Crispy Air Fryer Sweet Potato

I was standing in front of my air fryer one Tuesday evening, staring at two sweet potatoes and wondering if they could actually turn crispy without a deep fryer. My sister had sworn by this method, but I was skeptical. Twenty minutes later, I was eating the crunchiest, most flavorful fries I'd made at home, straight from the basket, too impatient to even plate them.

The first time I served these at a family dinner, my nephew ate his entire portion before the main course even arrived. He kept reaching across the table, fingers dusted with paprika, asking if there were more in the kitchen. That night, sweet potato fries became a non-negotiable side dish in our house.

Ingredients

• Sweet Potatoes: Choose firm ones with smooth skin, and cut them as evenly as possible so they cook at the same rate without some burning while others stay pale.
• Olive Oil: Just enough to help the seasonings stick and encourage browning, you really don't need much when the air fryer is doing the work.
• Cornstarch: This is the secret to getting that shatteringly crisp exterior, it pulls moisture away from the surface as they cook.
• Smoked Paprika: Adds a gentle smoky warmth that makes these taste almost like they came off a grill.
• Garlic Powder: A little goes a long way, it deepens the flavor without overpowering the natural sweetness.
• Sea Salt and Black Pepper: Simple, essential, and they bring everything into balance.

Instructions

Preheat Your Air Fryer:

Set it to 200°C (400°F) and let it warm up for about 3 minutes. A hot basket from the start helps the fries crisp up faster and more evenly.

Coat the Fries:

Toss your sweet potato sticks in a large bowl with the olive oil until every piece glistens. Then sprinkle the cornstarch over them and toss again, making sure there are no clumps.

Season Generously:

Add the smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then toss everything together with your hands so the spices coat each fry. Don't be shy, this is where the flavor lives.

Arrange in a Single Layer:

Lay the fries in the air fryer basket without overlapping, even if it means cooking in two batches. Crowding them will steam instead of crisp.

Air Fry and Shake:

Cook for 15 to 18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through so they brown on all sides. You'll know they're ready when the edges turn golden and slightly charred.

Serve Hot:

Transfer them to a plate, sprinkle with fresh parsley and a pinch more salt if you like, and eat them immediately while they're still crackling.

Save

There was one Saturday afternoon when I made a double batch for a potluck, and I watched people come back to the table three and four times, confused about why they couldn't stop eating them. Someone asked for the recipe, and when I said air fryer, they looked at me like I'd revealed a magic trick.

Best Dipping Sauces

I've tried these with everything from ketchup to tahini, but spicy mayo and garlic aioli are the ones that disappear fastest. Sometimes I'll whisk together a little sriracha, mayo, and lime juice, and that becomes the only thing people talk about.

How to Store and Reheat

Leftovers lose their crunch pretty quickly, but if you store them in an airtight container in the fridge, you can reheat them in the air fryer at 180°C for about 5 minutes and they'll crisp right back up. I've done this the morning after and been genuinely surprised at how good they still were.

Flavor Variations to Try

Once you've made the basic version a few times, start experimenting with the spices. I've added cumin and chili powder for a Tex-Mex vibe, cinnamon and a tiny bit of brown sugar for something sweet and savory, and even za'atar when I wanted something herby and bright.

• Try tossing them with grated Parmesan and Italian herbs right after they come out of the fryer.
• A drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of cayenne makes them dangerously addictive.
• For a Caribbean twist, use jerk seasoning in place of the paprika and garlic powder.

Save

These fries have become my go-to whenever I need something quick, satisfying, and just a little bit special. I hope they become a staple in your kitchen too.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do cornstarch and olive oil contribute to crispiness?

Cornstarch forms a light coating that helps absorb moisture, while olive oil encourages browning and a crisp texture during air frying.

→ Can I make these fries spicier?

Yes, try adding chili powder or cumin to the seasoning mix for a spicier flavor profile.

→ Should I soak the sweet potato fries before cooking?

Soaking cut fries in cold water for 30 minutes removes excess starch, enhancing crispiness when cooked.

→ What temperature is best for air frying the fries?

A temperature of 200°C (400°F) allows the fries to crisp evenly while cooking through without drying out.

→ How do I ensure fries cook evenly in the air fryer?

Arrange fries in a single layer and shake the basket halfway through cooking to promote even crisping and prevent sticking.