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Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries Recipe

There’s something so comforting about freshly made sweet potato fries—crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with just the right touch of spice. This Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries Recipe is exactly my go-to when I want a healthier alternative to traditional fries without losing any of that satisfying crunch. Plus, it’s easy enough to whip up on a busy weeknight or whenever you need a quick snack that feels special.

I love this recipe because it balances bold flavors with that natural sweetness of the potatoes, and the air fryer does all the heavy lifting to get them perfectly crispy with less oil. If you’ve been searching for a simple yet delicious Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries Recipe that you can customize to your taste, this one is definitely worth trying—it’s a game changer in my kitchen!

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Perfect Crispiness: The air fryer cooks the fries evenly, delivering that irresistible crunch without deep-frying.
  • Balanced Flavors: The blend of chili powder, cumin, and sea salt enhances the natural sweetness of the potatoes beautifully.
  • Quick and Easy: Minimal ingredients and simple steps make it ideal for quick snacks or side dishes anytime.
  • Healthier Alternative: Uses less oil but still packs flavor, making it a guilt-free treat you’ll want often.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries Recipe plays a crucial role, from seasoning to texture. Knowing why they matter not only helps you pick quality produce but also inspires confidence when you tweak the recipe.

  • Sweet Potato: Choose firm and unblemished sweet potatoes for the best texture and consistent cooking.
  • Chili Powder: Adds warmth and a subtle kick without overwhelming the natural sweetness.
  • Sea Salt: Enhances all the flavors and brings out the fries’ natural savoriness.
  • Black Pepper: Provides a mild heat to complement the chili powder’s earthiness.
  • Ground Cumin: Adds a smoky, deep flavor that makes these fries uniquely delicious.
  • Olive Oil: Helps the spices cling and ensures crispiness in the air fryer.
  • Fresh Parsley (optional): Offers a fresh, herby contrast that brightens up the dish before serving.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

What I love about this Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries Recipe is how easy it is to make your own by adjusting the spices or dipping sauces. Don’t hesitate to play around — that’s where the fun starts!

  • Spice it Up: When I’m in the mood for extra heat, I like to add a pinch of cayenne pepper. It gives the fries a delicious zing without overpowering them.
  • Herb Twist: Sometimes I swap out parsley for fresh rosemary or thyme—both add a lovely aroma and a different flavor profile.
  • Sweet Touch: If you want a sweeter finish, toss the fries with a sprinkle of cinnamon or drizzle a bit of honey right after cooking.
  • Dipping Sauces: Experiment with garlic aioli, spicy ketchup, or even a creamy yogurt dip — these change the experience entirely.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Sweet Potatoes

Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F, which ensures a hot environment for crispiness. Then carefully cut the sweet potato in half lengthwise and slice each half into 4 even wedges—aim for similar thickness so they cook uniformly. I find that using a sharp chef’s knife helps make clean cuts, which gives you that perfect fry shape.

Step 2: Season and Coat Evenly

In a small bowl, whisk together chili powder, sea salt, black pepper, and ground cumin. Lay your sweet potato wedges in a large bowl or baking dish, sprinkle the spice mix all over them, then pour olive oil on top. Using tongs or clean hands, toss everything until each wedge is coated evenly. This step makes a big difference—when the seasoning hugs every fry, you get that amazing flavor in every bite.

Step 3: Cook to Crispy Perfection

Place the wedges in the air fryer basket, making sure they’re in a single layer with some space between to allow hot air circulation. Cook them at 350°F for 10 minutes, then pause to flip each fry gently. Continue cooking for another 10 minutes or until they reach the level of crispiness you love. The flipping step is essential to get that golden texture on all sides without burning.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Once done, transfer the fries to a serving plate and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a bright finishing touch. Serve immediately with your favorite dips, snacks, or alongside your main dish. I usually have a little garlic mayo or spicy ketchup on hand—it elevates these fries to something truly crave-worthy!

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Pro Tips for Making Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries Recipe

  • Choose the Right Size Fries: Cutting your wedges evenly ensures they cook consistently and avoids some pieces being mushy while others burn.
  • Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Give each fry room to breathe in the air fryer for that perfect crispy texture all around.
  • Flip Halfway Through: Flipping fries at the 10-minute mark helps them brown evenly, so don’t skip this step.
  • Use Fresh Spices: Freshly ground black pepper and chili powder make a noticeable flavor difference compared to pre-ground or old spices.

