What if I told you that the crispiest, most addictive sweet potato fries didn’t come from a deep fryer or a fancy restaurant? Nope, they came straight out of your air fryer—right there on your kitchen counter. And yes, they’re the real deal.

We’re talking golden-brown exteriors with a shattering crunch, creamy soft centers that taste like pure comfort, and seasoning that hits just the right balance of salty and smoky. These fries aren’t just good—they’re crave-worthy.

I discovered this magic on a lazy Sunday. I was half-scrolling Reddit, half-daydreaming about something crispy and salty, when I remembered a couple of sweet potatoes sitting in my pantry. Fast forward forty minutes, and I was face-first in a basket of golden fries that I couldn’t stop eating. Guilt? Zero. Flavor? Maximum.

Wanna learn how to make them better than anything you’ve ordered out? Keep reading—you’re gonna love this.

Recipe Snapshot

Category	Details
Yield	4 servings
Serving Size	About 1 cup
Prep Time	10 minutes
Cook Time	15-18 minutes
Total Time	28-30 minutes
Calories per Serving	~130 kcal
Primary Cooking Method	Air Frying
Diet Type	Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Calories are approximate and may vary depending on exact ingredients used.

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries

Recipe by Angela JonesCourse: BlogCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

cup

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

minutes

Calories

130

kcal

These aren’t your average sweet potato fries—the limp, soggy ones that promise crisp but never deliver. These are next-level. We’re talking golden-brown edges with that signature snap and a center so soft it practically melts.

That kind of addictive texture combo is usually reserved for the deep fryer, but this version nails it without all the oil. The real magic? It all happens in the air fryer with a few basic ingredients, a solid prep, and some patience while they cook in batches.

You get the kind of fries that make you want to double-dip and never share. They’re crunchy, they’re warm, they’re seasoned just enough to bring out the natural sweetness—and they’re easy enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for guests.

So whether you’re meal prepping, snacking, or feeding a crowd, these fries are your new go-to. Trust me, once you taste them, fast food fries will never hit the same again.

Ingredients

For the Fries
2 medium sweet potatoes (about 1 pound total), peeled and cut into 1/4-inch thick matchsticks
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Optional for Serving
Ketchup, garlic aioli, or your favorite dipping sauce

Directions

Peel and Slice Sweet Potatoes
Start by peeling the sweet potatoes using a vegetable peeler. Then, using a sharp knife, slice them lengthwise into planks and cut those planks into matchstick-thin fries, roughly 1/4 inch thick. Uniform size is key for even cooking.
Soak for Crispy Texture
Place the sliced sweet potatoes into a large bowl of cold water. Soak them for 20–30 minutes. This step draws out starch, which helps the fries get crispy instead of soggy.
Drain and Dry Thoroughly
Drain the fries and spread them out on a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Pat them completely dry. Any leftover moisture will create steam and make your fries limp instead of crisp.
Season the Fries
Transfer the dried fries to a clean mixing bowl. Add the olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together until the fries are evenly coated in the seasoning mix.
Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 3–5 minutes. A preheated basket ensures your fries start cooking immediately and develop a crisp exterior.
Arrange in Single Layer
Place the seasoned fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding; if needed, cook in batches to maintain airflow and consistent texture.
Air Fry to Perfection
Air fry the sweet potato fries at 380°F (193°C) for 8–9 minutes. Open the basket, shake it gently to flip the fries, then continue cooking for another 7–8 minutes. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes—they can go from golden to burnt fast!
Taste, Adjust, and Serve
Remove the fries from the air fryer and immediately taste one (chef’s privilege). Add a sprinkle of extra salt if desired. Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

Extra Tips

Use parchment with holes: Lining your air fryer with parchment paper (with holes) prevents sticking while allowing air circulation. Just don’t put it in while preheating.
Shake consistently: For perfectly even cooking, shake the basket more than once—around the 5-minute mark and again toward the end.
Cut with care: If cutting uniform fries feels like a struggle, use a mandoline slicer or fry cutter for speed and consistency.
Dry thoroughly: After soaking, use a salad spinner or layer of clean towels to get every drop of water off. This alone can make or break the crispiness.

Equipment List

Air fryer (any standard model)
Vegetable peeler
Sharp knife
Large bowl (for soaking and seasoning)
Clean kitchen towel or paper towels
Tongs or spatula (for shaking and serving)
Mixing bowl (for tossing with oil and seasonings)

Make-Ahead Tips

Prepping your sweet potatoes ahead of time can make this recipe even easier on a busy day.

