With golden, crispy edges and a tender interior, these Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges are an easy, healthier alternative to fries. Ready in under 20 minutes with simple pantry ingredients, they make a reliable everyday side dish that pairs with many meals.
These jewel-toned wedges deliver a satisfying contrast of crunchy exterior and light, fluffy center. A savory seasoning blend of nutritional yeast, garlic powder, and smoked paprika enhances the sweet potatoes, while the air fryer uses hot circulating air to create a deep-fried texture with very little oil (just 1 ½ tablespoons). The result is a flavorful, wholesome side you’ll feel good serving any night of the week.
Ingredients
Sweet potatoes: Choose tubers with smooth skin that feel heavy for their size. Leave the skin on or peel, then slice into evenly sized wedges for uniform cooking.
Oil: Olive or avocado oil work best for flavor, but canola or grapeseed are fine. Use a good-quality oil for the best results.
Nutritional yeast: This vegan pantry staple adds a nutty, cheesy note that balances the potatoes’ sweetness.
Seasonings: Garlic powder adds depth, smoked paprika brings warmth and smokiness, and salt and pepper balance the flavors.
How to Air Fry Sweet Potato Wedges
- Preheat: Heat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes.
- Slice the sweet potatoes: Cut each sweet potato in half lengthwise, place the cut side down, and slice at an angle to make wedges. Aim for uniform thickness so wedges cook evenly; the times below assume roughly 1/4-inch slices.
- Season: In a large bowl, toss the wedges with 1 1/2 tablespoons oil, 2 tsp nutritional yeast, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until evenly coated.
- Arrange in the air fryer: Spread the wedges in a single layer in the air fryer basket. They can touch but should not overlap to avoid steaming and sogginess.
- Air fry: Cook at 375°F for about 10 minutes, then check for doneness. Wedges are ready when fork-tender with crispy edges. If needed, air fry 2–5 minutes longer depending on thickness and desired crispness.
- Finish and serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with minced fresh parsley or cilantro and serve hot. A gochujang aioli or your favorite ketchup makes a great dip.
Recipe Pro-Tips
- Preheat the air fryer: A hot basket promotes even roasting and crisp edges. Preheat for about 5 minutes unless your model advises otherwise.
- Cut wedges evenly: Uniform pieces cook at the same rate, avoiding undercooked centers or burned edges.
- Turn or shake if needed: If wedges look unevenly browned, gently shake or flip them after the first 10 minutes to prevent hot spots.
- Adjust cook time: Thicker wedges need more time; thinner wedges cook faster. Expect 10–15 minutes total at 375°F depending on thickness and crispiness preference.
Recipe Variations
Change the seasoning to match your meal:
- Sweet and spicy: Use ground cinnamon, a pinch of cayenne, and 1 tsp cane sugar in place of nutritional yeast and paprika for a sweet heat that pairs well with barbecue.
- Herbal: Add 1/2 tsp each dried thyme and rosemary with the garlic powder and nutritional yeast for a fragrant, savory option.
- Cumin-chili: Use 1 tsp cumin and 1 tsp chili powder plus 1/2 tsp garlic powder and a pinch of paprika for smoky, citrusy notes that complement tacos and bold mains.
Storage Directions
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freeze: Cool completely, then freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: For best texture, reheat in a preheated air fryer at 375°F for 3–5 minutes until heated and crisped.
Frequently Asked Questions
Soaking is optional. A cold water soak for 30–60 minutes can remove excess starch and yield extra-crispy wedges, but it’s not required. If you soak them, dry the wedges thoroughly before seasoning.
Sogginess usually comes from overlapping pieces or excess moisture. Avoid stacking wedges in the basket and pat any wet wedges dry before seasoning.
At 375°F, expect about 10–15 minutes depending on wedge thickness and how crispy you want them.
More Vegan Air Fryer Recipes
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Crispy Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges
Ingredients
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, cut into wedges
- 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
- 2 tsp nutritional yeast
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt, plus more to taste
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Minced fresh parsley or cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F for 5 minutes.
- Toss the wedges in a large bowl with oil, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Spread the wedges in a single layer in the air fryer basket, avoiding overlap.
- Air fry at 375°F for about 10 minutes. Check for fork-tender centers and crispy edges; cook an additional 2–5 minutes if needed.
- Season to taste, garnish with minced parsley or cilantro, and serve hot with your favorite dip.
Notes
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers up to 5 days; freeze up to 3 months. Reheat in an air fryer at 375°F for 3–5 minutes for best crispness.
Nutrition
Calories: 304 kcal | Carbohydrates: 48 g | Protein: 5 g | Fat: 11 g | Fiber: 8 g
Vegan Gochujang Aioli
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup vegan mayo
- 1 tbsp gochujang paste
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp agave or cane sugar
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a food processor and blend until smooth.
- Taste and adjust seasoning or gochujang level as desired. Store in the refrigerator for up to one week.