These homemade sweet potato fries air fryer style are crisp on the outside, tender in the middle, and really easy to season at home. I like the combination of paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper because it gives the fries plenty of flavor without covering up the natural sweetness of the potatoes. A little starch helps with that crisp exterior too.
Sweet potato fries air fryer style is my favorite way to get homemade fries onto the table quickly, especially when I don’t want to turn on the oven. If you enjoy making vegetable sides like these, try these Air Fryer Zucchini Chips next. Keep reading for more!
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Video Tutorial
Try These Homemade Sweet Potato Fries Air Fryer
Homemade sweet potato fries are so much better when they have crisp edges but still stay soft and tender inside. I also like being able to control the seasoning myself rather than relying on whatever comes on a bag of frozen fries.
The paprika and garlic powder keep these savory, while the sweet potato still brings a little natural sweetness. I’d serve these homemade sweet potato fries air fryer straight from the basket while they’re still hot and crisp.
Why You’ll Love It
- Crisp outside: The starch coating helps give the fries a crisp exterior and tender centers without deep frying.
- Tender middle: You still get that softer sweet potato texture underneath the seasoned outside.
- Simple seasoning: Paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper are all you need.
- Easy to adjust: Cook them a little longer if you like crispier fries or slightly less if you prefer them softer.
Ingredients
- Medium Sweet potatoes: I like cutting these into even 1 cm thick matchsticks. Keeping them roughly the same size means I’m less likely to end up with some fries getting too dark while thicker ones are still soft.
- Vegetable oil: Two tablespoons are enough to coat the fries before adding the dry seasoning mixture. I make sure each piece gets some oil rather than simply pouring everything into one spot. Olive oil or avocado oil also works.
- Starch: This is the ingredient I wouldn’t skip when I want a crispier outside. Cornstarch, potato starch, or tapioca starch can all be used here.
- Paprika: I like the savory flavor this adds against the sweetness of the potatoes. It works with the garlic powder, salt, and black pepper spices without making the seasoning complicated.
How to Make Homemade Sweet Potato Fries Air Fryer Style
1. Start by prepping the sweet potatoes. Peel and cut them into uniform 1 cm thick matchstick shapes. My little secret is to rinse them in some cold water and pat dry with paper towels to get rid of excess starch.
2. Place the cut sweet potatoes in a bowl and drizzle with vegetable oil. Toss well to coat each fry evenly.
3. In a separate bowl, combine the starch, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Gradually add this mixture to the sweet potatoes. Make sure every piece is well coated.
4. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
5. Arrange the sweet potato cut fries evenly in a single layer in the air fryer basket to avoid overcrowding. If your air fryer is small, cook them in batches.
6. Place the basket in the air fryer. Air fry the sweet potato fries in the air fryer for 15 minutes. Flip them halfway through to achieve consistent browning.
7. Enjoy your crispy and delicious air fryer sweet potato fries!
Recipe Tips
- Cut the fries into evenly sized matchsticks so they cook at roughly the same rate.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Flip or toss the fries halfway through cooking for more even browning.
- For extra crispiness, soak the cut sweet potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Keep an eye on thinner fries because they may cook faster than thicker ones.
- Leftover fries will last for up to 2 days in an airtight container when placed in the fridge.
What Can You Serve With This?
- Burgers
- Grilled chicken
- Ketchup
- Tacos
- Your favorite dips or sauces
For more side dishes, try making: McCain Craft Beer Fries in an Air Fryer
FAQs
Avoid overcrowding the basket and try soaking the cut potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes before cooking. The fries should also be evenly spaced so the hot air can circulate.
Uniform fries cook more evenly. Thicker pieces can take longer, while thinner fries may cook more quickly and become overly crisp.
Recipe
Homemade Sweet Potato Fries Air Fryer
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Cutting board and knife
- Mixing bowls
- Kitchen tongs
Ingredients
- 2 medium-sized sweet potatoes
- 2 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon starch (cornstarch, potato starch, or tapioca starch)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Start by prepping the sweet potatoes. Peel and cut them into uniform 1 cm thick matchstick shapes.
- Place the cut sweet potatoes in a bowl and drizzle with vegetable oil. Toss well to coat each fry evenly.
- In a separate bowl, combine the starch, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Gradually add this mixture to the sweet potatoes. Make sure every piece is well coated.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Arrange the sweet potato fries evenly in the air fryer basket to avoid overcrowding. If your air fryer is small, cook them in batches.
- Place the basket in the air fryer. Cook the sweet potato fries in the air fryer for 15 minutes. Flip them halfway through to achieve consistent browning.
Notes
Cooking Time and Temperature
Cook the sweet potato fries at 400°F (200°C) for 15 minutes, flipping them halfway through.Taste & Texture
Crisp and savory on the outside with a soft, tender middle and the natural sweetness of sweet potato.Storage, Freezing & Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store cooled fries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze the fries in a single layer until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2–3 months.
- Reheat: Reheat refrigerated fries in the air fryer or oven. Frozen fries can go directly into the air fryer without thawing and should be cooked until heated through and crisp.
Serving Recommendations
- I like these with chipotle mayo, garlic aioli, spicy ketchup, honey mustard, or BBQ sauce for dipping.
- Add them alongside a burger or use them in a bowl with greens, protein, roasted vegetables, and dressing.
Recipe Variations and Substitutions
- Add cayenne pepper for some heat or smoked paprika for a smokier flavor.
- Try rosemary and thyme for a more herby seasoning.
- Add cinnamon or nutmeg with a little brown sugar or maple syrup for a sweet and savory variation.
- Use avocado oil or olive oil instead of vegetable oil.
Proper Storage Tips
- Let the fries cool before placing them in an airtight container.
- Keep them refrigerated.
- Use within 3–4 days.
Pro Tips
- Keep the fries around the same thickness so they cook evenly.
- Leave enough room between them for hot air to circulate.
- Flip or toss the fries halfway through cooking for even browning.
- Serve them immediately after air frying while they’re still hot and crisp.
Video
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