Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
Updated Feb 22, 2026
Easy Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries with simple spices and no cornstarch. Crispy outside, tender inside, and cooked in under 15 minutes.
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SWEET POTATO FRIES ARE SO GOOD IN THE AIR FRYER!
I used to make sweet potato fries in the oven and honestly thought that was as good as it gets. Then I started making air fryer sweet potato fries, and now I don’t even debate it. I’ve made this version so many times over the years that I don’t measure the spices anymore. I still have that moment when I pull the sweet potato fries out of the air fryer, and they are all crispy, and I am just in awe… like I’m surprised every time how well they turn out, but I already really know they are great. It’s just sliced sweet potatoes tossed with olive oil, salt, and a few spices. That’s it. Plus, when I use the air fryer to make sweet potato fries, I don’t have to soak the potatoes or use cornstarch. The oven version really needs that extra help to crisp up, but the air fryer does the work on its own. They really come out crispy on the outside, tender in the middle, and I usually have to stop myself from eating half the batch straight from the basket.
Happy Cooking!
– Yumna
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries Ingredients
- Sweet potatoes: Look for large, firm sweet potatoes with smooth skin. I like to buy ones that are about the size of my fist. Read my tips on how to cut sweet potatoes. I like to toss them with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
How to Make Sweet Potato Fries in the Air Fryer
I can’t stress enough that if you’re aiming for crispy sweet potato fries, a single layer, with space between fries, is a must. If the air fryer basket is overcrowded, they just won’t turn out crispy. To keep the fries warm while working in batches, preheat the oven to 250°F and line a sheet pan with a wire rack. Place the cooked sweet potato fries on the rack and keep them in the oven. The rack helps air circulate and keeps the fries warm without turning soggy.
Recipe Video Tutorial
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries Recipe
Video
Ingredients
- 2 medium sweet potatoes peeled
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 380°F. Peel the sweet potatoes, then slice each potato into even ¼-inch-thick sticks.
- Place the sweet potatoes in a large mixing bowl and toss with olive oil, salt, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper.
- Cook in 2 or 3 batches, depending on the size of your basket, without overcrowding the pan until they're crispy. I recommend 12 minutes, turning halfway through. This may vary based on your air fryer.
- Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
Equipment
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information provided is an estimate. It will vary based on cooking method and specific ingredients used.
Recipe Variations
- Try other seasonings: Get creative with your favorite, try ranch seasoning, Cajun seasoning, lemon pepper seasoning, or BBQ seasoning.
- Experiment with shapes: Instead of the classic fry shape, slice the sweet potatoes into wedges, chips, or cubes.
- Serve with your favorite dips: Ketchup is classic. You could also try Lebanese garlic sauce, garlic aioli, or spicy mayo!
Recipe Tips
- Cut the potatoes evenly. To ensure even cooking time for all the fries, use sweet potatoes that are similar in size. This way, nothing overcooks or undercooks.
- Turn the sweet potatoes halfway through cooking. You can shake the basket or use tongs to turn the sweet potatoes. While the air does circulate all around the potatoes, the heat on the bottom is stronger than the top, which is why this step is important.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket. It’s tempting to throw all the potatoes in there at once. But if you overcrowd the basket and the air fryer sweet potato fries overlap, you may end up steaming them instead of crisping them.
Serving Ideas
- Salad: Steak Salad, Classic Caesar Salad, Chickpea Salad
- Burgers: Black Bean Burgers, Salmon Burgers, Turkey Burgers
- Chicken sandwiches: BBQ Chicken Sandwiches, Grilled Chicken Sandwich, Chicken Caprese Pesto Panini
FAQs
I usually use olive oil because that’s what I keep on the counter, and it works just fine in the air fryer. Since sweet potato fries cook at a moderate temperature, you don’t need a high-smoke-point oil. If you prefer something more neutral, avocado oil is a great option. It has a higher smoke point and won’t add any extra flavor. The key is just using a small amount so the fries crisp up without feeling greasy.
You can cook frozen sweet potato fries straight from the freezer, no thawing needed. Preheat your air fryer to 425°F, then add the fries in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the basket, or they’ll steam instead of crisp.
Cook for about 10 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. The exact time will depend on your air fryer and the thickness of the fries, so check them toward the end. If they need more color or crispness, let them go another 1 to 2 minutes.
Most frozen fries already have oil and seasoning on them, so you usually don’t need to add anything. If you want a little extra flavor, sprinkle on salt or spices right after they come out while they’re still hot.
The most common reason is overcrowding. If the fries are piled on top of each other, they’ll steam instead of being crisp. Cook them in batches and give them space in the basket, even if it takes a little longer.
Another issue is too much oil. It sounds backwards, but if they’re coated heavily, they’ll turn soft instead of crisp. You only need a light toss. Cut size also matters. If the fries are too thick or uneven, some pieces will stay soft while others overcook. Try to keep them around ¼ inch thick so they cook evenly.
And finally, check your temperature and timing. If the air fryer isn’t fully preheated or the fries need a couple extra minutes, they won’t crisp up properly. Sometimes it’s as simple as letting them go 2 to 3 minutes longer.
Comments
OUT OF THIS WORLD!!!!! Thank you and I would highly recommend making. It’s super easy to make and clean-up is a snap.
Thank you for sharing your recipe with us!!!
Yay! I’m so happy to hear that you loved the recipe, Kathy! That makes my day!
Are these supposed to be crispy? Mine were not at all. They were very good but I would have like them crispy
I’m sorry to hear they weren’t as crispy as you were hoping, Anne. How thinly did you cut the potatoes? The thinner you cut them, the more crispy they’ll be. I recommend cutting them 1/4-inch to 1/2-inch thickness. I also recommend cooking in 2 or 3 batches so you don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Hope that helps!
I made these for my partner as a surprise tonight since he loves sweet potato fries. It was my first time making them and this recipe made it so easy to follow! We both loved them and ate perhaps a few too many for dinner.
Aww, so happy you both liked them!! Thank you so much, Jamie!
Thank you! I was gifted an Air Fryer in 2020 and literally have NEVER used it lol! My daughter does 😉 Thank you this will be the first thing I make due to your clear and yummy recipe will check back in once I do!
Yay, how exciting!! Can’t wait to hear what you think!
That is so relatable! I was gifted one during or just after lockdown and I have only just started using it! It’s a tabletop convection oven that doesn’t heat up my entire kitchen in the summer (I live in the south so that’s huge, we don’t really get winters) and I can do single or double servings… can’t wait to try this!
Hope you enjoy them, Shannon!
This sounds nice and easy. Are the nutrition facts that you posted for the whole recipe or just one of two servings?
Hi there! The nutrition facts are for 1 serving, so 1/2 of the recipe.
These were great!! I was shocked at how a ‘few spices’ made these so delicious. Note: mine were basically done at 6 minutes, but it’s good to know that they’re ‘melt in your mouth’ at 12 minutes.
Thanks so much for sharing your ideal cook time, Jessica!! So happy you loved them!
I was AMAZED at how good these are! I have used another recipe from another company and it didn’t turn out as well. Thank you for the amazing recipe, I will be making this over and over again!!!
Yay! So happy you loved it!! Thank you!
So easy. Thank you!
So glad you liked it, Greta!
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