Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
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Air fryer sweet potato fries are one of my go to side dishes on busy weeknights, since they cook up perfectly without the mess of deep frying. I toss them in the air fryer basket while I finish the rest of dinner and they cook up quickly. My boys ask for these more than regular fries!
Making homemade sweet potato fries used to feel like more work than it was worth because I could never get them crispy. Once I started using the air fryer, everything changed. Now they’re one of our favorite sides because they cook while I finish the rest of dinner, and they disappear almost as soon as they hit the table.
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
The avocado aioli dipping sauce is amazing! I have some leftover and I cant wait to have it tomorrow.
–Jessica
Why This Recipe is a Family Favorite
You only need a handful of pantry staples to turn fresh sweet potatoes into a healthy side. Homemade sweet potato fries taste so much better than frozen! The air fryer gets the edges crispy with just a small amount of oil, so they’re a lighter option you can make any night of the week.
The recipe is also endlessly flexible. Serve them alongside burgers, sandwiches, or grilled chicken drumsticks. Season them simply or with your favorite seasoning blend, and pair with whatever dipping sauce your family likes best.
One big benefit is, sweet potato fries taste great with almost any meal, from casual burgers to a fancy air fryer filet mignon.
Happy Kitchen Secrets
Here are my important mom-tested cooking tips for making sweet potato fries in the air fryer! I’ve made this recipe countless times to save you from a failed attempt.
- Cut the fries into similar sized pieces so they all finish cooking at the same time.
- Leave a little space between the fries in the basket so the hot air can circulate and crisp them up. A crowded basket is the number one reason fries turn out soft instead of crispy.
- Start checking the thinner fries a few minutes early, since they’ll finish before the thicker ones.
Ingredients
You’ll want to add these ingredients to your grocery shopping list:
Learn how to cook anything in your air fryer with our free cook time chart!
Sweet potatoes become tender inside while crisping around the edges in the air fryer. I usually leave the skins on for a little extra nutrition (they’re packed with fiber!), but you can peel them if you prefer.
Olive oil helps the fries brown nicely, though avocado oil works just as well if that’s what you have on hand.
Salt and pepper keep things simple, but ranch seasoning, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and/or garlic powder are all easy ways to switch up the flavor.
How to Cook Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
For the full instructions, scroll or jump to the recipe card! ⬇️
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- Scrub the sweet potatoes well, then cut them into evenly sized fries. I like mine a little thinner for crispier fries, but keeping the pieces close in size is what helps them cook evenly.
- Season the fries with the oil, salt, and pepper until they’re evenly coated. Arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each one. As they’re cooking, shake the basket a few times so they all cook up golden brown.
- While the fries are in the air fryer, use your blender to make the aioli until it’s smooth and creamy. If anything sticks to the sides, scrape them down and blend again.
- Serve the warm sweet potato fries with the avocado aioli for dipping. They’re at their crispiest right out of the air fryer, so enjoy them while they’re still hot.
Make it kid friendly: Set out a few dipping sauces and let everyone choose their favorite. Giving kids a little say in their meal often makes them more excited to dig in.
Homemade Sweet Potato Fries Recipe FAQs
The basket is probably too crowded. Cook the fries in batches if needed so the hot air can circulate around each piece.
No. The skins become tender as they cook, so peeling is completely optional.
Yes. Slice them up to a day ahead and keep them submerged in cold water in the refrigerator. Dry them thoroughly before seasoning and air frying.
Store leftover sweet potato fries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For the best texture, reheat them in the air fryer at 375°F for 3 to 5 minutes, or until they're hot and crisp again. The oven works well too, but avoid the microwave if possible, since it will make the fries soft.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these alongside burgers, grilled chicken, pulled pork, or sandwiches. They're also delicious with big mac sauce, or your favorite dipping sauce.
After you make it, please leave a comment and star rating below to let me know how it went!
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 medium sweet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- cilantro leaves optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (176°C).
- Meanwhile, scrub your sweet potatoes well under running tap water. Use a sharp knife to slice 3 medium sweet potatoes into into 1/4-inch fries.
- Toss the fries in a large bowl with 2 tablespoons olive oil and season with ½ teaspoon sea salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper.
- Transfer the fries to the air fryer basket, being careful not to overcrowd it. Air fry for 25 minutes, turning the fries or shaking the basket every 7-10 minutes. Near the end, watch closely and remove any that are well done before they burn.
- Season the fries again lightly to taste and serve with a sprinkle of cilantro leaves if desired.
Notes
- If you'd like to bake the fries in the oven instead of air frying, see the FAQ section of this post for instructions.
The avocado aioli is amazing! I have some leftover and I cant wait to have it tomorrow.
Hi Jessica! That’s so great! I’m glad you enjoyed it. It’s my favorite part, too! -Laura