Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
These sweet potato fries air fryer are the ultimate healthy snack, delivering a crispy exterior and a tender interior without the deep fryer. Using just a few simple ingredients, this easy air fryer recipe transforms humble sweet potatoes into a crave-worthy side dish. They are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or as a festive addition to your holiday table.
I fell in love with the ritual of making homemade sweet potato fries while living abroad, where I learned that the secret to perfect crispiness lies not in excess oil, but in technique. They have since become my go to comfort food for casual gatherings, often served alongside a juicy hibachi chicken recipe or a simple baked cod for a well rounded meal. The aroma of sweet potatoes roasting with savory spices always reminds me of cozy autumn evenings, making them a natural pairing with other holiday favorites like my classic sweet potato casserole.
Why This Air Fryer Recipe is a Game Changer
- Incredibly Crispy Texture: The air fryer circulates hot air to achieve that perfect golden crisp without deep frying.
- Healthier Alternative: You get all the satisfaction of french fries with a fraction of the oil, making it a healthy french fries alternative.
- Quick and Simple: From prep to plate, these easy air fryer recipe fries are ready in under 30 minutes.
- Endlessly Customizable: Toss them with your favorite seasonings to match any meal, from burgers to steak.
What You Need for Perfect Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
Be sure to see the recipe card below for the full listing of ingredients, instructions, notes, and estimated nutritional information.
- Sweet Potatoes: Choose firm, medium sized potatoes for uniform cutting and even cooking.
- Olive Oil: A light coating helps the seasonings adhere and promotes browning.
- Your Favorite Seasonings: A simple mix of salt, pepper, and paprika works beautifully.

Classic Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies
Equipment
- oven
- baking sheets
- parchment paper
- mixing bowl
- medium bowl
- electric mixer
- whisk
- wooden spoon
- spatula
- measuring cups
- measuring spoons
- wire rack
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup light brown sugar packed
- 2 large eggs at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Mix-ins
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup walnuts chopped
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until they are fully combined. Set this flour mixture aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer on medium speed to beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and creamy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add the room-temperature eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated. Beat in the vanilla extract.
- Reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until no dry streaks of flour remain. Gently stir in the oats, chocolate chips, and chopped walnuts with a wooden spoon or spatula until they are evenly distributed.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers look just set.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, which allows them to firm up, before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Creative Ways to Customize Your Fries
- Spicy Cajun: Toss fries with Cajun seasoning for a bold, smoky heat.
- Sweet Cinnamon Sugar: For a dessert style fry, use cinnamon and a touch of brown sugar.
- Garlic Parmesan: Sprinkle with garlic powder and grated Parmesan cheese after cooking.
My Top Tips for Crispy Results Every Time
- Cut Evenly: Slice potatoes into uniform strips to ensure they all cook at the same rate.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Arrange fries in a single layer with space between them for optimal air circulation.
- Shake the Basket: Shaking halfway through cooking prevents sticking and promotes even browning.
- Serve Immediately: Homemade sweet potato fries are at their crispiest and most delicious right out of the air fryer.
How to Keep Your Fries Tasting Fresh
- Store: Place cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Spread cooked, cooled fries on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: For best results, reheat in the air fryer at 375°F for 3-5 minutes until hot and crispy again.
- Make-Ahead Tip: You can peel and cut the potatoes a day in advance; keep them submerged in water in the fridge to prevent browning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are my sweet potato fries not crispy?
The most common reason is overcrowding the air fryer basket. For crispy sweet potato fries, they need space for the hot air to circulate around each fry. Also, ensure they are thoroughly dried after washing and lightly coated with oil.
Do you have to soak sweet potatoes before air frying?
Soaking is not strictly necessary, but it can help remove excess starch for a slightly crispier result. If you have time, soak the cut fries in cold water for 20-30 minutes, then pat them completely dry before tossing with oil.
What is the best temperature for sweet potato fries in air fryer?
I find 400°F is the ideal temperature. It’s hot enough to create a crispy exterior quickly without burning the natural sugars in the sweet potatoes, which can happen at higher temperatures.
Can you put frozen sweet potato fries in an air fryer?
Yes, you can cook frozen sweet potato fries in the air fryer. There’s no need to thaw them; just cook at 400°F for about 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until hot and crispy.
More Tasty Side Dishes to Explore
Why This Recipe Earns a Permanent Spot in Your Rotation
With their perfect balance of crispiness and natural sweetness, these homemade sweet potato fries are a foolproof side that pairs with practically everything. This easy air fryer recipe simplifies a classic comfort food into a quick, healthy routine. I hope this becomes a staple in your kitchen, bringing a little crispy joy to your table.