Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries

In a world where finding delicious and healthy food can be a challenge, air fryer sweet potato fries stand out as a delightful exception. They’re simple, wholesome, and absolutely irresistible.

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries

Made from sweet potatoes, these fries are not just tasty but also bring a good dose of nutrition to the table. They’re rich in fiber and vitamins, making them a smart choice for a snack or side dish. 

Air fryer sweet potato fries are a fantastic dish that’s been gaining popularity, and for good reason! They’re a healthier twist to the traditional fries, packing in flavor without the guilt. 

I love to use any extra sweet potatoes to make a sweet treat of Sweet Potato Muffins or a quick and nutritious meal with this Sweet Potato Egg Skillet with Kale and Peppers. 

What’s great about these fries is their versatility. They fit in perfectly at a casual family dinner, a cozy movie night, or even at gatherings and parties. Their sweet, earthy flavor combined with a satisfying crunch makes them a hit across all ages. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to whip up. 

Why you will love this recipe

• The recipe is straightforward and requires minimal prep time.
• Sweet potato fries are a nutritious alternative to regular fries.
• The air fryer ensures a perfect crispy exterior.
• This method uses significantly less oil than deep frying.
• Sweet potatoes and ingredients are cost-effective.

How to Make Perfect Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries

• Prep the Sweet Potatoes: Wash, peel, and chop sweet potatoes into uniform fries.
• Season: In a large bowl, drizzle the fries with olive oil, salt, and garlic powder, mixing to coat evenly.
• Preheat Air Fryer: Heat to 400 degrees F, then arrange fries in a single layer in the basket, avoiding overcrowding.
• Air Fry: Cook for 8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. For extra crispiness, extend cooking by 1-2 minutes if necessary. Repeat with remaining fries.
• Serve: Plate the fries immediately with dipping sauce.

Pro Tips

• Dry potatoes work best: After washing, it’s best to pat the sweet potatoes dry. This helps achieve a crispier texture as excess moisture is removed.
• And so do evenly chopped ones: When fries are of equal size and thickness, they will cook more evenly and achieve a consistent level of crispiness.
• Cooking time: The cooking time might vary depending on the specific air fryer model and the thickness of the sweet potato fries. If needed, cooking time can be extended by an extra one or two minutes to reach the desired crispiness level.
• One layer in the basket is key: It’s better to make sweet potato fries in the air fryer in multiple batches if necessary. Overcrowding leads to steaming rather than frying, which impacts that delicious crispiness.
• Easy does it: Homemade fries are a bit more delicate than frozen versions, so it’s important to shake with care to prevent them from breaking apart.

Key Ingredients and Substitutions for Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries

Sweet Potatoes: I always look for sweet potatoes that are firm and free of bruises or soft spots for the best texture and flavor. Ones that are uniform in shape, not curled or too fat in the middle, make it easier to slice up consistently sized fries as well.

Olive Oil: This ingredient is key for getting that golden, crispy texture we all love. If olive oil isn’t on hand, no worries — other oils like avocado or canola oil work just as well for that perfect fry.

Garlic Powder: My go-to for adding a punch of flavor to this sweet potato fries air fryer recipe, making them irresistibly tasty. If garlic powder is out of stock, onion powder or a sprinkle of Cajun seasoning can step in to save the day with a similar flavor kick.

Frequently Asked Questions about Sweet Potato Fries in the Air Fryer

How Do I Know When The Fries Are Done?

The fries are done when they have a golden-brown color and a crispy exterior but are soft in the center. It’s good practice to start checking a minute or two before the recommended cooking time ends.

How Do I Make Frozen Sweet Potato Fries in the Air Fryer?

Making air fryer sweet potato fries from frozen is a quick and convenient option for a tasty side dish. To start, there’s no need to thaw the fries — cooking them directly from frozen ensures they retain their texture and don’t get soggy.

1. Preheat the air fryer to 400F. 
2. Spread the frozen fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd it for even cooking. 
3. Depending on the thickness, they usually take about 15-20 minutes to cook. 
4. Halfway through, give the basket a gentle shake or use tongs to flip the fries for uniform crispiness.

I love making Alexia Sweet Potato Fries in the air fryer because they’re known for their natural flavor and perfect cut. To cook Alexia Sweet Potato Fries, follow the instructions above. These fries usually don’t need extra oil as they are pre-seasoned and lightly oiled. 

How Can I Avoid Soggy Sweet Potato Fries?

An uncrowded air fryer basket is key to getting the crispiest results! Evenly cut potatoes can also help — as well as shaking the basket midway through cooking.