Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries Recipe
There’s a special kind of satisfaction that comes from pulling a tray of perfectly golden, crispy-edged sweet potato fries from the air fryer. The kitchen fills with a gorgeous, subtly sweet and savoury aroma, and you know you’ve created something truly wonderful with minimal fuss. Forget soggy, disappointing oven-baked attempts; the air fryer is a game-changer for achieving that ideal texture we all crave – a satisfyingly crisp exterior giving way to a soft, fluffy middle. This is my go-to recipe when I need something that feels like a treat but is straightforward to prepare.
This air fryer sweet potato fries recipe isn’t just about texture, though. We’re seasoning them with a simple but effective blend of smoked paprika, garlic powder, and just a touch of sea salt, which complements the natural sweetness of the potato without overpowering it. The result is a batch of fries that are addictively delicious, with a gentle smokiness and a savoury depth that makes them irresistible. They work beautifully as a side dish for burgers or grilled fish, but honestly, they’re so good I often find myself enjoying them on their own with a simple dipping sauce.
Whether you’re looking for a healthier alternative to deep-fried chips, a tasty side for a weeknight dinner, or a simple snack that always gets compliments, this recipe delivers. It’s one of those dishes that everyone seems to love, from the youngest and fussiest eaters in my family to friends we have over for a casual meal. Let’s get that air fryer fired up and make some of the best sweet potato fries you’ve ever had.
Recipe Overview
This recipe focuses on achieving the best possible texture for sweet potato fries using an air fryer. The key is in the preparation: cutting the fries evenly, giving them a light coating of cornflour, and not overcrowding the basket. The flavour profile is a lovely balance of sweet and savoury, with a smoky undertone from the paprika. After testing this countless times, I found that preheating the air fryer is non-negotiable for that initial sizzle that helps create a crispy crust.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 2-3 people
- Difficulty: Easy
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries Recipe
- Genuine Flavour: The natural, earthy sweetness of the potatoes is the star here. It’s perfectly enhanced by the smoky warmth of the paprika and the savoury notes of garlic powder, creating a wonderfully balanced and moreish flavour.
- Ready in Under 30 Minutes: From peeling the potatoes to pulling the hot, crispy fries out of the basket, the whole process comes together in about 25 minutes, making it ideal for a quick weeknight side dish.
- Flexible Recipe: You can easily change the seasoning to suit your mood. Try adding a pinch of cayenne for heat, some dried oregano for a herby twist, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon for a warmer, sweeter profile.
- Great for Casual Dinners: These fries are a brilliant accompaniment to so many meals. We love them with our Smoked Beef Sandwiches Lunch or a simple grilled chicken breast. They elevate a simple meal into something a bit more special.
- Family Tested: My kids, who are usually fussy about vegetables, actually ask for these by name. It’s a fantastic way to get them to enjoy a nutrient-packed vegetable without any complaints!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is its short and simple ingredient list. I always recommend using a good quality, flaky sea salt, like Maldon, as the larger crystals add a little extra textural crunch at the end. For the oil, any neutral-flavoured oil with a high smoke point will work well.
- 600g sweet potatoes (about 2 medium-sized), peeled
- 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 tbsp cornflour
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp fine sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Flaky sea salt, for serving (optional)
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped, for garnish (optional)
Kira’s Tip: Look for sweet potatoes that are firm, with smooth skin and no soft spots. The varieties with reddish-brown skin and deep orange flesh, like the Jewel or Garnet, tend to have a moister texture which works wonderfully in the air fryer.
How to Make Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
The process is very straightforward. The most important steps are cutting the fries to a uniform size for even cooking and ensuring they are well-coated but not drenched in oil. Let’s walk through it together.
- Preheat Your Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 200°C (180°C fan) and let it preheat for at least 3-5 minutes. This is a crucial step for getting the fries crispy from the moment they go in.
- Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: While the air fryer is preheating, peel your sweet potatoes. Cut them into long, even-sized batons, about 1cm thick. Try to make them as uniform as possible – this ensures they all cook at the same rate.
- Soak and Dry (Optional but Recommended): For extra crispiness, place the cut fries into a large bowl of cold water and let them soak for at least 30 minutes. This removes excess starch. Afterwards, it’s absolutely vital to dry them thoroughly. I lay them on a clean tea towel and pat them completely dry with another. Any moisture left will cause them to steam instead of fry.
- Season the Fries: Place the dry sweet potato fries into a large, dry bowl. In a separate small bowl, mix together the cornflour, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the Fries: First, drizzle the olive oil over the fries and toss well to coat them evenly. Then, sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the oiled fries. Toss again until every fry is lightly and evenly coated. I find using my hands is the best way to ensure everything is well-distributed.
- Air Fry in Batches: Place the seasoned fries in the preheated air fryer basket in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the basket! You may need to cook in two batches depending on the size of your air fryer. Overcrowding will steam the fries and they won’t get crispy.
- Cook to Perfection: Air fry for 12-15 minutes, giving the basket a good shake halfway through the cooking time (around the 7-minute mark). This helps them cook and brown evenly.
- Check for Doneness: The fries are ready when they are golden brown, slightly crisped at the edges, and tender on the inside. Cooking time may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model and the thickness of your fries, so keep an eye on them during the last few minutes.
- Serve Immediately: Transfer the hot fries to a serving bowl, sprinkle with a little extra flaky sea salt and some fresh parsley if you wish, and serve straight away with your favourite dipping sauce.
