A Sweet Potato Surprise That’s Perfect Every Time
I have made a lot of sweet potato fries in my life, the soggy kind, the greasy kind, the kind that never quite crisp up no matter how long you leave them in the oven. Then I started making them in the air fryer, and I have not looked back since.
These come out crispy on the outside, tender in the middle, and seasoned just right, all without a pot of hot oil anywhere near my kitchen. I make a batch of these anytime I want something a little indulgent that still feels good to eat, and my family asks for them just as often as regular fries.
Pair them with my Spicy Dipping Sauce, and you have got a snack or side that disappears fast.
Enjoy!
Why the Air Fryer Wins Here
Sweet potato fries made in the air fryer use just a couple tablespoons of oil, so you get all the crispy, golden texture without a pot of hot oil on the stove. It is faster than deep frying, easier to clean up, and just as good for a family dinner as it is for game day snacking.
Donya’s Tips for Crispy Sweet Potato Fries
- Cut them close to the same size. Uneven fries cook unevenly, so aim for strips that are all about the same thickness.
- Give the basket a shake. Halfway through cooking, pull the basket out and give it a good shake so every fry gets crispy, not just the ones on top.
- Do not crowd the basket. A single layer with a little breathing room is what gets you crispy fries instead of steamed ones. Cook in batches if you need to.
- Season them again right out of the basket. A fresh sprinkle of seasoning, Parmesan, and parsley the moment they come out makes all the difference in flavor.
- Leave them a minute longer if you like extra crunch. An additional minute or two in the air fryer is all it takes for a crispier finish.
Ingredients You Need
- Sweet potatoes are the star here. Choose small to medium ones that are firm and free of blemishes for the best texture.
- Avocado oil coats the fries lightly so they crisp up without needing a deep fryer. Any neutral oil works if that is what you have on hand.
- House seasoning brings the flavor. If you do not have a batch made, garlic powder, cayenne, black pepper, and salt work just as well.
- Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley finish the fries the moment they come out of the basket, adding a little richness and color.
- For the dipping sauce, whisk together sour cream, house seasoning, and a few dashes of hot sauce into something you will want to put on everything, not just fries.
Do I Need To Peel The Sweet Potatoes?
Some people like to peel their sweet potatoes but this is totally up to personal preference. I’ve had them both ways and don’t find it necessary to peel the sweet potatoes.
How to Make Sweet Potato Fries In The Air Fryer
- Wash, dry, and cut the sweet potatoes into thin strips. Toss in oil and seasoning to coat the fries on a cutting board or mixing bowl. Place the potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 10 minutes.
- Halfway through, remove the basket and shake, then return to finish cooking until the fries are crispy.
- Remove them and finish with additional seasoning, parmesan, and parsley.
Getting the Time and Temp Right
| Step | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Air fry sweet potato fries | 370°F | 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through |
| For extra crispy fries | 370°F | Add 1 to 2 additional minutes |
More Air Fryer Recipes From My Table To Yours
Equipment
Ingredients
Sweet Potato Fries
- 2-3 medium size sweet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons avocado or other neutral cooking oil
- 2 tablespoons house seasoning
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Spicy Dipping Sauce
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2-3 tablespoons house seasoning
- 3-4 dashes hot sauce
Instructions
- Wash and pat dry sweet potatoes. Cut off the ends of potatoes and discard. Slice potatoes into slabs then cut into fries.
- Add potatoes to a medium-size bowl. Drizzle on oil, sprinkle with seasoning and toss to coat the sweet potatoes.
- Add 1 layer of cut potatoes to the basket of the air fryer. Be careful to not overcrowd so that the fries will cook properly. Set temperature to 370 degrees. Set timer to 10 minutes and press start. Halfway through cooking time, remove the basket and shake. Place the basket back in the air fryer and continue cooking. Check fries at the end of the cooking time. For crispier fries, add an additional 1 to 2 minutes.
- When fries are done, remove the basket, place fries on a serving platter, and sprinkle with additional seasoning, Parmesan cheese, and parsley.
- To make the dipping sauce, add sour cream, house seasoning, and hot sauce to a bowl. Whisk together until smooth. Cover and store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Video
Nutrition
What To Do With Leftover Fries
- Let the fries cool completely before storing to prevent sogginess from trapped steam.
- Place them in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag.
- If stacking multiple layers, separate them with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. Avoid freezing after air frying, as the texture tends to suffer and they become mushy when reheated.
Commonly Asked Questions
Absolutely! You can use russet potatoes or Yukon golds to make delicious air-fried potato wedges or fries. Just adjust the cooking time and seasonings according to your preference.
Cooking time varies based on the air fryer model. Generally, sweet potato fries take 15-20 mins at 400°F (200°C). Flip halfway for even cooking.
Store the fries in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer or oven until crisp and warmed through.
If you tried this Air Fryer Sweet Potato Recipe or any other recipe, please leave a star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. Thanks!
Want To Know More About Air Frying?
If you are new to cooking with an Air Fryer or just don’t know where to start, I’ve got something to help. I’ve put together a helpful guide with tips and recipes to get you using the Air Fryer like a pro!
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