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Are you ready to enjoy a crispy and flavorful treat? Air fryer sweet potato fries are easy to make and taste amazing! In this guide, I’ll share must-have ingredients, simple steps, and tips to make your fries perfectly crunchy. Whether you want a healthy snack, a side dish, or something fun for game day, these fries will hit the spot. Let’s dive in and make a tasty batch together!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Crispy Perfection: These fries come out perfectly crispy thanks to the soaking method and air frying technique.
- Healthier Alternative: Using an air fryer significantly reduces the amount of oil needed, making these fries a healthier snack option.
- Flavor Packed: The combination of garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper gives these fries an irresistible flavor.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is simple and quick, making it perfect for a last-minute snack or side dish.
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
– 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into thin strips
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice level)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Recommended Sweet Potato Varieties
For the best fries, I suggest using garnet or jewel sweet potatoes. These types have a sweet flavor and a creamy texture. They also crisp up nicely in the air fryer. If you can find them, go for organic sweet potatoes. They taste better and are better for the planet.
Alternative Seasoning Options
If you want to mix things up, try these options:
– Cinnamon and sugar for a sweet twist.
– Chili powder and lime for a zesty kick.
– Italian herbs like oregano and basil for a classic touch.
– Cajun spice for a bold burst of flavor.
Feel free to get creative with seasonings. The fun of making these fries is all about finding your favorite flavor!

Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation of Sweet Potatoes
To start, peel the sweet potatoes. Cut them into thin strips. Thin strips help them cook evenly. Soaking the strips in cold water is key. Let them soak for 30 minutes. This step removes excess starch. It makes the fries crispier. After soaking, drain the strips. Then, pat them dry with a towel.
Coating with Olive Oil and Seasonings
Next, take a large bowl. Add the dried sweet potato strips to it. Pour in 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Toss well until each strip gets coated. Now, it’s time for flavor! Add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder. Then, add 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika. For a kick, mix in 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Adjust the cayenne for your spice level. Finish with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything again until coated well.
Cooking Process in the Air Fryer
Before cooking, preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Let it preheat for about 5 minutes. Place the sweet potato strips in the basket. Make sure they are in a single layer. You might need to cook in batches. Cook the fries for 15-20 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through. This helps them cook evenly. When they are golden and crispy, they are done. Carefully remove them and let them cool for a minute. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your delicious fries!
Tips & Tricks
Soaking for Crispiness
Soaking the sweet potato strips is key. You should soak them in cold water for 30 minutes. This step helps reduce the starch. Less starch means crispier fries! After soaking, drain the strips and pat them dry. Use a kitchen towel to soak up any extra water. This ensures they fry up nice and crunchy.
Importance of Preheating the Air Fryer
Preheating your air fryer is a must. Set it to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes. This helps create that perfect crispy texture. If you skip this step, your fries may turn out soggy. A hot air fryer cooks the fries evenly and quickly. Trust me, preheating makes a big difference!
Achieving the Perfect Cook
To get perfectly cooked sweet potato fries, pay attention to the cooking time. Cook them for 15-20 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through. This allows all sides to crisp up nicely. If they look golden brown, they’re ready! Let them cool for a minute before serving. The fries will stay crispy this way. Enjoy your tasty treat!
Pro Tips
- Soaking Time: Soak the sweet potato strips for at least 30 minutes to achieve maximum crispiness.
- Even Coating: Ensure the sweet potatoes are evenly coated with oil and spices by tossing them well in a bowl.
- Batch Cooking: Cook the fries in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the air fryer for even cooking.
- Cooling Time: Let the fries cool for a minute after cooking to enhance their crispiness before serving.

Variations
Spicy Sweet Potato Fries
You can kick up the heat with spicy sweet potato fries. Start with your basic recipe. Follow the same steps for soaking and coating. Then, add more cayenne pepper or even some chili powder. You can also mix in a bit of hot sauce for extra flavor. This makes the fries a zesty treat. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Sweet and Savory Seasoning Combinations
For a twist, think about sweet and savory blends. Try adding cinnamon and a pinch of brown sugar. This combo gives a lovely sweet taste. You can also add rosemary or thyme for a herbal touch. Mixing garlic powder with a hint of maple syrup works well too. Each option brings out the sweet potato’s natural flavor.
Sweet Potato Fries with Dipping Sauce Ideas
Dipping sauces can elevate your fries. A creamy ranch pairs perfectly with the sweet and salty taste. You can also make a simple garlic aioli by mixing mayo, garlic, and lemon juice. For a tangy kick, try a spicy ketchup or a zesty yogurt dip. Don’t forget classic options like barbecue sauce or honey mustard. These dips make the fries even more enjoyable!
Storage Info
How to Store Leftover Fries
To store leftover fries, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing. Make sure to label the container with the date.
Reheating Tips for Optimal Crispiness
When it’s time to eat your fries again, don’t use the microwave. It makes them soggy. Instead, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Cook the fries for about 5-7 minutes. This will help them regain their crunch. Shake the basket halfway through to heat them evenly.
Freezing Sweet Potato Fries
You can freeze sweet potato fries before cooking. After you cut and soak them, dry the strips well. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. They will last up to three months. When you’re ready to cook, just add a few extra minutes to the air fryer time.
FAQs
How long do you cook sweet potato fries in an air fryer?
You should cook sweet potato fries in your air fryer for 15 to 20 minutes. I recommend shaking the basket halfway through. This helps the fries cook evenly and get crispy. When they turn golden brown, they are ready to eat.
Can I use other oils besides olive oil?
Yes, you can use other oils. Canola oil, avocado oil, or coconut oil work well, too. Each oil gives a different flavor. Experiment with what you like best. Just make sure to coat the fries evenly for the best crunch.
What can I serve with sweet potato fries?
Sweet potato fries pair nicely with many things. Try serving them with garlic aioli or creamy ranch dressing for dipping. They also go great with burgers, grilled chicken, or as a snack on their own. You can even add a sprinkle of fresh herbs for extra flavor!
In this blog post, we explored how to make delicious sweet potato fries in your air fryer. We discussed key ingredients and recommended sweet potato varieties. I provided step-by-step instructions for preparation, cooking, and tips for achieving crispiness. You learned about fun variations and how to store leftovers.
Sweet potato fries are tasty and easy to prepare at home. With your new knowledge, you can enjoy them anytim
Crispy Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
Deliciously crispy sweet potato fries made in an air fryer.
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 30 minutes mins
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 150 kcal
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into thin strips
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- to taste salt and pepper
- for garnish fresh parsley, chopped
Start by soaking the sweet potato strips in cold water for 30 minutes to reduce starch and enhance crispiness. After soaking, drain and pat them dry with a kitchen towel.
In a large mixing bowl, toss the dried sweet potato strips with olive oil, ensuring they're evenly coated.
Add garlic powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper to the bowl. Mix well until the sweet potato strips are thoroughly coated in the spice blend.
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
Place the sweet potato strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You may need to do this in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer.
Cook the sweet potato fries in the air fryer for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. Cook until crispy and golden brown.
Once done, remove the fries from the air fryer and let them cool for a minute. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Serve with a tangy dipping sauce like garlic aioli or creamy ranch.
Keyword air fryer, healthy snacks, sweet potato fries
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