The Best Homemade Sweet Potato Fries

Oven or Air Fryer!

Sweet potato fries are one of those side dishes that feel both comforting and a little trendy — purple-orange sticks of crispy goodness that go with everything from burgers to chili to just plain old dipping sauce. And the best part? You can make them at home with just a few ingredients and the right technique. Whether you’re using your oven or your air fryer, this method will give you sweet-potato fries that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside—no soggy, limp fries allowed.

Why You’ll Love These Fries

• Rich, naturally sweet flavor from the sweet potatoes

• Crisp edges, tender centers — the perfect texture balance

• Flexible cooking: choose oven or air-fryer depending on your time / appliance

• Easy to season and serve with fun dips or toppings

• A great side or snack that's a little healthier than deep-fried versions

Ingredients

• 2-3 large sweet potatoes (about 1.5-2 pounds total)

• 3 tablespoons olive oil (or avocado oil)

• ½ teaspoon kosher salt

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder

• ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for a little smoky flavor)

Feel free to adjust seasonings to taste or add a little cayenne, chili powder, or cinnamon-sugar for a fun twist.

Prep Before You Cook

1. Preheat your oven or air fryer according to method below.

2. Scrub and dry the sweet potatoes. (Leaving the skins on is fine — they add texture and nutrition.)

3. Cut the sweet potatoes into fries: aim for roughly ¼-inch thick sticks so they cook evenly. If they’re too thick, they’ll go soft before the outside crisps up.

4. Toss the cut fries in a small bowl of cold water for 10-30 minutes to remove excess starch, this is crucial to get a crispy fry of any type!

5. Dry the fries thoroughly with a towel — moisture = steaming, not crisping.

Oven Method

Preferred when you’re making a larger batch or don’t have an air fryer.

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a baking sheet in the oven while it preheats (this helps the fries start crisping as soon as they hit the hot pan).

2. Toss the fries in olive oil and seasonings (salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika).

3. Spread the fries in a single layer on the hot baking sheet — no overlapping or crowding. Crowding leads to steaming instead of crisping.

4. Bake for about 15 minutes. Then flip the fries (or shake the pan) and bake another 10–15 minutes, until crispy and golden at the edges.

5. Remove from oven, sprinkle a little extra salt if desired, let them rest a minute or two (this helps them finish crisping), then serve immediately.

Air Fryer Method

Great for smaller batches and really crisp fries with less time.

1. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C).

2. Toss the cut fries with oil and seasonings (and cornstarch if using).

3. Place fries in the air fryer basket in a single layer — work in batches if necessary so you don’t overcrowd. Overcrowding = steaming.

4. Cook for about 12 minutes, shaking the basket or flipping fries around halfway through.

5. When they’re crisp and golden, remove, salt to taste, and serve immediately.

Serving & Dips

These fries are delicious plain, but you can also pair them with:

• Ketchup or BBQ sauce

• Garlic-aioli

• Honey-mustard

• Ranch or chipotle ranch

• Sriracha-mayo

• A sprinkle of fresh parsley or grated Parmesan

• My favorite dipping sauce is my homemade Feta Tzatziki

They’re perfect as a side with burgers, tacos, chicken, or just a snack with your favorite drink.

Tips for Extra Success

• Cut the fries as evenly as possible so they cook at the same rate.

• Dry the fries really well before oiling.

• Don’t skip the single layer — ensure each fry touches the hot surface.

• If baking, consider switching pan positions mid-cook for even crisping.

• Serve immediately — sweet potato fries are best fresh out of the oven or air fryer. They tend to soften if left too long.

Final Thoughts

These sweet potato fries are simple to make, versatile, and always hit the spot. Whether you’re opting for the oven or air fryer route, you’ll end up with golden, crisp-edged, tender-inside fries that feel special even on an ordinary weeknight.

Go ahead and make a batch tonight — crisp, sweet, savory, and totally homemade. If you do, tag me — I’d love to see your fry game! 🍟✨

Lauren Morgan

The Weeknight Homemaker