Crispy 25-Minute Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries You’ll Crave

Oh my gosh, you’ve got to try these air fryer sweet potato fries—they’re my latest obsession! I swear, once I discovered how crispy and delicious they turn out with just a fraction of the oil, I stopped making them any other way. And the best part? They’re ready in under 25 minutes, start to finish. My kids go crazy for them (seriously, they disappear faster than I can make them), and I love that we’re getting all those vitamins from the sweet potatoes without feeling guilty. Trust me, these fries are about to become your new favorite snack or side dish.

Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries

Listen, I know everyone claims their recipe is the best—but these sweet potato fries? They’re legit life-changing. Here’s why:

• Crispy perfection: That golden, slightly caramelized outside with a tender center? The air fryer delivers it every time, no deep-frying mess required.
• Crazy easy: You’re literally 10 minutes of prep away from snacking heaven. Even my teenager can make these without burning down the kitchen.
• Healthier than takeout: Just a tablespoon of oil for the whole batch! No greasy fingers, no guilt.
• Endlessly customizable: Swap the paprika for garlic powder, add a pinch of cayenne—make them your own. (My secret? A drizzle of honey after cooking. Trust me.)

Once you try these, regular fries just won’t cut it anymore. You’ve been warned!

Ingredients for Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries

Okay, let’s get real—the magic starts with just FIVE simple ingredients. No fancy pantry items here! But quality matters, so don’t skimp on these:

• 2 medium sweet potatoes (peeled and cut into ¼-inch fries—trust me, uniform size means no burnt stragglers!)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (the good stuff—it makes that crispy crust sing)
• ½ teaspoon salt (I use kosher, but table salt works too—just taste as you go)
• ½ teaspoon paprika (smoked or sweet, depending on your mood)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper (freshly cracked if you’re feeling fancy)

That’s it! Now grab your cutting board—we’re making fry magic.

How to Make Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries

Okay, let’s get down to business! Making these fries is so simple, but I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve to make sure they turn out perfect every time. Follow these steps, and you’ll be munching on crispy, golden fries before you know it.

Cutting and Seasoning the Fries

First things first – grab those sweet potatoes and peel them if you want (though I sometimes leave the skin on for extra nutrients). The key here is cutting them into even sticks – about ¼-inch thick. Trust me, if some are thick and some are thin, you’ll end up with a mix of burnt and undercooked fries. Not ideal!

Toss those beautiful orange sticks in a bowl with the olive oil, salt, paprika, and pepper. Get in there with your hands – the best kitchen tool you’ve got – and massage that seasoning into every nook and cranny. Your fingers will be orange, but it’s totally worth it.

Air Frying Process

Here’s where the magic happens! Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes – this gives you that instant sizzle when the fries hit the basket. Now, here’s my golden rule: don’t crowd the basket! Lay those seasoned fries in a single layer with some breathing room. If you pile them up, they’ll steam instead of crisp up.

Set the timer for 15 minutes total, but here’s the important part: at the 7-8 minute mark, pause the air fryer and give the basket a good shake. This helps all sides get equally crispy and golden. Keep an eye on them toward the end – when they’re caramelized at the edges and tender inside, they’re done!

Serving Suggestions

Eat these beauties immediately – that’s when they’re at their absolute crispiest! My family loves them with a quick garlic aioli (mayo + garlic powder + lemon juice) or even just good old ketchup. Sometimes I’ll sprinkle them with a little extra salt and fresh parsley for that “fancy restaurant” vibe.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries

After making these at least twice a week (no exaggeration!), I’ve learned all the tricks for fry perfection:

• Size matters: Keep fries between ¼-½ inch thick—any bigger and they won’t crisp, any smaller and they’ll burn.
• Dry potatoes = crispy fries: Pat your cut fries dry with a towel before tossing with oil. That extra moisture is the enemy of crunch!
• Shake it up: That mid-cook shake isn’t optional—it’s what gives you golden fries instead of half-burnt sticks.
• Season after cooking too: Add a tiny extra sprinkle of salt right when they come out—it sticks better to hot fries.

Follow these, and you’ll never have soggy sweet potato fries again!

Common Questions About Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are the most common ones I hear about these fries (and some tips I’ve learned the hard way):

• Can I skip peeling the potatoes? Absolutely! The skin adds extra nutrients and a rustic texture. Just scrub them well before cutting.
• How do I prevent sogginess? Two words: dry potatoes. Pat them with a towel after cutting, and don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket—steam is the enemy of crispiness!
• Can I make these ahead of time? You can prep the fries and season them, but cook them fresh for the best texture. Leftovers lose their crispness but still taste great!
• What if I don’t have paprika? No worries! Swap it for garlic powder, chili powder, or even a pinch of cayenne for a kick.

Still curious? Try the recipe—you’ll figure out what works best for you!

Nutritional Information for Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries

Listen, I’m no dietitian, but I know you’re wondering about the numbers! These estimates are for one serving (about half the batch):

• 150 calories (way better than deep-fried!)
• 5g fat (just from that tablespoon of olive oil)
• 25g carbs (hello, natural sweetness!)
• 4g fiber (thanks to those glorious sweet potatoes)
• 2g protein (not bad for a side dish!)

Remember—these are rough estimates. Your exact counts might vary based on potato size and how much seasoning you use. But compared to regular fries? Total win!

Storing and Reheating Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries

Okay, let’s be real—these fries are best fresh, but I get it! Sometimes you’ve got leftovers (rare in my house, but possible). Here’s how to keep them tasty:

Store cooled fries in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready for round two, skip the microwave—it makes them sad and soggy. Instead, pop them back in the air fryer at 375°F for 2-3 minutes to bring back that glorious crispiness. They won’t be *quite* as perfect as fresh, but they’ll still beat any fast-food fries!

Now go make a batch and tell me how they turn out—I wanna see your crispy creations!

Print