My easy recipe for air fryer sweet potato fries has the perfect balance of irresistibly crispy edges and tender centers! I love how the seasoning adds just enough flavor without overpowering the natural sweetness of the potatoes.
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My Easy Recipe for Sweet Potato Fries in the Air Fryer
It was actually my daughter, Leah, who gave me the idea to start making air fryer sweet potato fries. She noticed that I sometimes ordered sweet potato fries instead of classic French fries when we went out to eat and asked why I never made them at home.
I love making classic French fries in the air fryer, but for some reason, I hadn’t tried air frying sweet potato fries! Maybe it’s because I’d tried making them in the past in the oven and even once in a skillet, but roasting didn’t get them crispy enough, and pan frying made a mess. But the air fryer solved those problems!
I also love that sweet potatoes have more fiber, plus their natural sweetness is just so irresistible. And thanks to the air fryer, I can use way less oil.
Sure enough, my homemade air fried sweet potato fries became an instant family hit! I also love that my daughter calls them “her fries” since it was her idea. I think she deserves the credit!
And, if you love good air fryer sweet potato recipes, try my recipes for an air fryer baked sweet potato, air fryer sweet potato cubes, air fryer dessert fries, air fryer sweet potato wedges, and air fryer frozen sweet potato fries.
Air Fry Sweet Potato Fries Ingredients
- Sweet potatoes – I use medium sweet potatoes for a balance of sweetness and starch. The natural sugars caramelize beautifully in the air fryer.
- Cornstarch – This is my secret to getting crispy edges without deep frying. It helps absorb extra moisture.
- Olive oil – Just a couple tablespoons gives the fries that golden finish. I use olive oil, but avocado oil works great too.
- Cajun seasoning – I like the bold kick of Cajun, but other seasoning blends work well too.
- Salt – I always add a pinch to enhance the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes.
How to Make Sweet Potato Fries in the Air Fryer
A full printable version of this recipe with ingredient measurements is available at the bottom of this post.
STEP ONE: Peel and slice the sweet potatoes into 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick slices.
STEP TWO: Place the fries in a bowl of cold water and let them soak for 15 to 30 minutes (optional, but I find it does make the sweet potato fries much crispier).
STEP THREE: Dry off the fries completely, then mix them in a dry bowl with the cornstarch and Cajun seasoning. Add in the olive oil and toss them again until they’re evenly mixed and coated.
STEP FOUR: Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F, then place the sweet potato fries in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry them for 13 to 15 minutes, flipping them after 10 minutes. They are done when they are golden and crispy on the edges.
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
- I try to slice the sweet potatoes as evenly as possible so all the fries will cook at the same speed.
- Soak the cut fries in cold water for 15–30 minutes to remove excess starch. I notice a huge difference in crispiness when I do this! It’s optional, but I find it completely worth it.
- I dry the sweet potato fries thoroughly after soaking so the oil and seasoning stick well. I use a clean kitchen towel to pat them dry.
- Coat the fries with cornstarch before the oil. I do this in a large mixing bowl so everything gets evenly coated.
- I work in batches so I don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. When I try to cram too many fries in, they steam instead of crispy.
Air Fried Sweet Potato Fries Variations and Substitutions
- For a crispier sweet potato fry, I’ll add 1½ teaspoons of cornstarch per sweet potato to give them an extra coating.
- I sometimes sprinkle cinnamon and sugar for a sweet version. I make this for an after-school snack or even dessert!
- Add cayenne pepper for extra heat. My husband likes this spicy twist!
- I like to swap the Cajun for ranch seasoning if I want something more herby. I also love dipping this variation in ranch dressing!
- When I want even bolder flavor, I’ll add a sprinkle of paprika and black pepper to dial up the seasoning.
What to Serve With Sweet Potato Fries
I love making sweet potato fries in place of classic French fries to go with air fryer fried chicken, air fryer chicken tenders, air fryer hot dogs, or air fryer burgers!
They also go really well with more elevated dishes like oven baked bone-in pork chops or grilled chicken thighs!
