How To Cook Sweet Potato Fries in an Air Fryer

Learn how to cook sweet potatoes in the air fryer so they come out perfectly every time! The air fryer works its magic and transforms them into a sweet or savory treat or healthy side dish that will not last long.

Original post: June 2020 | Updated: January 2023

Why This Recipe Works

Sweet potatoes are one of those absolute magic foods that kind of mystifies me. I mean, it’s a potato yet it’s not. It is sweet and delicious and it can be enjoyed in so many different ways. You don’t need to take an unhealthy route like deep frying with this magical food because it just isn’t necessary!

I recently acquired an air fryer and making delicious fries of all varieties was one of my first experiments. Everything turned out fabulously, but my favorite way to enjoy them was the sweetened sweet potato French fry.

Learn how to perfectly cook sweet potato fries in an air fryer! I’ll talk about the perfect way to make a savory version, as well a sweet one. Try them both and report back. Which is your favorite?

Recipe Ingredients

Sweet potatoes – You can either peel the potatoes or leave them unpeeled. If leaving them unpeeled, wash the outsides thoroughly before cutting and cooking.

Oil – Any type of oil can be used, such as olive oil, canola oil, vegetable oil or avocado oil.

Salt – Use coarse sea salt for best results.

Sugar and cinnamon – For a sweet treat add granulated sugar and cinnamon to the mix!

How To Make Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries

This sweet potato fries recipe is ridiculously easy to make! Learn how to cook sweet potato fries in air fryer below!

Step 1

Peel and cut sweet potatoes (2 medium) into 1/2-inch strips on a cutting board.

Place sweet potatoes in a large bowl and drizzle olive oil over the tops. Give the bowl a little shake so everything mixes together well.

Step 2

Add the fries to the air fryer basket of an air fryer in a single layer (cook in batches, if needed).

Air fry at 375 degrees for 15 minutes, flipping halfway through (shake the basket), or until you see golden brown, crispy fries.

After cooking, you have two options: sweet fries or savory fries.

Sweet fries: combine the sugar and cinnamon in a shallow dish and mix well. Roll the cooked fries in the mixture until completely coated.

Savory fries: sprinkle sea salt or kosher salt and black pepper over the air fryer fries after cooking.

Recipe Notes

• Depending on how thick you cut your homemade fries, you may have to cook for additional time. For extra thick-cut fries, air fry at 375 degrees for 20 minutes total, flipping halfway through.
• If you create sweet potato wedges or thicker fries, increase cook time by 2-3 minutes.
• Be sure not to overcrowd the basket in order to achieve optimal results! Work in batches, if needed.
• If you go the savory fry route, consider sprucing them up with a sprinkling of garlic powder or salt and pepper before cooking.
• To avoid the fries sticking to the basket, lightly coat with cooking spray or a little oil first.
• If you’d like to slim down the recipe even more, use less oil. One tablespoon of your choice of oil will be sufficient. Be sure to pat the fries with a paper towel to remove excess oil before eating, as well.
• Make a batch of spicy fries! Add cayenne pepper, hot sauce, chili powder or red pepper flakes to the mix before cooking.
• If you want to make deliciously crispy sweet potato fries, increase temp to 400 degrees but be sure to decrease the cook time by a few minutes if you go this route.

How To Store Sweet Potato Fries

Storing pre-cooked fries will preserve them better than after they have been cooked. Either way, transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 4 months for best results.

Consider doing a flash freeze first, to avoid having everything stuck together after thawing.

Favorite Dipping Sauce Options for Fries

• Ketchup is always my favorite sauce for fries and a healthier alternative compared to some others.
• Seasoned sour cream
• Ranch dressing
• Barbecue sauce
• Honey mustard
• Regular or low-fat mayo

What To Serve With Sweet Potatoes

In need of ideas about what to serve alongside this tasty orange food? Check out this roundup of 20 delicious ideas: what to serve with sweet potatoes.

How To Make Baked Sweet Potatoes in the Microwave

The only downfall to making potatoes is the wait! Don’t let this stop you from enjoying this perfect side dish. You can quickly and easily prepare a baked sweet potato recipe in the microwave.

FAQ About Sweet Potatoes

Easy Air Fryer Recipes

• Frozen Mozzarella Sticks
• Air Fryer French Fries
• Steak French Fries
• French Toast Sticks
• Air Fryer Tater Tots
• Chicken Wings

Delicious Sweet Potato Recipes

If you can’t get enough of the tuberous root vegetable, check out these delicious recipes:

• Baked Chicken and Sweet Potatoes Recipes – 7 Delicious Ideas!
• Savory Baked Sweet Potato Recipes – 8 Delicious Ideas!
• Baked stuffed sweet potatoes take dinner to the next level! Load up a perfectly baked potato with your favorite ingredients for a hearty side or a complete meal.
• Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes – Cooking sweet potatoes is easier than ever when made in an Instant Pot! Reduce the cook time by HALF compared to oven-cooking and be assured that they will turn out perfectly every single time, with minimal effort and clean-up.
• Sweet Potato Casserole is great on your Thanksgiving table and also a perfect side dish that can be enjoyed any time of the year. It is filled with a delicious sweet potato mixture and topped with crunchy pecans and marshmallows.
• Oven Roasted Sweet Potatoes is an easy and delicious side for any meal! They taste better than regular French fries and are a great healthy lunch, snack or side dish. Whole30 compliant, too!

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