Save to Pinterest These golden sweet potato fries deliver perfect crunch outside and tender inside. The air fryer creates that crave-worthy crispy texture while using minimal oil. A simple coating of smoked paprika, garlic, and cornstarch ensures every fry seasons evenly and cooks to golden perfection. Ready in under 30 minutes, they make an ideal side for burgers, sandwiches, or as a satisfying snack on their own.
The air fryer changed everything about how I make sweet potato fries at home. My first attempt years ago resulted in soggy, disappointing sticks that went straight into the compost. Now that I have cracked the code, these crispy fries have become a regular request from my family, especially on movie nights when everyone wants something crunchy without the guilt of deep frying.
Last Sunday, I made a triple batch for a gathering of friends who swore they did not like sweet potatoes. By the end of the night, the platter was empty and two people had already texted me for the recipe. There is something genuinely magical about watching skeptical faces light up after that first perfectly crispy bite.
Ingredients
- Sweet Potatoes: Two large ones, about 700 grams total, work perfectly for four generous servings. Peeling them ensures even browning and that restaurant style crunch.
- Olive Oil: Two tablespoons helps the seasoning stick and promotes even crisping without weighing down the fries.
- Cornstarch: This one teaspoon is the secret weapon that creates a light, crispy coating and absorbs excess moisture.
- Smoked Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky depth that pairs beautifully with the natural sweetness of the potatoes.
- Garlic Powder: Half a teaspoon provides savory notes that balance the sweetness.
- Sea Salt and Black Pepper: Classic seasoning that enhances all the other flavors without overpowering them.
Instructions
- Prep the potatoes:
- Cut the sweet potatoes into even 1/4 inch thick fries for uniform cooking. Uneven pieces mean some burn while others stay soft.
- Soak for crunch:
- Place fries in a large bowl covered with cold water for 30 minutes to remove excess starch. Drain and pat completely dry with paper towels.
- Season well:
- Toss the dried fries with olive oil until coated. Sprinkle with cornstarch and spices, tossing until every piece is evenly dusted.
- Preheat and arrange:
- Preheat the air fryer to 200°C (400°F) for 3 minutes. Arrange fries in a single layer, working in batches if needed.
- Cook to perfection:
- Air fry for 15 to 18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. The fries should be golden and crispy when done.
- Serve immediately:
- Season with extra salt if desired and serve hot while they are at their crispiest.
Save to Pinterest These fries have become my go to when I need a crowd pleasing side that feels indulgent but is actually quite wholesome. My youngest nephew now requests them every time he visits, and I happily oblige because they are so simple to throw together.
Making Them Ahead
You can cut and soak the fries up to 24 hours in advance, storing them in the refrigerator covered with water. Just pat them thoroughly dry before seasoning and cooking. This prep ahead trick makes serving them to guests incredibly stress free.
Dipping Sauces That Work
While these fries are delicious on their own, the right dip elevates them to something special. I keep a few favorites ready because everyone seems to have their own preference.
Storage and Reheating
Leftovers rarely happen in my house, but if you have extra, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To recrisp, pop them back in the air fryer at 200°C for a few minutes until hot and crunchy again.
- Avoid microwaving leftover fries as they will become soft and limp
- Freezing cooked fries is not recommended since texture suffers significantly
- For meal prep, cut and season the raw fries, then freeze before cooking
Save to Pinterest These sweet potato fries have earned a permanent spot in my regular rotation because they hit that perfect balance between comfort food and something I can feel good about serving. Once you try them this way, there is no going back to the oven baked version.
Your Recipe Questions
- → Why soak sweet potatoes before air frying?
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Soaking removes excess starch from the surface, allowing the fries to crisp up better in the air fryer. This extra step takes just 30 minutes and makes a noticeable difference in texture.
- → What does cornstarch do for sweet potato fries?
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Cornstarch creates a light coating that helps achieve maximum crispiness. It absorbs moisture and forms a delicate crust when air fried, giving that restaurant-quality crunch.
- → How do I prevent soggy sweet potato fries?
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Pat them thoroughly dry after soaking, coat evenly with oil, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, and shake halfway through cooking. These steps ensure proper air circulation and even crisping.
- → Can I make these without an air fryer?
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Yes, bake them at 425°F on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway. They may not be quite as crispy as air-fried but still delicious.
- → What seasonings work best with sweet potato fries?
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Smoked paprika and garlic powder create a savory base. Add cayenne for heat, cinnamon for sweetness, or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor boost.
