Sweet Potato Fries Air Fryer Recipe

I am always trying to find ways to make my family’s favorite side dishes a little easier and healthier without sacrificing flavor. This sweet potato fries air fryer recipe does exactly that, delivering crispy edges and a creamy interior every single time. Forget soggy restaurant versions; this method transforms sweet potatoes into a truly addictive side dish or easy snack, especially when paired with our zesty smoked maple glaze. The combination of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors makes these fries perfect for a weeknight family dinner or a game day spread. This recipe will show you exactly how to make the best air fryer sweet potato fries.

Ingredients

• 2 medium sweet potatoes (about 600 g / 1.3 lbs)
  Choose firm, orange-fleshed sweet potatoes like Garnet or Jewel varieties. Ensure they are fresh and firm, as softer potatoes will have a mushy texture after cooking.
• 15 mL / 1 tbsp olive oil
  Used to coat the sweet potatoes before air frying, promoting browning and a crispy exterior. You can substitute with avocado oil or another neutral high-heat oil.
• 15 mL / 1 tbsp cornstarch
  This is a critical secret ingredient for maximizing crispiness in the air fryer. It creates a thin coating that helps absorb moisture from the potatoes’ surface during cooking.
• 2.5 mL / 1/2 tsp fine sea salt & 1 mL / 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  Seasoning added before air frying to flavor the fries from the start. Adjust according to personal preference; ensure the salt is fine-grain for even distribution.
• 60 mL / 4 tbsp pure maple syrup
  The base for the glaze, providing natural sweetness and a glossy texture. Ensure you use pure maple syrup, not pancake syrup, for the best flavor.
• 30 mL / 2 tbsp fresh lime juice & zest of 1/2 fresh lime
  Adds a bright, zesty contrast to the sweet maple syrup and smokiness. Always use fresh lime juice for the best flavor, and save the zest for the final garnish.
• 5 mL / 1 tsp smoked paprika & 0.5 mL / 1/8 tsp fine sea salt
  The key spice for the glaze, giving it depth and a savory, smoky flavor that complements the sweet potato. Ensure you use smoked paprika, not regular paprika, for the intended taste.

Instructions

1. Prep the sweet potatoes and air fryer
   Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into even 0.6 cm (1/4-inch) thick fries. Avoid making them too thick or too thin for consistent cooking. Place the cut fries in a large bowl of cold water and let them soak for exactly 30 minutes to remove excess starch, which helps achieve maximum crispiness. Drain thoroughly and pat the sweet potatoes *extremely* dry with a clean kitchen towel or several layers of paper towels; moisture is the enemy of crispiness.
2. Preheat and coat the sweet potatoes
   Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (390°F) for at least 5 minutes to ensure even cooking from the start. In a large bowl, combine the dried sweet potato fries with olive oil, cornstarch, 2.5 mL / 1/2 tsp fine sea salt, and black pepper. Toss vigorously until all the fries are evenly coated; ensure every piece has a light dusting of cornstarch for the crispy texture. I always use a large sheet pan to lay out the prepped sweet potatoes, which makes it easier to ensure they are fully dried and ready for the air fryer basket.
3. Air fry the sweet potatoes in batches
   Arrange the coated sweet potato fries in the air fryer basket in a single layer to ensure proper hot air circulation. Cook for 15-20 minutes at 200°C (390°F), shaking the basket every 5-7 minutes to redistribute the fries and prevent sticking. The fries are done when they are golden brown, tender on the inside, and crispy on the outside; check for desired doneness at the 15-minute mark. If your fries look soggy halfway through, they might be overcrowded; remove half and cook in a separate batch.
4. Prepare the Zesty Smoked Maple Glaze
   While the sweet potato fries are cooking, prepare the glaze: In a small saucepan, combine the maple syrup, lime juice, 5 mL / 1 tsp smoked paprika, and 0.5 mL / 1/8 tsp fine sea salt. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, for approximately 2-3 minutes. Remove the glaze from the heat once it slightly thickens and achieves a glossy consistency; do not let it caramelize too much.
5. Glaze the fries and serve
   Once the crispy sweet potato fries from the air fryer are cooked, immediately transfer the hot fries to a clean bowl. Drizzle half of the prepared Smoked Paprika & Maple-Lime Glaze over the fries and toss gently to coat. To plate, arrange the glazed sweet potato fries artfully and drizzle the remaining glaze generously over the plated fries, finishing with fresh lime zest and a delicate dusting of smoked paprika for garnish.

Maximizing Crispiness and Avoiding Soggy Fries

The Sweet Potato Soak

Soaking the cut potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes removes excess surface starch. This simple step prevents the fries from becoming gummy and promotes a crisp exterior.

Cornstarch Coating

A light dusting of cornstarch (like in our recipe) is essential for achieving a truly crispy fry in the air fryer. The cornstarch absorbs surface moisture and creates a thin, crunchy crust as it cooks.

Don’t Overcrowd the Basket

Overlapping fries will steam instead of crisp. Cook in batches, placing them in a single layer with space between each piece for optimal hot air circulation.

Pat Them Dry

After soaking, drying the fries thoroughly is critical. Any residual moisture will turn to steam and make your fries soggy. Use a clean kitchen towel for best results. I’ve found that a quick run through a salad spinner followed by patting with paper towels works wonders for getting them truly dry before I start making these sweet potato fries air fryer recipe.

Variations and Serving Ideas

No-Glaze Version

For a simpler, savory option, skip the glaze step entirely. Increase the salt and pepper in the initial coating, and consider adding garlic powder or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick. This creates a quick, healthy snack or easy dinner idea.

Dipping Sauce Alternatives

If you prefer dipping, serve with a classic creamy option. A simple aioli, sriracha mayo, or chipotle ranch would complement the savory notes of these sweet potato fries.

Serve as a Side Dish

These fries pair perfectly with main dishes like juicy burgers, a simple grilled chicken breast, or pulled pork sandwiches.

Family Snack Time

Serve on a large platter with various dipping sauces for a fun, interactive snack for kids and adults.

FAQs

Can I skip soaking the sweet potato fries?

Yes, you can skip the soaking step if you’re short on time, but the fries may not achieve the same level of crispiness. Make sure to pat them extra dry to compensate.

Why are my sweet potato fries not crispy in the air fryer?

The two main culprits are overcrowding the basket (steam builds up) and insufficient drying after cutting (too much moisture). Follow the instructions carefully for soaking and single-layer cooking when making sweet potato fries air fryer recipe.

Can I use frozen sweet potato fries in the air fryer?

Yes, but the cooking process is different. Air fry frozen fries at 200°C (390°F) for 15-20 minutes, shaking frequently, without soaking or cornstarch. They won’t be as crispy as fresh sweet potato fries.

How do I reheat sweet potato fries?

Reheat sweet potato fries in the air fryer at 180°C (360°F) for 3-5 minutes until hot and crispy. Avoid microwaving, which will make them soggy.

Can I prepare the fries ahead of time?

You can cut the sweet potatoes ahead of time and store them in cold water in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Drain and dry thoroughly just before cooking this sweet potato fries air fryer recipe.

Conclusion

This easy air fryer recipe transforms sweet potato fries from good to great by delivering a truly crispy texture and an unforgettable flavor twist, making it a new favorite for easy dinner ideas. Save this sweet potato fries air fryer recipe for later on Pinterest so you can easily pull it up next time you need a crowd-pleasing side dish.

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