Tips From My Kitchen
- Uniform Cuts are Key: The most common reason for unevenly cooked fries is inconsistent sizing. Taking an extra minute to cut your batons to a similar thickness (around 1cm) makes a huge difference to the final result.
- The Cornflour Secret: I learned that adding just a tablespoon of cornflour creates an incredibly light, crispy coating that you just can’t get with oil alone. It absorbs any residual surface moisture and helps form a delicate crust. Don’t skip this step!
- Make-Ahead Prep: You can peel and cut the sweet potatoes a day in advance. Submerge them completely in a bowl of cold water and store them in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, just drain and dry them very, very well before seasoning and air frying.
- Storage and Reheating: Leftover fries can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They will lose their crispness, but you can revive them beautifully by reheating them in the air fryer at 190°C for 3-5 minutes until hot and crisp again.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the Basket: This is the number one mistake. An air fryer works by circulating hot air around the food. If you pile the fries on top of each other, the air can’t circulate, and you’ll end up with soggy, steamed potatoes. Cook in a single layer, even if it means doing two batches. It’s worth the extra time.
- Not Drying the Potatoes Properly: After washing or soaking, any water left on the surface of the fries will turn to steam in the hot air fryer. Steam is the enemy of crispiness! Pat them completely dry with a tea towel or kitchen paper before you add the oil and seasoning.
- Skipping the Preheat: Putting the fries into a cold air fryer means they sit and slowly heat up, which can lead to a less crispy texture. A properly preheated air fryer gives them an immediate blast of heat, which starts the crisping process instantly.
Delicious Variations to Try
Once you’ve mastered the basic technique for this air fryer sweet potato fries recipe, it’s fun to experiment with different flavour profiles. Here are a few ideas we enjoy at home:
- Spicy & Lime: Add ¼ to ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper or chipotle powder to the seasoning mix. Once cooked, squeeze over the juice of half a lime and sprinkle with fresh coriander for a vibrant, zesty kick.
- Herby Parmesan: Omit the paprika and instead use 1 teaspoon of dried Italian herbs (like oregano and thyme) in the seasoning mix. After air frying, while the fries are still hot, toss them with 2 tablespoons of finely grated Parmesan cheese. The cheese will melt slightly onto the fries, creating a delicious savoury crust.
- Cinnamon Sugar: For a sweeter take that works wonderfully for a snack or dessert, omit the savoury spices. Instead, toss the oiled fries with 1 tablespoon of brown sugar and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon before air frying. Serve with a yoghurt or cream cheese dip.
What to Serve With Your Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
These versatile fries pair beautifully with so many main dishes. They are a fantastic alternative to regular potato fries and can elevate any meal.
- Burgers and Sandwiches: The classic pairing! They are fantastic alongside a juicy homemade burger or my Meatloaf With Stove Top Stuffing Recipe served in a sandwich the next day.
- Grilled Fish or Chicken: The sweetness of the fries provides a lovely contrast to simple, savoury proteins. Try them with this Grilled Salmon With Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe for a balanced and flavourful meal.
- Dipping Sauces: A good dip is essential! We love a simple aioli (mayonnaise mixed with crushed garlic and a squeeze of lemon juice), a spicy sriracha mayo, or a cool, refreshing avocado and lime crema.
- Drink Pairing: A crisp, cold lager or a pale ale cuts through the richness nicely. For a non-alcoholic option, a sharp, sparkling lemonade or a classic iced tea works wonderfully.
Frequently Asked Questions
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat Your Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 200°C (180°C fan) and let it preheat for at least 3-5 minutes. This is a crucial step for getting the fries crispy from the moment they go in.
- Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: While the air fryer is preheating, peel your sweet potatoes. Cut them into long, even-sized batons, about 1cm thick. Try to make them as uniform as possible – this ensures they all cook at the same rate.
- Soak and Dry (Optional but Recommended): For extra crispiness, place the cut fries into a large bowl of cold water and let them soak for at least 30 minutes. This removes excess starch. Afterwards, it's absolutely vital to dry them thoroughly. I lay them on a clean tea towel and pat them completely dry with another. Any moisture left will cause them to steam instead of fry.
- Season the Fries: Place the dry sweet potato fries into a large, dry bowl. In a separate small bowl, mix together the cornflour, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the Fries: First, drizzle the olive oil over the fries and toss well to coat them evenly. Then, sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the oiled fries. Toss again until every fry is lightly and evenly coated. I find using my hands is the best way to ensure everything is well-distributed.
- Air Fry in Batches: Place the seasoned fries in the preheated air fryer basket in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the basket! You may need to cook in two batches depending on the size of your air fryer. Overcrowding will steam the fries and they won't get crispy.
- Cook to Perfection: Air fry for 12-15 minutes, giving the basket a good shake halfway through the cooking time (around the 7-minute mark). This helps them cook and brown evenly.
- Check for Doneness: The fries are ready when they are golden brown, slightly crisped at the edges, and tender on the inside. Cooking time may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model and the thickness of your fries, so keep an eye on them during the last few minutes.
- Serve Immediately: Transfer the hot fries to a serving bowl, sprinkle with a little extra flaky sea salt and some fresh parsley if you wish, and serve straight away with your favourite dipping sauce.
Notes
I really hope you enjoy making this air fryer sweet potato fries recipe. It’s such a simple way to create a side dish or snack that feels genuinely special and is always a hit in our house. Friends always ask me for this recipe after trying it! I’d love to hear how you get on, so please feel free to leave a comment below and let me know what you think. Happy cooking!
