Air Fryer Sweet potato fries

These air fryer sweet potato fries are crisp on the outside, soft and fluffy in the middle, and naturally sweet with a light savoury edge. They are quick to prepare and far lighter than deep-fried versions, making them a reliable everyday side. With just a handful of ingredients, they come together easily and are ideal for beginners. From start to finish, the recipe takes around 25 minutes.

Ingredients

For the fries

2 large sweet potatoes (about 500g), peeled and cut into thin fries
1 tablespoon cornflour
1½ tablespoons olive oil
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon fine sea salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

Optional seasoning

½ teaspoon chilli flakes for heat
½ teaspoon dried herbs such as thyme or oregano

How to Make Air Fryer Sweet potato fries

Prepare the air fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 200°C for 3 to 5 minutes so the fries start cooking immediately and crisp evenly.
Prepare the potatoes: Peel and cut the sweet potatoes into evenly sized thin fries. Rinse under cold water and pat completely dry with kitchen paper to remove excess starch.
Coat the fries: Place the fries in a large bowl. Sprinkle over the cornflour and toss well to coat lightly. Add the olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt and pepper, then mix until evenly coated.
Cook the fries: Arrange the fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 200°C for 12 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through so they cook evenly.
Finish and crisp: Continue cooking for a further 3 to 5 minutes if needed until the fries are golden and crisp at the edges.
Serve: Remove from the basket and serve immediately while hot and crisp.

Tips

Why are my sweet potato fries not crispy?

Make sure the fries are completely dry before coating and do not overcrowd the basket. Cooking in batches helps achieve a crisp finish.

Do I need to soak the sweet potatoes?

Rinsing helps remove surface starch, but soaking is optional. Drying them well is more important for crispiness.

Can I make them without cornflour?

Yes, but cornflour helps create a light crisp coating. Without it, the fries will be softer.

How do I cut even fries?

Cut the sweet potatoes into uniform thin strips so they cook at the same rate and avoid uneven texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with burgers or grilled chicken
Pair with a garlic mayonnaise or yoghurt dip
Add to wraps or bowls for extra texture
Sprinkle with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon

Storage

Room temperature

Best enjoyed fresh. Leave at room temperature for no more than 2 hours after cooking.

Refrigerator

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer to restore crispness.

Freezing

Freeze cooked fries in a single layer, then transfer to a bag for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen in the air fryer until hot and crisp.

Nutrition

Calories: 180 kcal
Carbohydrates: 28g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Sodium: 320mg

These values are approximate and may vary depending on ingredients and portion size.

FAQs

Can I make sweet potato fries without oil?

Yes, but a small amount of oil helps achieve a crisp texture. Without it, the fries may be softer.

Why are my fries soggy in the air fryer?

This usually happens if the basket is overcrowded or the fries were not dried properly before cooking.

Can I use frozen sweet potato fries?

Yes, cook them directly from frozen and increase the cooking time slightly, shaking halfway through.

What temperature is best for air frying sweet potato fries?

Cooking at 200°C gives the best balance of crisp edges and soft centres.