First, you can peel and slice the sweet potatoes up to 24 hours in advance. To keep them fresh and prevent any browning, place the cut sticks in a large bowl of cold water, cover the bowl with plastic wrap, and stash it in the fridge. Not only does this preserve the color and texture, but it also starts removing excess starch, which leads to crispier fries.

If you really want to streamline your cooking, do the soaking step the night before. Use ice-cold water and make sure the bowl is sealed well. In the morning (or whenever you’re ready to fry), all you need to do is drain, dry, and season.

One more make-ahead move? Mix your spice blend in advance. Measure out your garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper into a small airtight jar or container. When it’s fry time, you’re all set without rummaging through the spice drawer.

Storage Instructions

Got leftovers? No problem—here’s how to keep them tasting great.

Let the fries cool completely before transferring them to a storage container. This is important—if you trap steam, you’ll end up with soggy fries. Once cooled, move them to an airtight container and pop them in the fridge. They’ll stay good for up to 3 days.

When you’re ready to reheat, skip the microwave. Trust me, it softens them and kills the crisp. Instead, fire up your air fryer to 350°F (177°C) and reheat for 3 to 5 minutes. They’ll come back to life with that crunchy texture you loved the first time around.

Thinking of freezing them? Don’t. Cooked sweet potato fries just don’t freeze well—the texture turns mushy and disappointing. If you really want to prep ahead for a later date, freeze the raw, unseasoned sticks. Then cook them straight from the freezer when you’re ready, adjusting time as needed.

FAQ Section

Can I use frozen sweet potato fries?

Absolutely! They’re a great shortcut. Skip the soaking step and follow the air fryer’s frozen fry instructions. You may need to add a couple of minutes to make them extra crisp.

Why aren’t my fries crispy?

Usually, it’s one of three things: too much moisture (didn’t dry them well), overcrowding the basket (limits airflow), or not soaking the potatoes beforehand. Fix any of these and your crisp dreams will come true.

Do I need to flip them halfway?

Yes, and don’t skip it. Flipping or shaking the basket at least once ensures they don’t cook unevenly or burn on one side. It also boosts overall crunchiness.

Can I make these oil-free?

Technically, yes. They’ll still cook, but they won’t brown or crisp as well. A tiny bit of oil goes a long way—try spraying with olive oil spray if you’re trying to cut back.

What’s the best dip for these fries?

Depends on your mood! Classic ketchup, garlicky aioli, chipotle mayo, honey mustard, or even a smoky barbecue sauce can elevate your fry game.

Serving Suggestions

These crispy air fryer sweet potato fries are versatile enough to match nearly any meal—or be the star of their own show. They’re perfect as a side, a snack, or part of a bigger feast.

Try pairing them with burgers—be it beef, chicken, or a juicy veggie patty. They add a sweet and savory crunch that takes your burger night to the next level.

Taco night? Skip the tortilla chips and use these fries for dipping into guacamole or salsa. It’s unexpected and totally delicious.

They also shine as a brunch companion. Imagine them next to perfectly scrambled eggs, a couple slices of avocado toast, or even tucked into a breakfast bowl with veggies and a runny egg on top.

For entertaining, stack them up on a snack board with sliders, wings, and your favorite dips. They hold their own and then some.

And if you’re meal prepping, toss a handful into your lunch bowl alongside quinoa, grilled chicken or tofu, and fresh greens. They add color, texture, and a touch of comfort.

Nutritional Information

Sweet potatoes are not just delicious—they’re also packed with nutrients. Here’s a quick overview of what you’re getting per serving (about 1 cup of fries):

Calories: ~130 kcal
Total Fat: 4.5g
Saturated Fat: 0.6g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 300mg (depending on added salt)
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 3.5g
Sugars: 5g (naturally occurring)
Protein: 2g
Vitamin A: Over 100% of your daily value
Vitamin C: About 20% of your daily value
Calcium: 3% of your daily value
Iron: 4% of your daily value

Keep in mind that actual values may vary slightly depending on the exact size of your sweet potatoes, how much oil and salt you use, and what dip you serve them with.

Final Thoughts

You’re officially out of excuses to not make your own sweet potato fries. The air fryer takes all the mess and guesswork out of the equation and delivers addictive, golden perfection every time. Whether you’re trying to impress guests, clean out the pantry, or just craving a healthier snack—you’ve got a winner here.

Trust me, once you’ve mastered this recipe, you’ll start experimenting with spice blends, dips, and maybe even other veggies. But it all starts here—with one fry, one bite, and that oh-so-satisfying crunch.