Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries Recipe

There’s something so satisfying about homemade fries, especially when they’re sweet potato fries that come out perfectly crispy without frying in a pan full of oil. This Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries Recipe has quickly become one of my go-to snacks or sides because it’s unbelievably easy and healthier than traditional fries. If you’re someone like me who loves that crispy outside with a tender inside, you’ll enjoy these fries as much as I do!

What makes this recipe special is how simple the seasoning is — a little chili powder, cumin, sea salt, and pepper that give these fries just the right kick without overpowering the natural sweetness of the potatoes. Plus, using the air fryer means you get that golden, crunchy texture without the mess. Whether you’re craving a quick snack on a busy night or making them as a side for dinner, this Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries Recipe never disappoints.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries Recipe plays an important role — the spices balance sweetness, while the oil helps crisp the fries up perfectly. I like to pick sweet potatoes that are firm and smooth for the best texture.

• Sweet potato: Choose one that’s medium to large and firm for even cooking and perfect wedges.
• Chili powder: Adds a subtle smoky heat without overpowering the sweet potato’s flavor.
• Sea salt: Enhances the overall flavor and helps bring out the sweetness of the potato.
• Black pepper: Gives a little bite and complexity to the seasoning mix.
• Ground cumin: Introduces a warm earthiness that pairs beautifully with the chili powder.
• Olive oil: Helps the spices stick and gives the fries that crispy edge in the air fryer.
• Fresh parsley (optional): Adds a fresh, bright finish if you want a bit of color and herbal note on top.

Variations

One of the things I love most about this Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries Recipe is how easy it is to tweak based on your mood or pantry supplies. Don’t hesitate to play around with different spices or dipping sauces to find what makes this recipe truly your own.

• Spicy Kick: I sometimes add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a fiery twist — it’s fantastic if you like your fries with a little heat.
• Herb Lover’s Version: Mixing in dried rosemary or thyme is a lovely way to add fresh, earthy notes without changing the basic method.
• Garlic Flavor: Tossing the fries with garlic powder or fresh minced garlic before cooking turns them into a garlicky delight — just make sure not to burn the garlic by adding fresh after cooking!
• Vegan & Oil-Free: You can skip the olive oil if you want to lower fat content, but I recommend using a fine mist spray of cooking oil to help with crisping.
• Sweet Sprinkle: For a sweeter treat, sprinkle a little cinnamon and drizzle some maple syrup right after air frying — it’s like dessert fries!

How to Make Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Sweet Potato

Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F. While that warms up, wash and dry your sweet potato thoroughly. Cut it in half lengthwise, then cut each half into 4 equal wedges, so you have eight nice, even fries. Cutting them evenly is key to cooking them uniformly — you don’t want some fries burnt while others are still soft.

Step 2: Mix Your Spice Blend

Whisk together the chili powder, sea salt, black pepper, and ground cumin in a small bowl. This spice mix packs a punch of flavor that really elevates our Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries Recipe without being too heavy or complicated. I usually toss the wedges in this mixture evenly to make sure every bite is flavorful.

Step 3: Toss with Oil and Seasoning

Drizzle olive oil over the wedges and use tongs or your hands to toss the fries gently until the oil and spices cover them completely. This step is crucial — the oil helps the fries crisp up beautifully in the air fryer. Don’t skip it, or your fries might turn out a bit dry and chewy.

Step 4: Air Fry in Two Stages

Place the seasoned sweet potato wedges in the air fryer basket in a single layer without overcrowding — if your basket’s small, do this in batches. Cook at 350°F for 10 minutes, flip them gently, then cook for another 10 minutes or until they reach that perfect golden crispness you’re aiming for. Keep an eye on them towards the end so they don’t burn — air fryer models vary, so you might find your sweet spot at 18 minutes instead of 20.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once cooked, sprinkle with fresh parsley if you have it handy for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce — I love a good garlic aioli or even a tangy chipotle mayo. Enjoy!

How to Serve Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries Recipe

Garnishes

I love garnishing these fries with freshly chopped parsley — it adds that fresh, herbaceous note and a little color pop. Sometimes I sprinkle extra sea salt or a dash of smoked paprika right before serving for an extra layer of flavor.

Side Dishes

These fries pair so well with grilled chicken, burgers, or even a big, fresh salad. On casual nights, I often serve them with my favorite dipping sauces like garlic aioli, chipotle mayo, or a simple ketchup dip — they’re a crowd-pleaser every time.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings or fun weeknight dinners, I like to serve these fries in small baskets lined with parchment paper for a classic “fries joint” vibe. You can even sprinkle some shredded cheese and chopped scallions over them while still hot for a loaded fries twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (which rarely happens in my house!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. I find eating them within 2 days keeps the best texture.

Freezing

I’ve tried freezing cooked sweet potato fries before, but they tend to lose their crispness once thawed. So I recommend making fresh fries for best results, but if you must freeze, spread them on a baking sheet first to flash freeze before moving to a sealed bag.

Reheating

To reheat, pop the fries back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes to regain some crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it soggifies them quickly.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries Recipe is hands down one of my favorite quick bites that feels indulgent but is actually good for you. It’s become a staple in my kitchen, especially when I’m craving something crispy and flavorful without turning on the oven or stovetop for too long. I hope you enjoy making these as much as I do — once you try them, they might just become your new favorite way to enjoy sweet potatoes!

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