Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds sweet potatoes (about 2-3 medium sweet potatoes)
- 1½-2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
- 1-2 tablespoons cornstarch or arrowroot powder (optional but recommended for extra crispiness)
- ¾ teaspoon fine sea salt (plus more to taste)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika (sweet or smoked)
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a hint of heat)
Instructions
- Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Scrub the sweet potatoes thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt. Pat them completely dry with a kitchen towel—this is important! You can peel them if you prefer, but leaving the skin on adds nutrients and helps them hold their shape. Trim off any ends or blemished spots.
- Cut into Fries: Place the sweet potato on your cutting board and cut it in half lengthwise. Place each half cut-side down and slice into 1/4 to 1/3-inch thick planks. Stack 2-3 planks at a time and cut them lengthwise into 1/4 to 1/3-inch thick fries. Try to keep them as uniform as possible for even cooking. Your fries should be about 3-4 inches long and 1/4 inch thick—similar to standard French fries.
- Soak the Fries (Optional but Recommended): Place the cut fries in a large bowl and cover with cold water. Let them soak for 15-30 minutes. This step removes excess starch, which helps achieve crispier fries. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step, but soaking does improve the final texture.
- Dry Thoroughly: Drain the fries completely and spread them out on a clean kitchen towel or several layers of paper towels. Pat them dry thoroughly—this is one of the most crucial steps for crispy fries! Any moisture on the surface will steam rather than crisp in the air fryer. Take your time with this step.
- Season the Fries: Transfer the completely dry fries to a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and toss well to coat every fry evenly. In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch (if using), salt, garlic powder, black pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Sprinkle this seasoning mixture over the oiled fries and toss again until every fry is evenly coated.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F for 3-5 minutes. Preheating ensures even cooking and helps achieve maximum crispiness from the start.
- First Batch – Arrange in Single Layer: Place about half of the seasoned fries in the air fryer basket in a single layer with minimal overlapping. Overcrowding is the enemy of crispiness! It’s better to cook in batches than to crowd the basket. The fries should have space for air to circulate around them.
- Cook and Shake: Air fry at 380°F for 15-18 minutes, shaking the basket or tossing the fries with tongs every 5 minutes to ensure even browning. The fries are done when they’re golden brown, crispy on the edges, and tender in the center. Cooking time may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model and how thick you cut your fries.
- Check for Doneness: After 15 minutes, check the fries. They should be golden brown with crispy edges. If they need more time, continue cooking in 2-minute increments until they reach your desired level of crispiness.
- Keep Warm While Cooking Second Batch: Transfer the cooked fries to a serving platter and tent loosely with aluminum foil to keep warm. Don’t stack them or they’ll lose their crispiness. Immediately cook the second batch following the same process.
- Season and Serve: Once all fries are cooked, taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt if needed. Serve immediately while hot and crispy with your favorite dipping sauces.
Notes
- Thickness Matters: Cutting your fries to a uniform 1/4-inch thickness is crucial for even cooking. Thicker fries will need more time; thinner fries may burn.
- Don’t Skip Drying: The dryer your fries are before air frying, the crispier they’ll become. Excess moisture creates steam, which prevents crisping.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Always cook in a single layer with space between fries. Overcrowded fries will steam rather than crisp. It’s worth doing multiple batches for the best results.
- Shake Regularly: Shaking the basket every 5 minutes ensures even browning and prevents sticking. Don’t skip this step!
- Temperature Variation: Air fryer models vary. If your fries are browning too quickly on the outside but not cooking through, reduce temperature to 370°F and cook a bit longer. If they’re not crisping, increase to 390°F.
- Cornstarch is Key: While optional, cornstarch dramatically improves crispiness by absorbing surface moisture and creating a light, crispy coating. Don’t skip it if you want restaurant-quality results.
- Serve Immediately: Sweet potato fries are best enjoyed hot and fresh. They lose some crispiness as they cool, so serve them right away for the best texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (about 1 cup fries)
- Calories: 165
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg