Crispy Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries: The Ultimate Guide

Learn how precise cuts and clever seasoning create irresistible golden sticks every time.

By Medha deb

Created on Sep 17, 2025

Learn how precise cuts and clever seasoning create irresistible golden sticks every time.

Sweet potato fries have always been a beloved alternative to classic french fries, and thanks to the air fryer, they’ve never been easier, faster, or crispier. If you’re craving the perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and crunch, this step-by-step guide will walk you through everything— from preparation, seasoning, and air frying, to serving with a tangy honey mustard dip. Whether you want a healthy snack, a family-friendly side dish, or just a new dippable treat, these air fryer sweet potato fries deliver on all counts.

Why Make Sweet Potato Fries in the Air Fryer?

The air fryer has revolutionized home cooking, offering that irresistible crispiness without the mess or calories of deep-frying. When it comes to sweet potatoes, the air fryer achieves what oven-baking rarely can: exterior crunch and pillowy centers, all in about 15 minutes. Here’s why you’ll love them:

Faster cooking time than the oven.
No need for soaking: Unlike russet potato fries, sweet potatoes don’t need a soak to get crispy.
Even browning with less oil.
Perfect for small batches, making them ideal for snacks or quick sides.
Easy cleanup compared to traditional frying.

Essential Ingredients for Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries

For the Fries:

1 1/2 pounds sweet potatoes (peeled if preferred, though the skins add nutrition and texture)
1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for serving
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (for a warm, subtle heat)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 teaspoons olive oil

For the Creamy Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce:

1/4 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons honey

Should You Peel Sweet Potatoes?

This is a matter of personal preference. The skin of sweet potatoes contains nutrients and brings an earthy texture that many appreciate. If you prefer a uniformly soft fry, peel the potatoes. For added flavor and a rustic look, leave some or all of the skin on, or try peeling the skin in alternating strips for a mix of both worlds.

Step-by-Step Air Fryer Instructions

Prep the Sweet Potatoes: Cut sweet potatoes into long, thin sticks (about 1/2-inch thick and 4–5 inches long). Pat them dry with a paper towel—extra moisture can prevent them from crisping.
Mix Spices: In a small bowl, combine kosher salt, cumin, cayenne, and black pepper.
Season and Oil: Toss sweet potato sticks in a large mixing bowl with olive oil, making sure each fry is coated. Sprinkle the spice blend over the fries and toss again for even seasoning.
Related: Crispy Air Fryer Potatoes: The Ultimate Guide to Flavorful Perfection
Air Fry in Batches: Arrange half the fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket, giving some space between each fry (crowding will cause them to steam, not crisp). Cook at 380°F for 7 minutes.
Toss and Continue: Shake or toss the fries in the basket, space them out again, and return to the air fryer for 7 more minutes. If needed, cook an additional batch.
Crisp Before Serving: Return all the fries back to the basket and air fry at 400°F for 3–5 minutes to re-warm and crisp just before serving.
Add Salt and Serve: Sprinkle with more salt to taste before serving.
Related: Carrot Fries Recipe: Easy Crispy Baked Healthy Snack

Pro Tips for the Crispiest Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries

Don’t soak the fries: Sweet potatoes lack dense starches, so soaking isn’t needed. In fact, soaking can create steam that leads to soggy fries.
Work in batches: Give each fry room for air circulation—crowded fries always turn out limp.
Pat dry before seasoning: Moisture is the enemy of crispiness!
Consistency is key: Cut fries as evenly as possible for uniform cooking.
Finish with a high-heat blast: A couple of extra minutes at 400°F at the end guarantees all fries finish crispy.

How to Make Creamy Honey Mustard Sauce

Mix 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, and 2 teaspoons honey in a bowl until completely smooth. This dip is the perfect complement to the smoky spice of your sweet potato fries—sweet, creamy, and just a little tangy.

Alternative Seasoning & Dip Ideas

Seasonings: Try smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, or herbes de Provence for a different flavor twist.
Dips:
- Classic ketchup
- Spicy Sriracha mayo (simply mix mayo and Sriracha)
- BBQ sauce
- Avocado-lime crema
- Homemade ranch

Serving Suggestions: What Goes With Sweet Potato Fries?

