If you're looking for a simple yet delicious twist on traditional French fries, these Crispy Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries are the perfect choice. Sweet potatoes add a vibrant burst of color to your plate and are packed with Vitamin A. Enjoy crispy, golden fries that are easy to make and a joy to eat.
Who doesn’t love French fries? In our house, we make them in the air fryer a few times a week because they’re so easy and delicious. But every now and then, it’s fun to change things up a bit.
That’s where these Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries come in. They offer a colorful and flavorful alternative to the classic fry, adding a bit of excitement to our regular routine.
Sweet potatoes are a fantastic swap for regular potatoes. They’re just as versatile and cook in about the same amount of time, but they bring a unique sweetness and vibrant orange hue to the table. Plus, they’re loaded with Vitamin A, which is great for your health. I love how they brighten up the plate and add a touch of natural sweetness that pairs perfectly with a variety of seasonings.
I prefer air frying over deep frying as you use much less oil and these healthy fries contain simple ingredients to make the perfect side dish. It is my favorite way of cooking sweet potato fries because the cook time is short and the cooking process is easy with very little clean up
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Ingredients
- Sweet Potatoes – You can leave the skin on for added texture and fiber or peel them if you prefer a smoother fry.
- Olive Oil – Use your favorite light, neutral flavored oil.
- Seasoning – Use your favorite seasoning blend. Options include paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, or even a pre-made mix like Cajun or Italian seasoning. You can also try my Best Homemade Potato and French Fry Seasoning. Or go more simple with just salt and black pepper.
- Sea Salt – Sea salt is used to finish the fries once they’re cooked. It enhances the natural flavors of the sweet potatoes and the seasoning, providing a perfect balance of savory and sweet.
See recipe card for quantities.
How to Make Fresh Sweet Potato Fries in the Air Fryer
- Use a sharp knife to cut the potatoes into ¼-inch strips. Soak in cold water for 30 minutes then pat dry well with paper towels. In a large mixing bowl, toss the sweet potato strips with the olive oil and seasoning.
2. Spread the strips in the air fryer basket or tray and cook for 15-20 minutes.
3. Remove crispy sweet potato fries to a bowl and season with sea salt. Serve with dipping sauces if desired.
Hint: Turn the fries halfway through the cooking time.
Substitutions/ Variations
- Fresh Herbs – Sprinkle the fries with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme just before serving.
- Parmesan Cheese – Add freshly grated parmesan cheese during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Sweet – Toss the cooked fries with a mixture of cinnamon, sugar and oil before cooking. Serve with a drizzle of maple syrup or honey.
- Spicy – Add a bit of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for sweet and spicy fries.
Equipment
When choosing an air fryer, look for one with a capacity that suits your needs and features like adjustable temperature settings and easy-to-clean components.
Storage
The leftover fries can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
To reheat, preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Arrange the fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket and heat for 3-5 minutes, or until they are warmed through and crispy again. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 5-7 minutes. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the fries soggy.
Cooking Tips
- Cut the sweet potatoes into uniform strips to ensure even cooking. This helps all the fries become crispy at the same time.
- Soak the cut sweet potato strips in cold water for 30 minutes before cooking. This helps remove excess starch and makes the fries crispier.
- After soaking, thoroughly pat the sweet potato strips dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Removing excess moisture is key to achieving crispy fries.
- Arrange the sweet potato fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and soggy fries. If making a large batch, cook in multiple batches for the best results.
- Preheating the air fryer ensures the fries start cooking immediately, helping them become crispier.
- Shake the air fryer basket or flip the fries halfway through cooking.
- Add a final sprinkle of sea salt or your favorite seasoning right after they come out of the air fryer to enhance their flavor.
Serving Suggestions
These Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries make a versatile and delicious side dish that pairs wonderfully with a variety of main courses. Serve them alongside juicy burgers, Easy Pan Fried Chicken Tenders, or succulent barbecue grilled chicken quarters for a delightful meal. They also complement lighter fare like sheet pan salmon or a hearty veggie wrap.
For an extra flavor boost, serve with your favorite dipping sauce to accompany the air fryer fries, elevating them from a simple side to a standout feature of your meal. These are my family's favorites:
- Creamy Homemade Garlic Dipping Sauce
- Whipped Feta Dip with Red Peppers
- Homemade Tzatziki Sauce
- Homemade Bang Bang Sauce
- Easy Chipotle Mayonnaise
You can peel the potatoes or you can leave the skin on if you prefer. The skin adds extra texture and nutrients to the fries. Just make sure to scrub them thoroughly before cutting.
No one wants soggy sweet potato fries. To achieve crispy fries, soak the cut sweet potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes, then pat them dry thoroughly before cooking. Also, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket and cook in a single layer.
If you don't have an air fryer, you can bake these fries in the oven. Preheat the oven to 425°F, arrange the fries on a baking sheet in a single layer, and bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are crispy and golden brown.
Related
Looking for more easy air fryer recipes? Try these:
If you like this Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries recipe, please leave a 5-star rating.
RECIPE
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
Ingredients
- 2 large sweet potatoes, scrubbed and peeled if desired
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon seasoning
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 380 degrees. Using a sharp knife, cut the sweet potatoes in ¼ wide strips. Soak in a bowl of cold water for 30 minutes then pat dry.
- In a large bowl, mix together the sweet potato strips, olive oil and seasoning. Mix well until all the pieces are coated.
- Arrange the fries in a single layer in your air fryer basket or rack. Cook for 15 to 20 minutes, flipping once or until all fries are crispy and a golden color.
- Remove fries to a bowl and season with sea salt. Serve with dipping sauces if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
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