcal

Equipment

  • Air Fryer

Ingredients
 
 

  • 2 medium sweet potatoes
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon sugar - optional
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon - optional
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
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Instructions
 

  • Preheat the air fryer to 380°F and spray the inside of your air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray. (I use the Cosori Air Fryer and love it)
  • Scrub the sweet potatoes under cold running water and dry them completely. Peel or leave the skin on (I like to leave it on).
  • Cut the potatoes in half lengthwise. Place the two halves cut-side down onto the cutting board and cut each half lengthwise into ¼-inch thick strips. Turn the strips on their side and slice each into ¼-inch sticks. If your fries are longer than 6 inches or so, cut them in half crosswise. Transfer to a large mixing bowl.
  • Place the fries in a large mixing bowl and toss with extra virgin olive oil, sugar (optional), salt, garlic powder, paprika, cinnamon (if desired), and black pepper.
  • Working in batches, transfer just enough sweet potato fries to your air fryer basket so that they are in a single layer.
  • Cook for 5 minutes, slide the basket out and flip the fries/shake the basket, then continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes. Check again after 5 minutes. If your fries need more time, carefully shake the basket before cooking for an additional 3-5 minutes (cooking time will vary by air fryer model and thickness of your sweet potato fries).
  • Remove the crispy sweet potato fries to a clean plate and sprinkle with additional salt, as needed. Repeat with the remaining sweet potatoes until they have all been cooked.
  • Serve with ketchup and/or your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy!

Jessica’s Notes

  • To keep the cooked sweet potato fries warm between batches, transfer them to a lined baking sheet and place them in a preheated 200°F oven.
  • Refrigerate leftovers in an air-tight container for up to 3 days. 
  • Reheat leftover air fryer sweet potato fries in a preheated 360°F air fryer until warm and crispy, about 2 minutes or so.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 170kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Sodium: 623mg | Potassium: 566mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 22157IU | Vitamin C: 22mg | Calcium: 49mg | Iron: 1mg

(Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and specific brands of ingredients used.)

Keyword Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries, Sweet Poato Fries
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About Jessica

Profile photo of chef Jessica Randhawa of The Forked Spoon

Jessica Randhawa is the head chef, photographer, and recipe developer of The Forked Spoon. Jessica fell in love with cooking while traveling through Asia and Europe, where she discovered her passion for good food and new adventures. Her recipes have been featured on Yahoo, MSN, USA Today, FeedFeed, and many more. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of California.

64 shares
Profile photo of chef Jessica Randhawa of The Forked Spoon

About Jessica Randhawa

Jessica Randhawa is the head chef, photographer, and recipe developer of The Forked Spoon. Jessica fell in love with cooking while traveling through Asia and Europe, where she discovered her passion for good food and new adventures. Her recipes have been featured on Yahoo, MSN, USA Today, FeedFeed, and many more. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of California.

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Chef Jessica Randhawa of The Forked Spoon

I’m Jessica! Aka mom, wife, chef, and travel-obsessed photographer. Welcome to The Forked Spoon. Here you can browse hundreds of incredible family-friendly recipes covering dozens of diets, courses, and cuisines. Learn more about me.

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