Nothing beats the delicious crunch of air fryer sweet potato fries after a long day of family chaos. Seriously, whether I’m juggling homework with Mateo or searching for Camila’s lost shoe (again), the thought of crispy, golden-brown fries makes everything feel just a little bit better. These fries are not only comforting but also a healthier alternative to traditional fries. When you toss those sweet potatoes in the air fryer, they turn into a dreamy snack that feels indulgent without all the guilt!
Why It Works
Let me tell you why this one’s always a hit in my house:
- Quick and Easy: With just a handful of ingredients and less than half an hour, you can whip up these air fryer sweet potato fries without breaking a sweat. Perfect for busy weeknights!
- Kid-Approved Flavor: My kids love the slight sweetness that comes from the roasted sweet potatoes, and the spices give it just enough of a kick to keep it exciting. Plus, they can dip it in their favorite sauces!
- Versatile and Healthy: These fries are packed with nutrients and can be customized to suit your family’s taste. Whether you like them spicy or cheesy, the air fryer makes each batch crispy and delightful.
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 2 medium Sweet Potatoes peeled and cut into fries
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, combine sweet potatoes, olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss until sweet potatoes are evenly coated.
- Place sweet potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer. You may need to do this in batches.
- Air fry for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until fries are crispy and tender.
- Once done, remove from air fryer and serve hot.
Notes
Ingredients List
– 2 medium Sweet Potatoes (peeled and cut into fries)
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp paprika
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
Ingredient Swaps
While I love the simplicity of sweet potatoes, you can easily play around with other veggies! If you have regular potatoes on hand, they make another tasty batch of air fryer sweet potato fries. For a seasonal twist, try using butternut squash for an unexpected surprise. I recently swapped out the olive oil for avocado oil, and it gave the fries an even richer flavor—definitely worth a try!
How to Make air fryer sweet potato fries
Step 1: Preheat
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Trust me, this step is crucial for getting that nice, crispy exterior.
Step 2: Mix It Up
In a large bowl, combine the sweet potatoes with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together until the sweet potatoes are evenly coated. I like to get my hands in there for the full effect—it also feels a bit like a mini massage for my stress levels!
Step 3: Air Fry
Place the sweet potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer. If you’re doubling this recipe (which I highly recommend if you have a hungry family), you may need to cook them in batches.
Step 4: Shake It Up
Air fry for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. This little maneuver is what brings out the best texture and flavor in your air fryer sweet potato fries.
Step 5: Serve Warm
Once they’re done and have a fabulously crispy exterior, carefully remove them from the air fryer and serve them hot. The aroma will set the mood for a cozy family moment.
Serving & Garnish
I love to serve these fries with a variety of dipping sauces. Ketchup is a classic, but my kids go wild for a homemade garlic aioli or a zesty chipotle mayo. When Mateo and Camila see these fries, there are always smiles all around! Sometimes we make it a family event, with the kids picking their favorites and arranging them like a fun platter.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the Basket: If you pile too many fries in, they won’t cook evenly. Always leave some space between them.
- Skipping the Preheat: Preheating ensures that the sweet potatoes begin cooking right away. Don’t skip it—your fries will love you for it!
- Not Shaking the Basket: This little action helps to evenly crisp up those fries. Forgetting it might leave some soggy—it’s worth the little shake!
- Undercooking: If you’re unsure if they’re done, test one! You want them crispy and golden, not soggy or overly soft.
Storage & Reheating
These air fryer sweet potato fries can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For reheating, give them a quick spin in the air fryer for about 3-5 minutes at 350°F to restore that wonderful crispiness. You could even toss them into the oven if you prefer that method, but they’ll lose some of that air fryer magic! If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (which hardly ever happens around here), they also freeze well—just pop them in a freezer bag.
A Little Note from Me
Oh, I remember the first time I made these sweet potato fries for the kids. It was a chaotic evening, and I was unsure how they would react, but as soon as Mateo dipped that first fry in ketchup, he give me the biggest smile and proclaimed, “This is better than chips, Mom!” In that moment, I realized that sometimes, it’s the simplest recipes that create the most joyful memories. I love it when I can create dishes that my little ones associate with laughter and peace at the dinner table.
FAQs
Q: Can I make other crispy veggie air fryer sides?
Absolutely! The air fryer is perfect for veggies like zucchini fries, broccoli bites, or even carrot sticks. They all get wonderfully crispy!
Q: How do I prevent my fries from getting soggy?
Make sure they are cut evenly and not overlapped in the air fryer basket. And don’t forget to shake the basket halfway through cooking!
Q: Can leftover fries be reheated in the microwave?
While you can, I wouldn’t recommend it if you want to keep them crispy. The microwave leads to a soft texture, so opt for the air fryer instead.
Q: What can I dip my sweet potato fries in?
The options are endless—try spicy mayo, ranch dressing or even guacamole!
Q: Are air fryer sweet potato fries healthy?
They are a healthier alternative to traditional fries since they use less oil and maintain many nutrients!
If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to see your take! Leave a comment below or tag @YummyCrafter on Pinterest. Let’s bake joy together!
