Crispy Air Fryer Sweet Fries (Printable)

Crispy, golden sweet potato fries with smoky paprika and garlic, cooked to perfection in an air fryer.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch strips

→ Seasonings & Oil

02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 1 teaspoon cornstarch
04 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
05 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
06 - 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus additional for serving
07 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

# How-To Steps:

01 - Peel the sweet potatoes and slice them into uniform 1/4-inch thick strips to ensure even cooking and consistent crispiness.
02 - Place the cut fries in a large bowl and sprinkle with cornstarch. Toss thoroughly until each piece is lightly coated, which helps achieve a crispy exterior.
03 - Drizzle olive oil over the cornstarch-coated potatoes. Add smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss well to distribute seasonings evenly.
04 - Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes before cooking to ensure optimal crisping from the start.
05 - Place the seasoned fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket, working in batches if necessary. Avoid overcrowding to allow proper air circulation for even cooking.
06 - Cook for 15 to 18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time. Fries are done when golden brown and crispy on the outside with tender interiors.
07 - Remove fries from the air fryer and season with additional salt to taste. Serve immediately while hot and crispy for best texture.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • These fries emerge from the air fryer with restaurant quality crunch but without the oil heavy aftermath
  • The seasoning blend hits that perfect balance of smoky savory and just enough warmth to keep you reaching for more
02 -
  • Soaking cut fries in cold water for 30 minutes removes excess starch and dramatically improves crispiness
  • Crowding the air fryer basket is the fastest way to soggy fries, so resist the urge to squeeze them all in at once
03 -
  • Use a mandoline if you want perfectly uniform fries, though hand cutting works fine for a rustic look
  • Let the oiled fries sit for 5 to 10 minutes before air frying for even better crisping