Let’s get one thing straight: soggy sweet potato fries are not welcome here. I don’t play about crispiness, and I don’t skimp on seasoning either. This air fryer recipe slaps every time and gives you fries that are crunchy, well seasoned, and will keep you coming back for more. Sweet potato fries have a bad rep for being soft and bland, but not on my watch.
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This post was originally published on August 28, 2017. It has since been updated.
You will love these with my Southern Fried Chicken, Fried Pork Chops, or Marry Me Meatballs.
Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes Fries Ingredients
- Sweet Potatoes
- Cornstarch
- Paprika, Garlic Powder, Salt, and Pepper
- Olive Oil
How to Cut Sweet Potatoes into Fries
I like to use a fry cutter because it's quick and painless. This also helps get the fries at an even size, which is great for ensuring all of the fries cook evenly in the air fryer.
If using a fry cutter, you will need to soften the sweet potatoes in the microwave for a few minutes first.
If you don't use a fry cutter, rinse and peel the potatoes. Place the sweet potatoes on a cutting board, and slice off ¼ of an inch from each side. Roll the potato onto the flattest side. Slice the potatoes lengthwise into ½ inch planks. Cut each plank into fries ½ of an inch thick.
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
Detailed measurements and full instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Prep the sweet potatoes. Peel and slice the sweet potatoes into even-sized fries. Try to keep them close in size so they cook evenly.
- Soak. Add the sliced sweet potatoes to a bowl of cold water.
- Dry them well. Pat the fries with paper towels to remove excess moisture, this step is key for crispiness.
- Coat with cornstarch. Place the fries in a large bowl and sprinkle with cornstarch. Toss until they’re evenly coated; this creates that crunchy outside.
- Season. Add paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and olive oil. Toss again until every fry is coated in seasoning and oil.
- Air fry. Arrange the fries in a single layer (work in batches if needed so they aren’t crowded). Cook, shaking the basket halfway through, until the fries are crispy and golden.
- Taste and serve. Season with an extra pinch of salt if needed and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Crispy Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
Ingredients
- 2 large sweet potatoes peeled and cut lengthwise, mine weighed about a couple of pounds total
- 1 ½ tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
Fry Cutter Instructions
- I used a fry cutter to slice the sweet potatoes. This helped provide more evenly shaped fries which helps with even cook time.
- If you use a fry cutter, you will need to soften the potatoes first. They are too hard to cut when completely raw. The instructions on the cutter I used, said to microwave for 1 minute. I had to microwave them for 3-4 minutes to get them soft enough.
Air Fryer
- Place the sliced sweet potatoes in a large bowl with cold water. Allow the sweet potatoes to soak in the water for an hour.
- Remove the sweet potatoes from water and dry completely. Sprinkle the cornstarch throughout.
- Sprinkle in the paprika, garlic powder, salt and pepper.
- Place the fries in the air fryer basket and spray with olive oil. Do not overcrowd the basket. Cook in batches if necessary. If you see white spots of cornstarch on the fries, spray the area with olive oil.
- Adjust the temperature to 380 degrees and cook for 23-25 minutes. Set a timer for 10 minutes and stop and shake the basket at the 10-minute mark (once). Use your judgment. If you like crispy fries, cook them longer and be sure to check on them.
- Cool before serving.
Video
Notes
HOW TO CUT SWEET POTATOES INTO FRIES
I like to use a fry cutter because it’s quick and painless. This also helps get the fries at an even size, which is great for ensuring all of the fries cook evenly in the air fryer. If using a fry cutter, you will need to soften the sweet potatoes in the microwave for a few minutes first. If you don’t use a fry cutter, rinse and peel the potatoes. Place the sweet potatoes on a cutting board, and slice off ¼ of an inch from each side. Roll the potato onto the flattest side. Slice the potatoes lengthwise into ½ inch planks. Cut each plank into fries ½ of an inch thick.HOW TO COOK FROZEN FRIES
Frozen fries will follow a similar cook time and temperature. The trick is to check in on the fries often and test if they meet your desired level of crisp and crunch.
