The Best Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries Recipe
Craving a side that’s crisp, golden, and full of sweet and savory flavor? These air fryer sweet potato fries are perfectly seasoned and cooked until they’re tender inside with a light crunch outside. Follow along and you’ll learn the simple steps to make fries that will impress everyone at your table.
I still remember the first time I tried making sweet potato fries at home. I was craving something warm and crunchy, but I didn’t anything deep-fried.
When I pulled that first batch out of the air fryer—crispy edges, soft centers, and a hint of smoky paprika—I knew I’d found my go-to side. Now these fries show up on our table whenever I need a quick, crowd-pleasing snack or an easy addition to dinner.
Want to know more about growing sweet potatoes. Read this guide from Utah State University.
Sweet Potato Fries: A Healthier Choice
These sweet potato fries are a tasty upgrade on classic fries and a healthier alternative, too. Sweet potatoes deliver plenty of beta-carotene, which your body turns into vitamin A, along with more fiber and antioxidants like vitamin C than white potatoes.
With their lower glycemic index, they’re less likely to spike blood sugar—so you can crunch away knowing you’re getting a nutrient-rich side.
Ingredients for Sweet Potato Fries
- Sweet potatoes – Provide natural sweetness and a soft interior that crisps beautifully in the air fryer.
- Olive oil – Helps the fries crisp and adds a subtle, rich flavor.
- Herbs and spices (dry dill, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper) – Season the fries with a mix of savory, smoky, and lightly herby notes.
How To Make Sweet Potato Fries
Wash and peel the sweet potatoes, then slice them into thin, even strips. Even sizes help them cook evenly and crisp up perfectly.
Place the strips in a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle in the dry dill, garlic powder, paprika, plus a pinch of salt and pepper. Toss until every piece is lightly coated and ready for the heat.
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it heat for about 3–5 minutes. Starting with a hot basket is the secret to that golden crunch.
Arrange the sweet potato fries in a single layer so they have room to breathe. Overcrowding means soggy fries, so plan to cook in batches to ensure optimal results.
Cook for 12–15 minutes, shaking the basket or flipping the fries halfway through the cooking time. Check at the lower end of the time; every air fryer is a little different.
If you prefer your fries extra crunchy, add another minute or two until they’re crispy and golden on the outside and tender on the inside.
Transfer the fries to a plate, repeat with any remaining batches, and serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Do You Really Need to Soak Sweet Potato Fries?
Some cooks prefer to soak sweet potato fries in ice water for about 30 minutes to remove excess starch and achieve a crispier finish. Personally, I skip it—it slows everything down, and if the fries aren’t dried completely, they can turn soggy. When I’m craving fries, I’d rather head straight to the air fryer and keep things quick and simple. But if you’re after extra-crispy fries and don’t mind the wait, go ahead and give the soak a try.
Looking for more ideas for using vegetables? We’ve got a lovely collection of recipes to help you use up your garden produce.
How to Tell When Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries Are Ready
Air fryers work fast, so start checking your fries toward the early end of the suggested time. Cooking time will vary depending on the model and the thickness of the fries. They’re done when the outsides are golden and crisp and the insides are soft. Want them extra crunchy? Add another minute or two.
More Tips for Making Sweet Potato Fries
- Cut evenly: Uniform strips cook at the same rate, so every fry gets that perfect crisp edge.
- Don’t crowd the basket: Air needs to circulate—cook in batches for the best crunch.
- Shake or flip halfway: A mid-cook toss ensures all sides turn golden and crispy.
- Start with a hot air fryer: Preheating gives the fries an instant blast of heat that helps them crisp.
These air fryer sweet potato fries are crisp, flavorful, and packed with goodness. Print the recipe and give it a try the next time you need a quick, healthy side. Don’t forget to pin this post so you can find it again whenever the craving for sweet, golden fries hits!
Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these air fryer sweet potato fries make a quick and flavorful side or snack. Lightly seasoned with garlic, dill, and paprika, they cook in minutes and pair perfectly with your favorite dipping sauce.
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Wash and peel sweet potatoes; cut into thin, uniform strips.
- Toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, dry dill, and paprika until evenly coated.
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes.
- Arrange fries in a single layer in the basket; don’t overcrowd.
- Air fry 12–15 minutes per batch, shaking or flipping halfway, until crispy and golden brown.
- Repeat with remaining batches and serve hot with your favorite dip.
Notes
- Cut evenly: Uniform strips cook at the same rate, so every fry gets that perfect crisp edge.
- Don’t crowd the basket: Air needs to circulate—cook in batches for the best crunch.
- Shake or flip halfway: A mid-cook toss ensures all sides turn golden and crispy.
- Start with a hot air fryer: Preheating gives the fries an instant blast of heat that helps them crisp.