How to Serve Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries Recipe

A close-up view shows a woman's hand with red nail polish dipping a long, orange-brown seasoned sweet potato fry into a small silver cup filled with bright red ketchup. Behind this, there is a white plate filled with more sweet potato fries, sprinkled with small green herb pieces. The background is a white marbled surface with scattered green herbs. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love sprinkling fresh parsley over these fries because it adds a pop of color and a fresh herbaceous note. Sometimes, I add a little squeeze of lime juice or sprinkle smoked paprika right before serving for an extra layer of flavor that keeps things exciting.

Side Dishes

These fries are fantastic alongside grilled chicken, juicy burgers, or even a light kale salad for a balanced meal. They also pair wonderfully with sandwiches or wraps when you want a crispy, flavorful side.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, I’ve served these fries in little paper cones at gatherings, making them super easy for friends to grab and enjoy. Another idea is to top them with crumbled feta or a drizzle of chipotle aioli for a party platter with a gourmet touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

When I have leftovers, I let the fries cool completely before placing them in an airtight container in the fridge. This helps preserve their texture a bit better. I recommend reheating within 1 to 2 days for the best results.

Freezing

I’ve tried freezing these, but sweet potato fries tend to lose some crispness in the freezer. If you do freeze them, lay the fries on a baking sheet in a single layer to flash freeze before storing in a freezer bag to prevent clumping.

Reheating

To bring back the crispiness, I pop leftover fries back into the air fryer at 350°F for about 5 minutes. This heats them through and crisps up the edges nicely, making them almost as good as freshly made.

FAQs

  1. Can I use frozen sweet potato fries for this air fryer recipe?

    Absolutely! If you’re short on time, frozen sweet potato fries are a convenient shortcut. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions and toss them with your favorite seasonings before air frying for extra flavor.

  2. How do I get my air fryer sweet potato fries extra crispy?

    The key is not overcrowding the basket and flipping the fries halfway through cooking. Also, using a light coating of oil helps achieve that crispy exterior without sogginess.

  3. Can I make this recipe spicy?

    For sure! Simply add cayenne pepper or smoked paprika along with the chili powder. You can adjust the amount based on how spicy you like it.

  4. Is air frying healthier than deep frying sweet potato fries?

    Yes, air frying uses significantly less oil, which reduces fat and calorie content while still producing a crunchy texture. It’s a great option for a healthier yet tasty treat.

  5. How long can I store leftover sweet potato fries?

    Stored properly in an airtight container in the fridge, the fries stay good for 1 to 2 days. For best taste and texture, reheat using the air fryer rather than a microwave.

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites for easy snacks and sides. It’s simple but feels indulgent—something you can make any day and still impress yourself or guests. If you haven’t tried air frying sweet potato fries yet, I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a go. With just a handful of ingredients and a few thoughtful steps, you’ll get fries that satisfy every crunchy craving without the extra oil or fuss.

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Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.4 from 23 reviews
  • Author: Sarah
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Crispy and flavorful Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries seasoned with chili powder, cumin, and fresh parsley for a delicious and healthy side dish or snack.


Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 medium to large sweet potato
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and allow it to preheat for a few minutes to ensure even cooking.
  2. Prepare the sweet potatoes: Cut the sweet potato in half lengthwise, then cut each half into 4 equal wedges, yielding 8 wedges in total.
  3. Mix the spices: In a small bowl, whisk together chili powder, sea salt, black pepper, and ground cumin until evenly combined.
  4. Season the wedges: Sprinkle the spice mixture over the sweet potato wedges, then drizzle olive oil over them. Use tongs to toss and coat all wedges evenly with oil and spices.
  5. Cook the fries: Place the wedges in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 10 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit, then flip the wedges and cook for an additional 10 minutes or until they reach your desired crispness.
  6. Garnish and serve: Remove the fries from the air fryer, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve immediately with your favorite sauces or dips.

Notes

  • Use a medium to large sweet potato for even cooking and consistent wedge sizes.
  • If you prefer crispier fries, cook for an extra 2-3 minutes, checking frequently to avoid burning.
  • You can substitute olive oil with avocado oil or another neutral oil if preferred.
  • Try adding other spices like smoked paprika or garlic powder for extra flavor variation.
  • Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow proper airflow and crispiness.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 180 kcal
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 300 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg

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