Crispy Air Fryer Sweet Potato

One lazy Sunday afternoon, I stood in my kitchen staring at a bag of sweet potatoes, thinking there had to be an easier way than waiting for the oven to heat up just for fries. Out came the air fryer, and twenty minutes later I pulled out something impossibly crispy and golden—no soggy middle, no oil splatters on my stovetop. That moment changed how I approach weeknight sides forever.

I made these for a dinner party once, thinking they'd be a simple addition, and ended up with three people asking for the recipe before dessert even arrived. My friend Sarah kept going back to the basket, saying something about how they tasted like the fries from that little place downtown but somehow better because they were made at home.

Ingredients

• Sweet potatoes: Two large ones give you enough for four people with a little extra; I like them cut into a consistent 1/4-inch thickness so they cook evenly without some turning dark while others stay pale.
• Olive oil: Two tablespoons is enough to coat everything without making them greasy—less oil is actually what gives you that air-fried crispness.
• Cornstarch: This is the secret weapon; it sounds odd but it's what creates that shatteringly crispy exterior while the inside stays fluffy.
• Smoked paprika: One teaspoon gives that subtle, warm flavor that somehow makes people think you spent hours on these.
• Garlic powder and salt: Don't skip the half-teaspoon of garlic powder—it rounds out the flavor in a way fresh garlic never could in this application.
• Black pepper: A quarter teaspoon adds just enough bite to keep things interesting.

Instructions

Prep and preheat:

Get your air fryer heating to 200°C (400°F) for three minutes while you peel and cut your sweet potatoes into fries about the width of a pencil. This small preheat makes a real difference in how quickly they crisp up.

Cornstarch coating:

Toss your cut fries with cornstarch in a large bowl until everything is evenly dusted—this step feels simple but it's non-negotiable for that crispy texture. The cornstarch will look like a light powder over all the fries.

Oil and toss:

Drizzle the olive oil over the fries and toss again until they're glistening and the cornstarch starts to stick to them. You'll notice the mixture becoming more cohesive and the fries looking almost glossy.

Season with intention:

Add the smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, then mix everything thoroughly so no fry is left naked and plain. This is where you taste and decide if you want just a pinch more salt.

Arrange in basket:

Spread the fries in a single layer in your air fryer basket without crowding—this is crucial because air needs to circulate around each fry. If you've got more than fit comfortably, cook in two batches rather than stacking them.

Fry and shake:

Cook for 15 to 18 minutes total, stopping halfway through to shake the basket and flip things around so they brown evenly. You'll hear the sizzle and start to smell that caramelized sweetness after about eight minutes.

Finish and serve:

Pull them out when they're golden and crispy-looking, sprinkle with a tiny bit more salt if you like, and eat them immediately while they're still steaming. They lose some crispness the longer they sit.

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There's something special about feeding people food that looks fancy but took you barely any effort. My mom ate these straight from the basket and said they reminded her of the market fries we used to get on Saturday mornings, except warmer and somehow more ours.

The Cornstarch Secret

I stumbled onto cornstarch by accident when I was trying to make these fries extra crispy and found a note about it in an old air fryer forum post. The cornstarch coating creates a thin, crispy exterior that locks in moisture and browns beautifully—something that regular olive oil alone can't quite achieve. It's like the difference between okay fries and fries you'll be craving three days later.

Making Them Ahead

If you're feeding a crowd or just want to prep ahead, cut your potatoes and soak them in cold water for thirty minutes to remove excess starch, then dry them completely before seasoning. I usually do this in the morning, pat them dry with paper towels, and store them in the fridge until dinner time. The drying step is what keeps them from getting watery when they sit.

Flavor Variations and Dipping Sauces

Smoked paprika is my go-to, but swap it for chili powder if you want heat, or cayenne if you're feeling brave. I've also made batches with just garlic and herb seasoning for when I'm in a lighter mood, and everyone loves them equally. The foundation here is forgiving enough to play with whatever flavors you're craving.

• Serve alongside a simple aioli or ketchup, or even a sriracha mayo if you want to get fancy.
• These are magical alongside roasted chicken or grilled fish, but honestly, they're good enough to eat on their own.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the air fryer for two minutes to bring back some crispness.

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These fries have become my answer to the question what's for dinner when I want something satisfying but don't want to spend time cooking. They're the kind of simple dish that reminds you why you bought that air fryer in the first place.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I get the fries extra crispy?

Coating the fries with cornstarch before tossing with oil helps create a crispier exterior when air fried. Avoid overcrowding the basket to ensure proper airflow.

→ Can I use other seasonings instead of smoked paprika?

Yes, chili powder or cayenne pepper work well for a spicier flavor, while garlic powder adds depth without heat.

→ Why soak the sweet potato fries before cooking?

Soaking fries in cold water for 30 minutes removes excess starch, which can improve texture and help achieve a crispier result.

→ What temperature should the air fryer be set to?

Preheat the air fryer to 200°C (400°F) and cook the fries for 15–18 minutes, shaking halfway through for even crisping.

→ Are these fries suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, all ingredients are gluten-free, making these fries safe for gluten-sensitive individuals.