Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries Recipe

Active Time:

15 mins

Total Time:

45 mins

Servings:

4

It's no surprise that an air fryer would make crisp sweet potato fries with less mess and fewer calories and grams of fat. This simple recipe for Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries (which will also work with white potatoes) makes four generous servings out of two medium-sized sweet potatoes, just one tablespoon of olive oil, and salt. While regular kosher salt will work just fine, flaky salt adds an extra crunch that makes the fries a little more special.

The secret to air fryer fries that are light and crunchy (and not soggy) is to preheat the fryer basket at 400°F for five minutes before adding the oil-coated potato sticks in a single layer. The basket should be nice and hot when the potatoes go into it.

Air fryers vary in size, so you may have to fry the potatoes in batches so that the basket isn't too crowded, which can also cause sogginess. They need a bit of space so that the air can circulate for crisp exteriors and tender centers.

Give the potatoes a stir about halfway through cooking so they brown evenly. Serve with plenty of ketchup, or for something different, stir a little curry powder into mayonnaise to make a dipping sauce. The spices taste great with the sweet potatoes.

Why You Should Be Using Your Air Fryer for Fries

While oven methods for French fries may also provide a crisp result, it's hard to achieve that evenly crisp, fried texture that rivals deep-fried versions. Air fryers rely on convection heating, meaning rapid circulation of air that heats foods quickly on the exterior for a crisp outside and soft, tender middle; perfect for French fries.

Air fryers have the benefit of quick cooking without turning on an oven, or heating a bunch of oil you'll have to discard after using. Air-frying is also a lot healthier than deep frying, and just as delicious.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries

This crispy sweet potato fry recipe serves four, and all you need is two sweet potatoes, one tablespoon olive oil, salt, and cooking spray.

Feel free to toss the fries with minced herbs, Parmesan, or a mix of spices after cooking for your own signature touch.

How To Make Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries

Full instructions are below, but here's a brief recap before you get started:

Step 1. Prepare air fryer: Preheat air fryer at 400°F for 5 minutes.
Step 2. Toss potatoes with oil: Toss sweet potatoes with oil and salt.
Step 3. Cook fries: Lightly coat basket with cooking spray. Cook fries in a single layer, in batches, until crisp, 12 to 14 minutes, flipping halfway through. Serve hot sprinkled with additional salt.

What To Serve With Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries

Serve these sweet potato fries cooked in an air fryer as a healthy side to hamburgers, black bean burgers, lamb burgers, quesadillas, crispy chicken, steak, sandwiches, and more.

Everyone knows fries are all about dipping. Whether you love ketchup, mayonnaise, or something more complicated, make sure you've got a delicious sauce served up on the side.

Storing Leftover Sweet Potato Fries

Refrigerate leftover fries in an airtight container for up to two days. Reheat in the air fryer until crisp and hot before serving.

More Air Fryer Side Dishes

Looking for more ways to get use out of your air fryer? Check out these side dishes for classics made easy:

Editorial contributions by Katie Rosenhouse.

Ingredients

2 medium-size sweet potatoes (about 10 oz. each), peeled and cut into 1/4-in.-thick sticks
1 Tbsp. olive oil
1/2 tsp. flaky sea salt, plus more for garnish
Cooking spray

Directions

Prepare air fryer:

Preheat an air fryer at 400°F for 5 minutes.
Toss potatoes with oil:

Toss together sweet potato sticks, oil, and salt in a large bowl until completely coated.
Cook fries:

Lightly coat basket with cooking spray. Place sweet potato sticks, in batches, in a single layer in prepared basket. Cook in preheated basket until browned and crispy, 12 to 14 minutes, flipping halfway through. Transfer fries to a plate, and sprinkle lightly with additional salt, if desired. Serve immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I soak my potatoes before air-frying?

While you can soak potatoes before frying to eliminate excess starch, any additional moisture left on the potatoes can inhibit a crispy result. There's no need to soak beforehand when using an air fryer.
Why are my air fryer fries soggy?

Make sure to air-fry potatoes in batches in an even layer so they have the chance to brown (and crisp up) evenly while cooking.
Why do my air fryer sweet potato fries turn black?

Sweet potatoes contain a higher concentration of sugar than standard potatoes, and caramelize as they cook in the air fryer. If you find the fries are darkening too quickly or deeply, cook at a lower temperature, or for a shorter period of time.
Should you toss fries in an air fryer during cooking?

We recommend flipping the fries halfway through cooking for even browning.