Quick Answer
The recommended cooking time for sweet potato fries in an air fryer is 15-20 minutes at 400°F, shaking halfway through. Thinner fries may take 10-15 minutes while thicker wedges may need 20-25 minutes. Cooking time can vary based on the size and shape of your fries, as well as your air fryer model. Keep an eye on them and shake the basket periodically for even cooking. Sweet potato fries are done when they are tender inside and crispy on the outside.
How Long to Cook Sweet Potato Fries in an Air Fryer
When using an air fryer, sweet potato fries are generally done in 15-25 minutes depending on their thickness. Here are some more specific air fryer cooking times for sweet potato fries:
- Thin shoestring fries: 10-15 minutes at 400°F
- Standard 1⁄4 to 1⁄2-inch fries: 15-20 minutes at 400°F
- Thick wedges or steak fries: 20-25 minutes at 400°F
Always shake the basket halfway through cooking to promote even browning. If your fries are extra thick or dense, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
It’s important to keep in mind that cooking times can vary based on:
- Air fryer model (some run hotter than others)
- Size and quantity of fries (a full basket will take longer)
- Moisture content of the potatoes
- Personal taste and texture preference
Your best bet is to start checking for doneness a few minutes early and adjust the time as needed. The fries are ready when they are fork-tender inside with crispy, golden brown edges.
Tips for the Best Air Fried Sweet Potato Fries
Here are some useful tips to keep in mind for perfectly cooked sweet potato fries from your air fryer:
- Cut the fries evenly for consistent cooking. Cut larger potatoes into wedges or steak fries.
- Pat the fries dry before cooking to crispen the outsides.
- Toss the fries lightly in oil before air frying for added crispness.
- Shake the basket or toss the fries halfway through cooking.
- Use 400°F for the perfect balance of crisp exterior and tender interior.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches for even browning.
- Check often near the end of cooking and adjust time if needed.
- Let the cooked fries drain on a paper towel-lined plate before serving.
How to Make Sweet Potato Fries in an Air Fryer
Making delicious sweet potato fries in an air fryer is easy. Here is a simple step-by-step guide:
Ingredients:
- 2-3 medium sweet potatoes, peeled
- 1-2 tbsp oil (avocado, olive, etc)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp seasoning of choice (paprika, chili powder, cumin, etc)
Steps:
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
- Cut sweet potatoes into 1/4 to 1/2-inch thick fries, wedges or steak fries. Pat very dry with paper towels.
- Toss fries lightly in oil to coat. Season with desired spices.
- Place fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket, being careful not to overcrowd.
- Cook for 15-20 minutes, shaking basket halfway through. Cook thinner fries for less time and thicker fries for longer.
- Once done, remove fries to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Season again if desired.
- Enjoy hot and crispy sweet potato fries right out of the air fryer!
Choosing a Sweet Potato for Air Frying
The variety of sweet potato you use can impact the taste, texture, and cooking time of your fries. Here are a few popular options:
Jewel Sweet Potatoes
- Smooth, orange flesh
- Very sweet and moist
- Medium starch content
- Cooks up soft and tender
- Great for baking but can get too soft for fries
Garnet Sweet Potatoes
- Deep orange color
- Soft, smooth texture
- Ideal balance of sweetness and moisture
- Medium-high starch content gives great crispness
- One of the best varieties for sweet potato fries
Japanese Sweet Potatoes
- Purple exterior with white flesh
- Very creamy and sweet flavor
- Low starch content leads to softer fries
- Best roasted or mashed
For air frying, look for firm, starchy sweet potatoes like Garnets. The higher starch content helps the fries get crispy on the outside while staying tender inside.
Common Problems and How to Avoid Them
Having trouble getting your sweet potato fries just right? Here are some common issues and ways to prevent them:
Not Crispy Enough
- Pat potatoes very dry before frying
- Use a light coating of oil
- Double check air fryer temperature
- Cook at 400°F for crispiest results
- Cut uniformly for even cooking
Too Soft in the Middle
- Cut fries no thicker than 1/2 inch
- Extend cooking time for very dense/large fries
- Make sure you shake basket midway through
Uneven Browning
- Don’t overload the air fryer basket
- Cut fries to a consistent size
- Shake halfway through cooking
Burned Fries
- Don’t cook at over 400°F
- Set timer and check frequently near end
- Adjust cooking time down if needed
- Avoid overcrowding basket
If you follow the recipe tips, your fries should turn out tender and crispy every time!
Cooking Sweet Potato Fries in the Oven
While an air fryer is ideal for fast crisping, you can also bake great sweet potato fries in the oven:
- Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment.
- Cut potatoes and toss in oil just like for the air fryer. Spread in a single layer.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway. Thinner fries may take 15-20 minutes.
- Increase time for very thick fries. Bake until tender inside and starting to brown.
- Let fries cool for 5 minutes before serving for perfect crispness.
The high heat of the oven lets you achieve similar taste and texture to the air fryer. Just keep an eye on them since oven cooking takes a bit longer.
Storing and Reheating Leftover Sweet Potato Fries
Have some extra sweet potato fries you aren’t ready to finish? Here are some storage tips:
- Let fries completely cool before storing.
- Place in an airtight container or bag.
- Refrigerate for 3-4 days maximum.
- Reheat in a 400°F oven for 8-10 minutes until warmed through and crispy.
- They can also be reheated well in the air fryer or skillet.
With proper storage, you can enjoy leftover fries for several days. The key is sealing them so they stay crisp. Reheat before serving to restore that just-cooked crunch.
Serving Ideas for Sweet Potato Fries
Beyond just snacking, sweet potato fries make for delicious meal additions. Consider serving them:
- As a side to burgers, sandwiches, ribs, or chicken
- Tossed into salads for added crunch
- Topped with chili or pulled pork and cheese for loaded fries
- With fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or chives
- Sprinkled with spiced cinnamon sugar
- Drizzled with honey mustard or chimichurri sauce
- Alongside eggs for a fun breakfast twist
Let your creativity run wild when topping and pairing these veggie fries! They make an awesome alternative to greasy and bland potato fries.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about making sweet potato fries in an air fryer:
Should the fries be soaked or rinsed before air frying?
No, avoid soaking or rinsing the cut fries as it will make them too wet and steam instead of getting crispy. Gently pat them dry before seasoning and cooking.
Do the fries need to be oiled or sprayed?
A light coating of oil helps the fries get extra crispy. Toss or mist them with just 1-2 tbsp oil before air frying.
How do you know when they’re done?
Check for fork-tender insides and deeply golden, crispy edges. Adjust cooking time up or down a couple minutes to suit your preference.
What oil is best for air frying?
Avocado oil has a very high smoke point which makes it ideal. Olive and vegetable oil also work well. Avoid coconut oil as it can burn.
Can you cook frozen fries in an air fryer?
Yes, frozen fries can go right into a preheated air fryer. Add 1-3 minutes to the recommended time and shake occasionally for even cooking.
Conclusion
In 15-20 minutes, you can have tasty sweet potato fries ready to enjoy using your air fryer. Cut them evenly, let dry, oil lightly, and fry at 400°F shaking midway. Adjust times for thicker or thinner fries. When fork-tender and beautifully browned, they are ready to eat! Use the air fryer for quick crisping without the hassle or excess oil of deep frying. With the right prep and cooking method, you can make healthy and delicious sweet potato fries a breezy weeknight side.