Let’s talk about the fry dilemma. We all love them—salty, crispy, and comforting—but we don’t always love how we feel after eating a basket of deep-fried potatoes. Enter the sweet potato: nature’s colorful, nutrient-packed answer to our cravings. And the best way to cook them? The air fryer, hands down.

If you’ve ever tried baking sweet potato fries in the oven, you know the struggle. They often turn out limp, soggy, or burnt at the edges while staying raw in the middle. The air fryer solves all of that. By circulating hot air at high speeds, it crisps up the outside beautifully while keeping the inside tender and sweet. Plus, you get that satisfying crunch with a fraction of the oil used in deep frying. It’s a win-win for your taste buds and your health.

Whether you need a quick side dish for burger night or a healthy snack to munch on, these fries are about to become your new obsession. Ready to achieve crispy perfection? Let’s get cooking.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You don’t need fancy batters or complicated spice blends to make sweet potatoes shine.

3 large sweet potatoes: Look for firm potatoes with smooth skin.
2 tablespoons avocado oil: This is crucial. Avocado oil has a high smoke point, meaning it won’t burn or taste bitter at high temperatures like olive oil might.
1/2 teaspoon salt: To enhance the natural sweetness.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper: For a little savory kick.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps closely. The way you cut and season the fries makes a huge difference in the final texture!

1. Preheat Your Air Fryer

Start by preheating your air fryer to 380°F (193°C). Let it run for about 5 minutes. A preheated basket acts like a hot skillet, searing the fries the moment they touch the surface, which is key to preventing sogginess.

2. Prep the Potatoes

While the air fryer heats up, peel your sweet potatoes. Using a sharp knife, cut them into thin fries, aiming for about 1/4-inch thickness.

Try to keep them as uniform as possible so they cook evenly. If some are thick and some are thin, you’ll end up with a mix of burnt and undercooked fries.

3. Season Well

Place your raw fries into a large bowl. Drizzle the avocado oil over them and use your hands to toss them well. You want every single fry to be lightly coated in oil.

Next, sprinkle the salt and black pepper over the top and toss again to distribute the seasoning evenly.

4. Arrange in the Basket

This is the most important step: Do not overcrowd the basket. Place the fries in a single layer with a little space between them. Airflow is everything in an air fryer. If you pile them up, they will steam instead of roast. You will likely need to cook these in batches, but trust me, the crispy results are worth the extra time.

5. Cook and Shake

Cook the fries at 380°F (193°C) for 18-20 minutes.

Here is the secret to even cooking: Shake the basket every 5-7 minutes. Open the drawer, give it a vigorous shake to move the fries around, and pop it back in. This prevents sticking and ensures every side gets that golden-brown finish.

The fries are done when they are browned on the edges and crispy to the touch.

6. Serve Immediately

Sweet potato fries lose their crispiness faster than regular potatoes. Remove them from the air fryer and serve them immediately while they are hot and at their peak texture!

Tips for the Perfect Fry

Making sweet potato fries is a bit of an art form, but these tips will help you master it.

The “Soggy” Factor

Sweet potatoes have a higher sugar and water content than white potatoes, which is why they can be tricky to crisp up. If you find your fries aren’t crispy enough after 20 minutes, add another 2-3 minutes, but watch them like a hawk so the sugar doesn’t burn.

Seasoning Customization

This recipe uses a classic salt and pepper mix, but sweet potatoes are incredibly versatile.

Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or paprika.
Savory: Toss with garlic powder and onion powder.
Sweet: For a dessert-style treat, swap the pepper for cinnamon and a pinch of brown sugar.

Serving Suggestions

These fries are delicious on their own, but dipping sauces take them to the next level. Try:

A spicy chipotle mayo
A garlic aioli
Classic ketchup

Enjoy your healthy, crispy, and absolutely delicious homemade fries!

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries

Course Side Dish

Ingredients

3 large sweet potatoes
2 tablespoons avocado oil or any high-smoke-point oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for about 5 minutes.
Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into thin fries, approximately 1/4-inch thick.
Place the sweet potato fries in a large bowl and drizzle them with avocado oil. Toss well to ensure all the fries are evenly coated.
Sprinkle salt and black pepper over the oiled sweet potato fries, tossing again to evenly distribute the seasonings.
Carefully transfer the seasoned sweet potato fries to the preheated air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
Cook the fries in the air fryer at 380°F (193°C) for 18-20 minutes, shaking the basket every 5-7 minutes to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking. The sweet potato fries should be crispy and golden brown.
Once cooked, remove the sweet potato fries from the air fryer and serve immediately.

Notes

Adjust the cooking time based on the thickness and desired crispness of the sweet potato fries.
These sweet potato fries are best enjoyed immediately after cooking for optimal crispiness.
Feel free to add additional seasonings or spices according to your taste preferences.