5-Ingredient Crispy Sweet Potato Fries in the Air Fryer

It all began one busy evening after work. I wanted something salty, crunchy, and comforting but I didn’t want to deep-fry anything or wait forever for the oven.
That’s when my air fryer caught my eye, sitting proudly on the counter like a promise of golden crunch.

I opened the pantry, saw a few sweet potatoes, and decided to experiment. I remembered how I had recently used my Air Fryer Steak Temperature Chart to nail the perfect steak, so why not use the same precision and timing approach for fries?
That experiment turned into a revelation Crispy Sweet Potato Fries in the Air Fryer that rivaled any restaurant’s.

Why You’ll Love These Crispy Sweet Potato Fries

• Sweet potatoes already have a natural sweetness and creamy texture that make them ideal for crisping. When cooked right, they form that irresistible golden crust while staying soft inside.
• The secret isn’t just heat it’s balance. Using the right air fryer cooking temperature, proper soaking, and seasoning techniques turns a humble root vegetable into pure snack perfection.
• And unlike deep-fried versions, air fryer fries use minimal oil, which means you can enjoy them guilt-free. They’re also versatile

Looking for even more cozy, healthy ideas? Try these Best Frozen Chicken Wings or this dreamy Air Fryer Chicken.

SARAH

Crispy Sweet Potato Fries

These air fryer sweet potato fries are perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. A healthier alternative to deep frying, with all the flavor and crunch!

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 2 servings

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Calories: 200

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

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Main Ingredients

• 2 medium sweet potatoes peeled and cut into fries
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp salt or to taste

Equipment

• Air Fryer
• Large Bowl

Method

 

1. Peel sweet potatoes and cut into thin fries of even thickness.
2. Soak the fries in cold water for 30 minutes, then pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels.
3. In a large bowl, toss fries with cornstarch until evenly coated.
4. Add olive oil and salt to the fries, tossing until well coated.
5. Place fries in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes, shaking halfway through.
6. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

Nutrition

Calories: 200kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 2gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 300mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 4gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 19200IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 0.8mg

Notes

Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket or the fries won’t crisp up properly. Cook in batches if needed.

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Ingredients You’ll Need To make crispy sweet potato fries

• 2 pounds sweet potatoes (about 2 large or 3 medium)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch for that magic crispy coating
• ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Optional spices: garlic powder, black pepper, cayenne (for a kick!)

How to Make These crispy sweet potato fries

Step 1: Slice Like a Pro (or a Hungry Mom)

Peel your sweet potatoes and cut them into fries about ¼-inch thick. Not too thin (they’ll burn), not too thick (they won’t crisp). Think “Goldilocks,” but fries.

Step 2: Soak for That Perfect Crunch

Soak the fries in cold water for 30 minutes (if you have the time!). This draws out excess starch and gives you restaurant-level crispiness. Pat them very dry with a clean towel.

Step 3: Toss with the Good Stuff

In a large bowl, toss the fries with cornstarch first this helps that dreamy outer crisp. Then add olive oil (or skip for no-oil version) and your seasonings. Make it spicy, make it savory, make it yours.

Step 4: Air Fry to Perfection

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. Spread the fries in a single layer (no crowding, please!). Cook for 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway through. You may need to work in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.

Step 5: Serve & Devour

Once golden and crispy, hit them with a sprinkle of sea salt. Serve immediately with your favorite sauce.

Need inspiration? Check out this roundup of the The Best Air Fryer Chicken Wings Crispy & Zesty

. Spoiler: the chipotle-lime aioli is a total game-changer.

Understanding the Sweet Potato Fry Temperature Chart

Just like steak lovers rely on the Steak Temperature Chart, air fryer fans can follow a similar guide for consistent results.

See more temperature tips in our Air Fryer Cooking Times Guide.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Skipping the soak: It’s tempting to skip this step, but soaking removes starch that prevents crisping.
2. Overcrowding the basket: Air fryers need airflow. Cook in small batches for the best crunch.
3. Using too much oil: A light drizzle is enough too much will steam your fries.
4. Ignoring shake time: Halfway shaking ensures even texture and color.

From Fries to Feasts

After nailing these fries, I found myself using similar techniques to improve other air fryer recipes — from Cooking Stew Beef to Slow Cook Beef Stew experiments.
Understanding heat control, timing, and texture changed everything in my kitchen.

And just like learning Medium Rare Steak Temperature or Well Done Steak Temperature, it’s all about patience and precision.

Variations You’ll Love

• Sweet & Spicy: Add cayenne or chili powder for a kick.
• Parmesan Herb: Toss cooked fries with grated Parmesan and parsley.
• Cinnamon Sugar Dessert Fries: Skip salt, add cinnamon and brown sugar, and dip in vanilla yogurt.

The air fryer makes experimenting easy less mess, less oil, more flavor.

Storage & Reheating Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To reheat, pop them back into the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 3–4 minutes to revive their crispiness.
Avoid microwaving it softens the fries.

Final Thoughts: The Joy of Simplicity

When I think back to that first evening, I remember more than just fries.
It was the moment I realized that great food doesn’t have to be complicated. With a simple air fryer and a bit of attention to timing, you can create magic whether it’s Crispy Sweet Potato Fries in the Air Fryer or a perfectly cooked steak.

Cooking became less about perfection and more about joy, learning, and sharing one golden fry at a time.

This side is featured in my full roundup: What to Serve with Chicken Wings. Discover more crispy, cheesy, and fresh pairings!

FAQs About crispy sweet potato fries

If you’re like me and always on the hunt for healthier, faster ways to feed your people (without sacrificing flavor), these crispy sweet potato fries might just be your new weeknight staple. Simple ingredients, bold flavor, and absolutely no soggy fry regrets.

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