The best air fryer sweet potato fries are crispy on the outside and tender inside, thanks to a simple, reliable method. Ready in under 30 minutes, they’re an ideal side for everything from veggie burgers to vegan nuggets.
The secret to crisp, healthy homemade sweet potato fries is the air fryer. While oven-roasted fries can be good, it’s easier to achieve restaurant-style crispness with an air fryer. After experimenting, I landed on a dependable recipe that uses just a tablespoon of oil and a couple of small tricks for extra crunch.
These fries come out hot and golden with melt-in-your-mouth centers. For the crispiest results, soak the cut potatoes for 10 minutes to remove excess starch, pat them very dry, then toss lightly in cornstarch before air frying. Cornstarch is optional but highly recommended — it creates a light, crisp crust without extra effort.
Ingredients
Sweet potatoes: Use about 1 lb of garnet or jewel sweet potatoes with firm skin and deep orange flesh. Trim, peel, and cut into fries.
Avocado oil: Preferred for its high smoke point. Coconut oil can work; avoid using extra-virgin olive oil at high heat.
Cornstarch: Creates a light, crispy coating. Potato starch or arrowroot are acceptable swaps.
Kosher salt: To balance sweetness. Sea salt or flaky finishing salt also work well.
How to Make Sweet Potato Fries in the Air Fryer
- Prepare: Peel and slice sweet potatoes into 1/4-inch-thick fries.
- Soak: Place the fries in a bowl, cover with cold water, and soak for 10 minutes to remove excess starch.
- Preheat: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (204°C) for about 5 minutes while the fries soak.
- Dry: Drain the fries and thoroughly pat them dry with a clean towel — moisture prevents crisping.
- Oil: Transfer the dry fries to a bowl, drizzle with 1 tbsp avocado oil, and toss to coat evenly.
- Cornstarch & season: Sprinkle 1/2 tbsp cornstarch over the fries and toss until evenly coated. Add 1 tsp kosher salt and any optional spices, then toss again.
- Arrange: Place the fries in the air fryer basket or tray in a single even layer without overcrowding. Depending on your air fryer, cook in batches if necessary.
- Air fry: Cook at 400°F for about 10 minutes, then check. If you want extra crispness, add up to 2 more minutes. Fries should be golden and tender inside. Let rest a couple of minutes before serving with your favorite dip.
Recipe Pro Tips
- Always soak: Soaking removes starch and improves crispness. Ten minutes is sufficient.
- Dry thoroughly: Any surface moisture will cause steaming instead of crisping, so pat fries very dry.
- Preheat the air fryer: A consistently high starting temperature helps fries brown evenly and stay crisp.
- Cook in batches: Avoid overcrowding the basket; air circulation is essential for crisp results.
- Shake or flip: Gently shake or turn fries once or twice during cooking to ensure even browning.
Seasoning Variations
Salt alone is delicious, but you can add 1/2–1 teaspoon of any of these with the cornstarch for different flavor profiles:
- Za’atar — a savory, herby Mediterranean blend.
- Creole seasoning — smoky and mildly spicy for a soul-food twist.
- Italian seasoning — herbs and garlic balance the sweetness nicely.
- Pantry spices — garlic powder, cinnamon, chili powder, smoked paprika, or cumin add bold flavor without fuss.
Serving Suggestions & Dips
Let the fries cool a couple of minutes and serve them as a versatile side. They pair well with sliders, salads, and sandwiches. Try them with your favorite dips such as BBQ sauce, vegan Caesar, miso tahini, ranch, garlic aioli, sriracha, or an avocado-based dressing.
Storage Directions
- Refrigerate: After cooling to room temperature, store fries in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Re-crisp them in a preheated air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 2–5 minutes until hot and lightly crisp.
Frequently Asked Questions
After soaking and drying, air fry at 400°F for about 10–12 minutes, checking at 10 minutes and adding time if you prefer more color and crispiness.
Yes. Increase ingredients as needed but cook in multiple batches so the fries don’t overcrowd the air fryer.
More Sweet Potato Recipes
- Sweet potato soup
- Red lentil curry with sweet potatoes
- Vegan sweet potato biscuits
- Chili lime glazed sweet potatoes
- Sweet potato and Brussels sprout gratin
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
Equipment
- Air fryer
Ingredients
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
- 1 lb sweet potatoes
- 1 tbsp avocado oil (or another high smoke point oil)
- 1/2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp kosher salt
Optional Seasonings
- 1/2–1 tsp seasoning of choice (smoked paprika, cinnamon, za’atar, creole, jerk, Italian seasoning, etc.)
Instructions
- Peel and slice the sweet potatoes into roughly 1/4-inch-thick fries.
- Soak the slices in cold water for 10 minutes, then drain.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (204°C) for 5 minutes while the fries soak.
- Pat the fries very dry with a clean towel.
- Toss the fries with oil in a dry bowl to coat.
- Sprinkle cornstarch over the fries and toss until evenly coated. Add salt and any optional spices and toss again.
- Arrange fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket without crowding. Cook in batches if needed.
- Air fry for about 10 minutes, check, and add up to 2 more minutes for extra crispness. Let cool a couple of minutes before serving.
Notes
Storage: Store cooled fries in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 3 days.
Reheat: Reheat in a preheated air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 2–5 minutes until hot and lightly crisp.
Pro tips: Soak, dry thoroughly, preheat the air fryer, avoid overcrowding, and shake or flip fries once or twice while cooking for the best results.
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 49 g |
Protein: 4 g |
Fat: 7 g |
Sodium: 1288 mg |
Fiber: 8 g