BityThese Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries are crispy, golden, and packed with flavor, made with just sweet potatoes, avocado oil, salt, and black pepper.
Alright, let’s talk about something near and dear to my heart—crispy fries. Specifically, sweet potato fries. Because if there’s one thing I refuse to accept, it’s sad, limp fries. And trust me, I’ve had plenty of those.
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve tried making sweet potato fries in the oven, only to end up with a tray of half-burnt, half-soggy fries that tasted more like disappointment than anything else. I’d spread them out, I’d flip them halfway, I even tried whispering encouraging words to them (please crisp up, I believe in you). Nothing worked.
Then, I got an air fryer. Game. Changer. Suddenly, I was making sweet potato fries that were actually crispy without drowning them in oil. No pre-soaking, no flipping them five times, just perfectly golden fries in under 20 minutes. It felt like discovering a secret cheat code for life.
Now, anytime I need a snack (or, let’s be real, a side dish that I can eat half of before it even makes it to the table), I whip up these air fryer sweet potato fries. They’re easy, fast, and way healthier than the deep-fried version. Plus, they go with everything. Seriously, name a meal, and I guarantee these fries will be a good idea.
Quick Breakdown
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries Recipe?
- Crispy without deep frying. No greasy mess, just perfectly golden fries.
- Super easy to make. 30 minutes start to finish, and most of that time is just waiting.
- Healthier than regular fries. Sweet potatoes are packed with fiber and vitamins, so I like to pretend I’m making a superfood choice here.
- Completely customizable. Want them spicy? Go for it. Feeling fancy? Toss in some parmesan. You do you.
- Pairs with literally anything. Burgers, salads, grilled chicken… or just straight out of the basket (no shame).
Ingredient Notes:
- Sweet Potatoes: The Star of the Show: Grab 3 large sweet potatoes. Look for ones that are firm and smooth—if they’re wrinkly or soft, they’re past their prime. Peeling? Totally optional. If you love a little extra texture, keep the skins on and just give them a good scrub.
- Avocado Oil: The Secret to Crispy Fries: I swear by avocado oil because it has a high smoke point, meaning your fries won’t burn before they get crispy. But if you don’t have it, olive oil, canola oil, or grapeseed oil will do just fine.
- Salt & Black Pepper: The Simple but Essential Combo: Salt brings out the natural sweetness of the potatoes, and black pepper adds a little kick. You could stop here (but why would you?). Feel free to throw in extra seasonings if you want to switch things up.
How To Make Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries?
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer & Slice the Potatoes
First things first, preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for about 5 minutes. This helps the fries cook evenly.
Meanwhile, grab those sweet potatoes and slice them into ¼-inch thick fries. Try to keep them all the same size—otherwise, some will turn into burnt toothpicks while others stay half-raw. (Been there, done that.)
Step 2: Coat the Fries in Oil & Seasoning
Dump the fries into a big mixing bowl and drizzle 2 tablespoons of avocado oil over them. Toss them around until every single fry is coated—this is what helps them crisp up instead of just drying out.
Now, sprinkle ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Toss again. Boom, you’re done.
Step 3: Load the Air Fryer (But Don’t Overcrowd!)
Pour the fries into your air fryer in a single layer. If they’re packed too tightly, they’ll steam instead of crisping up. If you have a lot, cook them in batches. Yes, I know waiting is hard, but trust me—crispy fries are worth it.
Step 4: Air Fry to Perfection
Set the timer for 18-20 minutes. Every 5-7 minutes, shake the basket to make sure all sides get that perfect crisp.
When the time’s up, check the fries—if they’re not as crispy as you want, let them go for another 2-3 minutes. Just don’t forget about them (I may or may not have done this before…).
Step 5: Serve Immediately & Enjoy
Pull the fries out and eat them ASAP. Sweet potato fries are at their peak fresh out of the air fryer. If you let them sit, they will start to soften (not the worst thing, but not ideal).
Storage Options:
- Fridge: Leftovers? Pop them in an airtight container and store them for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: If you want to freeze uncooked fries, just toss them in oil and freeze in a single layer before bagging them up. Cook straight from frozen!
- Reheating: Air fry at 350°F for 3-5 minutes to get that crisp back. Microwaving? Not recommended unless you like sad, floppy fries.
Variations and Substitutions:
- Spicy fries: Add smoked paprika, cayenne, or chili powder for a little heat.
- Garlic parmesan fries: Toss with garlic powder and grated parmesan right after cooking.
- Sweet & salty fries: A sprinkle of cinnamon and sea salt is surprisingly good.
- No avocado oil? Use olive, canola, or coconut oil for a slightly different flavor.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries?
These fries are amazing on their own, but if you want to get fancy:
- Burgers & sandwiches – Because fries and burgers belong together.
- Grilled meats – Perfect with chicken, steak, or salmon.
- Salads – Sounds weird, but crispy sweet potato fries on a salad? Trust me, it works.
- Dipping sauces – Ketchup’s fine, but try chipotle mayo, honey mustard, or even garlic aioli.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Why aren’t my fries crispy?
You probably overcrowded the basket. Give them space to breathe! Also, shake the basket while cooking.
Do I need to soak the sweet potatoes first?
Nope! Regular potatoes need soaking to remove starch, but sweet potatoes don’t have as much, so you can skip this step.
Can I leave the skin on?
Totally! Just give them a good scrub first. The skin adds extra texture and nutrients.
If you’ve been struggling to get crispy, golden, air fryer sweet potato fries, this recipe is your new best friend. They’re easy, foolproof, and dangerously addictive.
Try them out and tell me—are you team sweet potato fries, or do regular fries still have your heart? Either way, I won’t judge… much.
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
Ingredients
- 3 large sweet potatoes – peeled and cut into ¼-inch thick fries
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil or another high-smoke-point oil such as olive or canola oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Begin by preheating the air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for approximately 5 minutes. This step ensures even cooking and enhances crispiness.
Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:
- Peel the sweet potatoes and slice them into uniform ¼-inch thick fries to promote even cooking. If preferred, the skin may be left intact for additional texture and nutrients.
Season the Fries:
- Transfer the sliced sweet potatoes to a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of avocado oil and toss to coat evenly. Add salt and black pepper, then mix thoroughly to ensure every fry is well-seasoned.
Arrange the Fries in the Air Fryer:
- Place the seasoned fries in the air fryer basket in a single layer to allow proper air circulation. If necessary, cook in batches to prevent overcrowding, as this ensures crispier results.
Cook the Fries:
- Set the air fryer to 380°F (193°C) and cook for 18-20 minutes, shaking the basket every 5-7 minutes to promote even crisping. The fries should develop a golden-brown exterior while remaining tender inside.
Serve Immediately:
- Once cooked, remove the fries from the air fryer and serve promptly for optimal texture and flavor. Optionally, garnish with additional seasoning or fresh herbs as desired.
