Crispy Air Fryer Sweet Potato

I discovered the magic of sweet potato fries in an air fryer on a Tuesday when I was trying to make something feel fancy without actually trying. The kitchen filled with this warm, caramelized smell that made my roommate come running from the other room asking what I was making. What started as a lazy weeknight experiment turned into something I now crave constantly—crispy on the outside, buttery soft inside, and ready in under 20 minutes.

I made these for friends who were skeptical about sweet potatoes, and watching them reach for a third helping was honestly more satisfying than any compliment. One person actually asked for the recipe mid-bite, which never happens at my dinner table.

Ingredients

• Sweet Potatoes: Use 2 large ones (about 600 g) and cut them into 1/4-inch batons—consistency here matters because thinner fries crisp faster while thicker ones stay creamy inside.
• Cornstarch: Just 1 teaspoon does something almost magical, creating texture that makes them crunchier than you'd expect from just oil alone.
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons coat everything without making them greasy if you're deliberate about the tossing.
• Smoked Paprika: 1 teaspoon brings a subtle warmth and color that regular paprika won't give you.
• Garlic Powder: 1/2 teaspoon keeps things savory without being overwhelming.
• Salt & Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon salt plus 1/4 teaspoon pepper—start here and taste at the end because salt levels change depending on your oil and how much you like things seasoned.

Instructions

Preheat and prep your basket:

Set your air fryer to 200°C (400°F) and let it run for 3 minutes while you finish cutting. This matters more than you'd think—a hot basket means immediate crisping instead of steaming.

Coat with cornstarch first:

Toss your fries in a bowl with just the cornstarch before adding anything else. It helps the starch distribute evenly and creates that textured exterior.

Add oil and seasonings:

Drizzle oil over the cornstarch-dusted fries and toss until they all glisten, then add your paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until every piece looks coated—uneven seasoning makes some bites disappointing.

Arrange in a single layer:

Spread them out in your basket without crowding, even if it means cooking in batches. Touching fries steam instead of crisp, and that's the difference between good and actually crispy.

Cook and shake halfway:

Cook for 15 to 18 minutes, and about 8 minutes in, open the basket and shake it around so everything browns evenly. You'll hear them moving around, which sounds like progress.

Finish and serve:

When they're golden and you can smell that caramelized sweetness, they're done. Taste one straight out—if you want more salt, sprinkle some on immediately while they're still warm, then serve right away.

Pin

The moment these became permanent in my rotation was when my picky nephew asked for seconds and then thirds without any negotiation. Something about air-fried fries being crispy enough to feel indulgent but actually vegetables made everyone happier.

The Seasoning Strategy

Smoked paprika is doing the heavy lifting here—it adds color and a subtle depth that makes these taste more interesting than they have any right to. If smoked paprika isn't your thing, swap it for chili powder for heat or even just skip it for a simpler roasted garlic flavor. The cornstarch is equally important because it creates surface texture without making them oily, which is harder to achieve in an air fryer than in a traditional deep fryer.

Making Ahead and Storing

These are best eaten immediately, but you can cut and soak them the night before—store them in cold water in the fridge and dry them thoroughly on a paper towel before seasoning and cooking. Reheating them in the air fryer for 3 to 5 minutes brings back the crispiness if you have leftovers, though in my house they rarely make it to the next day.

Serving and Pairing Ideas

Serve these as a side to literally anything or pile them on a plate as a snack with dipping sauces. They pair beautifully with burgers, grain bowls, or even just on their own with ketchup, aioli, or even a spicy mayo if you're feeling fancy. The sweetness of the potato works against rich proteins and bright salads alike.

• Try pairing them with a garlicky aioli mixed with a squeeze of lime for something special.
• Sprinkle them with flaky sea salt right out of the basket to make them feel elevated.
• Keep the dipping sauce simple so the fries' flavor stays the star.

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These air fryer sweet potato fries turned out to be the kind of thing I make over and over without thinking twice. They're simple enough for a weeknight but impressive enough to serve when people come over.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ How do I get the fries extra crispy?

Coat the fries evenly with cornstarch and avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure proper airflow and crispiness.

→ Can I substitute smoked paprika with another spice?

Yes, chili powder or cayenne pepper can be used instead to add a spicy kick.

→ Is it necessary to soak the fries before cooking?

Soaking cut fries in cold water for 30 minutes and drying them thoroughly can enhance crispness.

→ What dipping sauces pair well with these fries?

Ketchup, aioli, or your favorite dipping sauce complement these fries beautifully.

→ Can these fries be made gluten-free?

Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making these fries suitable for gluten-free diets.