Nutrition (displayed with net carbs)
This recipe pairs so well with Low-Carb Garlic Truffle Aioli, Garlic Avocado Aioli, and Chipotle Mayo. It is pretty much exactly the same as my baked Healthy Sweet Potato Fries recipe. I cracked a code and found the perfect way to make sweet potato fries that are crispy AND crunchy using corn starch.
Frequently Asked Questions and Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries Recipe Tips
The first step is to soak the sweet potatoes in water to remove the excess starch from the potatoes. You should also coat them in cornstarch which will help get them crispy. Get more tips on How to Make Crispy Sweet Potato Fries here.
You will also need to spray oil on the fries. If you make the fries with no oil, it will be difficult to produce crispy fries.
Soaking isn’t required, but soaking the fries in cold water for 20–30 minutes can help remove excess starch and make them crispier. Just be sure to pat them dry completely afterward.
380–400°F is the sweet spot. This gives you crispy edges while keeping the inside soft and fluffy.
Typically 16-20 minutes, shaking halfway through. Cook time can vary depending on the thickness of your fries and your air fryer model.
That’s totally up to you! The skin adds texture and extra nutrients, but if you prefer a smoother fry, go ahead and peel them.
Yes! Just toss them straight into the air fryer, no oil or thawing needed. Cook at 400°F for 12–15 minutes, shaking halfway through.
They’re great with salt, pepper, and paprika, but you can get creative, try cinnamon and sugar for a sweet version or garlic and Cajun seasoning for savory.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F for 3–5 minutes to bring back the crispiness.
You can, but they won’t get as crispy. A small amount of oil helps with browning and flavor.
Try chipotle mayo, honey mustard, spicy ranch, or a cinnamon-maple yogurt dip for a little something different.
Air Fried Sweet Potato Fries Variations and Substitutions
Frozen fries will follow a similar cook time and temperature. The trick is to check in on the fries often and test if they meet your desired level of crisp and crunch.
I love to top sweet potato fries with olive oil, paprika, and garlic. You can also use butter and brown sugar.
More Air Fryer Fries and Potato Recipes
Homestyle Air Fryer French Fries
Air Fryer Potato Wedges
Air Fryer Truffle Oil Fries
Air Fryer Baked Sweet Potatoes
Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
Air Fryer Potato Chips
Sweet Potato Biscuits
Air Fryer Potato Skins
Popular Air Fryer Recipes
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More Sweet Potato Recipes
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Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes
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Healthy Southern Sweet Potato Pie
Sweet Potato Chili
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Sweet Potato Soup
myfriesarenotcrispy says
put in water to remove starch. then add starch. :~)
staysnatched says
Do you think the sweet potatoes are covered in the SAME starch you are adding? Do some research and come back.
Melissa says
These were so great for a delicious side dish. I had already cut my sweet potato into chunks before coming to Brandi for a recipe, but followed everything with shorter cook time for my smaller pieces. So tasty and easy.
staysnatched says
Wonderful! Glad you enjoyed these.
Ted says
Followed this recipe exactly and all of the fries on my air fryer’s top rack were burnt to a crisp when I checked on them at the 18-minute mark. Huge bummer.
staysnatched says
Interesting. I never cook anything for 18 minutes without checking in on it. Every air fryer cooks at varying speeds. If it's your first time making a dish, watch it.
Megan says
These were amazing! So crispy and great seasoning. I was out of cornstarch, so I used arrowroot flour. Never buying frozen sweet potato fries again!
staysnatched says
I’m so glad you enjoyed them!
Tami says
These fries are so delicious! I have made them for a couple years now. I have started adding rosemary otherwise follow it as written.
staysnatched says
Glad to hear it!
Bev says
I use frozen sweet potato fries and I always have trouble with them burning. How can I stop this from happening? Should I soak the frozen fries in water as well or just cook out of the bag?
staysnatched says
If they are burning, lower the temperature and keep trying from there.