I like making sweet potato fries in the air fryer because they come out crispy on the outside and soft in the center with little effort. It’s one of the easiest ways to mimic that deep-fried texture without using much oil. The flavor is on point, too. Sweet potatoes naturally caramelize as they cook, so you get a slightly sweet, crispy fry that works as a snack or a side.
The benefits of air-frying sweet potato fries
Air fryers cook by circulating hot air around the food. This method works nicely for potato slices and wedges because it helps them brown and crisp evenly. Air-frying is also faster than the oven and healthier and less messy than a deep-fryer. And, once you learn the timing and prep, you can recreate masterful and satisfying sweet potato fries again and again.
Note: You can also cook whole sweet potatoes in the air fryer.
Ingredients and equipment
You can make fabulous air-fryer sweet potato fries with only a few ingredients and minimal equipment. You need the potatoes and the air fryer of course, plus some oil, salt, a cutting board, and a sharp knife.
Oil choices
Avocado oil, canola oil, vegetable oil, light olive oil, and peanut oil work nicely with sweet potato fries.
Seasoning options
You can optionally add spices after the potatoes are cooked. Salt and pepper is an easy option. Garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika are also traditional choices. You can also experiment with bolder choices such as:
- Cinnamon, brown sugar, or a maple syrup drizzle and salt
- Rosemary and garlic
- Thyme and salt
- Italian seasoning
- Chipotle powder
- Red pepper flakes
- Cajun, taco, or everything bagel seasoning
Prep steps
- Cut the potatoes. Peeling or scrub your potatoes, then cut them into evenly sized fries, about ¼-inch thick. The more uniform they are, the more consistently they’ll cook. Toss them in oil and, optionally, cornstarch. The cornstarch helps with crisping.
- Season lightly. Toss the fries with a small amount of oil and salt. You only need enough to coat the surface.
- Preheat the air fryer. Heat up your air fryer to 380°F (193°C). Starting with a hot appliance helps the fries start crisping right away. While the air fryer heats, arrange the fries in a single layer in the basket.
- Cook. Cook the fries for 12 to 18 minutes, shaking or flipping halfway through. Cook time depends on thickness and how crowded the basket is.
- Check for doneness. The fries should be lightly browned and crisp on the edges. If they’re still soft, cook for a few more minutes.
Read next: How to cook baked potatoes in the air fryer
Success tips
- Cut fries evenly so you don’t end up with some overcooked or some undercooked fries
- Leave space around each fry, cooking in batches if you have to
- Toss the fries in oil or spray them on all sides with cooking oil — this helps with browning
- Shake or flip the fries halfway through cooking
- Expect slight softness in the center — sweet potatoes don’t crisp the same as regular fries
Cooking time guide
- Air fry thin fries for 12 to 15 minutes at 380°F
- Air fry thick fries for 15 to 18 minutes 380°F
- If you want them crispier, add 2 to 3 more minutes at 400°F at the end
Read next: How to cook red potatoes in an air fryer
What to serve with sweet potato fries
Sweet potato fries are flexible and pair with a lot of meals. I usually serve them as a side with pub-style dishes like:
- Grilled chicken, steak, or salmon
- Burgers, hot dogs, or sandwiches
- Roasted vegetables or simple salads
Sweet potato nutrition
Sweet potatoes are a good source of fiber, vitamin A, and potassium. If you’re watching calories or fat grams, go easy on the oil.
BlogChef takeaway
Air fryer sweet potato fries are as easy to make as they are satisfying to eat. Plus, you can make them your own with any number of seasoning combinations. Add this side dish to your repertoire and you’ll find yourself making it again and again.