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries FAQs
How to cook frozen sweet potatoes in the air fryer
To make frozen sweet potato fries, I start by preheating the air fryer to 400 degrees F. Once hot, I add the fries. I usually let them stack a little, but I don’t fill the basket completely. I cook for 7-8 minutes, flipping the fries halfway through and spritzing with olive oil if they look dry, then enjoy!
The Best Dipping Sauces for Air Fry Sweet Potato Fries
My kids go crazy for sauces, so I also always serve sweet potato fries with dips! Some of our favorites include ketchup, BBQ sauce, blue cheese dressing, honey sriracha sauce, honey mustard, ranch dressing, or spicy mayo.
How to reheat sweet potato fries in the air fryer
To reheat leftover air fryer sweet potato fries, I preheat my air fryer to 350 degrees F. After that, I toss in the sweet potato fries, then let them air fry for about 5 minutes, flipping the fries halfway through so they warm up evenly and taste just as crispy as the first day.
Why are my sweet potato fries soggy in the air fryer?
When my sweet potato fries come out soggy, it’s usually because I overcrowded the basket or didn’t dry them well after soaking. A quick soak, proper drying, and working in batches really helps.
How long to cook sweet potato fries in the air fryer
I air fry my sweet potato fries at 400 degrees F for 10 minutes, flip them, then cook for another 3 to 5 minutes until they’re crisp on the edges. Thicker fries might need a minute or two more.
How to store leftover air fryer sweet potato fries
I let the fries cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They stay fresh for 3-4 days. For longer storage, I’ll freeze them spaced out on a cookie sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag and store in the freezer for up to 6 months.
More Easy Air Fryer Side Dish Recipes
- Air fryer baked potato
- Air fryer garlic bread
- Air fryer asparagus
- Air fryer hasselback potatoes
- Air fryer carrots
Crispy Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 medium to large sweet potatoes 1.5 to 2lbs
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- 2 to 3 tablespoons olive oil
- salt to taste
Instructions
- Peel and slice the sweet potatoes into 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick slices.
- Place the fries in a bowl of cold water and let them soak for 15 to 30 minutes (optional, but I find it does make the sweet potato fries much crispier).
- Dry off the fries completely, then mix them in a dry bowl with the cornstarch and Cajun seasoning. Add in the olive oil and toss them again until they're evenly mixed and coated.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F, then place the sweet potato fries in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Air fry them for 13 to 15 minutes, flipping after 10 minutes. They are done when they are golden and crispy on the edges.
Video
Notes
- Slice the sweet potatoes as evenly as possible so all the fries will cook at the same speed.
- Soak the cut fries in cold water for 15–30 minutes to remove excess starch. It makes a big difference in crispiness.
- Dry the sweet potato fries thoroughly after soaking so the oil and seasoning stick well.
- If your air fryer is smaller, air fry them in batches. If too many are in the basket, they will steam and not get crispy.
- If air frying frozen sweet potato fries, cook them in a preheated air fryer at 400 degrees F for 7 to 8 minutes.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days.
- Reheat leftovers in a preheated air fryer at 350 degrees F for about 5 minutes.
Nutrition
This nutrition information is based on the exact products I used in this recipe. Brands and sizes of products could alter exact nutrition and should always be calculated independently.
Yummy, thank you so much. My 6 month old loved them!
Your helpful-handy tips were great! Thank you so much!!!
What’s the point of using an air fryer if you have to use oil?!?
Hi Logan, an air fryer uses a lot less oil than deep frying. For instance, I only have to fill my small oil mister with oil every 5 months or so whereas I would have to use 5 times the amount of oil in one batch of deep frying.
I cooked them and they came out very good
How close to a wall can a airfryer be to not hurt your wall.I know this is a crazy to ask but I f
don’t have much counter space so I have mine on a metal rack close to my wall.
And its heavy to move.
Hi Vicky, I recommend at least 6 to 12 inches. They also sell some trays you can sit the air fryer on to easily move it forward when in use too.
This post should help: https://www.everydayfamilycooking.com/air-fryer-mistakes/