Crispy Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries (Printable)
Golden, crispy sweet potato fries with smoky seasonings. Air fried to perfection with tender interior and satisfying crunch.
# What You'll Need:
→ Sweet Potatoes
01 - 2 large sweet potatoes (approximately 1.5 pounds), peeled and cut into 1/4-inch thick fries
→ Seasonings
02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 1 teaspoon cornstarch
04 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
05 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
06 - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
07 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
# Directions:
01 - Cut the peeled sweet potatoes into evenly sized 1/4-inch thick fries for consistent cooking.
02 - Place the fries in a large bowl and cover with cold water. Soak for 30 minutes to remove excess starch, then drain and pat thoroughly dry with paper towels. This step is optional but recommended for maximum crispiness.
03 - In a large bowl, toss the dried fries with olive oil until evenly coated. Sprinkle with cornstarch, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss vigorously until all fries are uniformly seasoned.
04 - Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes before cooking.
05 - Arrange the seasoned fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding, which prevents proper crisping.
06 - Air fry for 15-18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time, until fries are golden brown and crispy. Cooking time may vary based on fry thickness and air fryer model.
07 - Transfer to a serving plate and garnish with additional sea salt if desired. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce such as ketchup or chipotle mayo.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The cornstarch trick creates that restaurant quality crunch without deep frying
- These fries reheat surprisingly well for lunch the next day
02 -
- Overcrowding the basket is the fastest way to end up with soggy steamed potatoes instead of crispy fries
- Patting the fries completely dry after soaking is nonnegotiable for that crunch you are after
03 -
- Soaking the fries is worth the extra time if you want maximum crispiness
- A pinch of cayenne or chili powder takes these from basic to memorable