Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
Crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, these cornstarch-coated sweet potato fries come out of the air fryer better than any drive-through.
air-fryer Timer
Set for 15 mins @ 400°F (204°C) (Flip at 8m)
Ingredients
Base recipe calibrated for 4 adults.
Get to the Point Execution
Cut 2 large sweet potatoes into 1/4-inch sticks and toss with 1 tbsp cornstarch until evenly coated.
Drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper; toss to coat.
Air fry at 400°F (204°C) for 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through at 8 minutes.
Serve immediately while hot and crispy with your favorite dipping sauce.
Step-by-Step Guided Instructions
Peel 2 large sweet potatoes and cut into 1/4-inch thick sticks, keeping them as uniform as possible. Place in a large bowl and toss with 1 tbsp cornstarch until every fry is lightly coated.
Cornstarch is the secret weapon for crispy sweet potato fries. It absorbs surface moisture and creates a thin crackly shell in the air fryer.
Drizzle 1 tbsp olive oil over the coated fries. Add 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Toss until every fry is evenly seasoned.
Use just enough oil to coat but not drench. Too much oil in an air fryer makes things soggy instead of crispy.
Spread fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd. Air fry at 400°F (204°C) for 15 minutes total, shaking the basket at the 8-minute mark to flip and redistribute.
Cook in batches if needed. Overcrowding the basket is the number one reason air fryer fries come out limp instead of crispy.
The cornstarch trick works on regular fries too but sweet potatoes are where it really shines because they have so much natural moisture. Cut them thin and uniform or you will end up with some burnt twigs and some raw logs in the same batch.
Serve with ketchup, honey mustard, or a cinnamon sugar dusting for a sweeter version kids go crazy for.
- Grilled chicken strips
- Turkey burgers
- Side salad with ranch
Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 3 to 4 minutes. Do not microwave or they turn to mush.