Air fryer sweet potato fries are incredibly versatile. Here are some pairing ideas:

Burgers: Perfect alongside beef, turkey, or black bean burgers.
Sandwiches: Chicken sandwiches, paninis, or grilled cheese are excellent matches.
Eggs for breakfast: Try with scrambled eggs, omelets, or as a brunch side.
Chicken dinners: Great as a side for roasted or fried chicken.
Salad topper: Toss into hearty green salads for crunch and color.

Nutrition Benefits of Sweet Potato Fries

Sweet potatoes are rich in:

Vitamin A (beta-carotene)
Vitamin C
Potassium
Fiber

Unlike deep-fried versions, using the air fryer and a small amount of olive oil makes these fries a genuinely healthy snack or side dish, retaining more nutrients and reducing overall fat.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcrowding the basket: Always air fry in batches for the best texture.
Skipping the dry step: Wet potatoes = soggy fries. Pat thoroughly before seasoning.
Using too much oil: Only a little oil is necessary—excess causes limp fries.
Underseasoning: Sweet potatoes crave spice and salt. Don’t be shy!

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries Recipe Card

Ingredient	Measurement	Role
Sweet potatoes	1.5 lbs	Main ingredient
Olive oil	2 tsp	Helps crisp fries
Kosher salt	1 tsp +	Flavor enhancement
Ground cumin	1/4 tsp	Warm spice
Cayenne pepper	1/4 tsp	Heat
Black pepper	1/4 tsp	Depth
Mayonnaise	1/4 cup	Dipping sauce base
Dijon mustard	2 Tbsp	Dipping sauce flavor
Honey	2 tsp	Dipping sauce sweetness

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long do you cook sweet potato fries in the air fryer?

Sweet potato fries need about 15–16 minutes at 380°F, tossed halfway through. Re-crisp for another 3–5 minutes at 400°F if serving all fries together.

Do I need to soak sweet potato fries before cooking?

No. Unlike standard fries, sweet potatoes are lower in surface starch, so soaking is unnecessary and can actually make fries soggy by creating steam in the air fryer.

Can I peel sweet potatoes, or should I leave the skin on?

This is completely up to you. The skin is nutritious and provides texture. If you dislike the flavor or texture, feel free to peel entirely or in strips.

Why aren’t my air fryer sweet potato fries crispy?

This often happens from overcrowding the basket, excess moisture, or cutting fries too thick. Ensure single layers, pat dryness, and consistent thin slicing for best results.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, but for maximum crispiness, always air fry in batches. Keep earlier batches warm in a low oven while you finish cooking.

Which air fryer works best for sweet potato fries?

Most basket- or tray-style air fryers work well. Fry time may vary, so monitor closely the first time and note what works best with your model.

What are some healthy swaps for the dipping sauce?

Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for tang and extra protein.
A simple ketchup or salsa keeps it lighter and dairy-free.

Time-Saving Tips

Cut sweet potatoes ahead and store them in the fridge in water for up to 24 hours. Pat dry before cooking (no soaking necessary for crispiness, the water just keeps them from discoloring).
Double the spice mix and keep extra on hand for future batches.
Try pre-mixed seasoned salt or your favorite spice blends for variety.

Storing & Reheating Leftovers

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Fries will soften but can be quickly re-crisped in the air fryer (5 minutes at 400°F).
Freeze: Not recommended as sweet potato fries lose their texture after thawing and reheating.

Try These Sweet Potato Variations

Cajun fries: Use a blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne.
Parmesan rosemary fries: Sprinkle with fresh rosemary and shredded Parmesan after air frying.
Garlic herb fries: Toss fries with parsley, rosemary, basil, and a little garlic powder before air frying.

Quick Recipe Summary

Slice 1.5 lbs sweet potatoes into fries.
Toss with 2 tsp olive oil and spice blend (salt, cumin, cayenne, black pepper).
Arrange in air fryer basket (single layer) and cook at 380°F for 7 minutes, toss, cook another 7 minutes.
Transfer all fries back to air fryer; cook at 400°F for 3–5 minutes until crisp.
Mix mayonnaise, Dijon, and honey for honey mustard dip. Serve immediately.

Final Thoughts

With this comprehensive guide, making perfectly crispy, flavorful air fryer sweet potato fries is simple and rewarding. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, prepping a snack, or looking for a healthy side, this technique will become a new staple in your kitchen. Try out different seasonings, dips, and serving styles—these fries are endlessly customizable and always delicious!

References

Author

medha deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

Read full bio of medha deb