SPICY AIR-FRIED SWEET POTATO FRIES
Spicy Air-Fried Sweet Potato Fries are the ultimate healthy alternative to traditional fries. These crispy, golden sweet potato fries are seasoned with paprika, cayenne, black pepper, salt and garlic powder for a perfect spicy kick while being low in fat and air-fried to perfection. This dish is ideal as a snack, side or appetizer, pairing well with your favourite dips or sauces. With minimal olive oil and maximum flavour, these fries provide natural sweetness, fibre and essential vitamins while staying crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Whether you’re making them as a quick side for a weeknight dinner or a healthy game-day snack, these air-fried sweet potato fries are guaranteed to satisfy your cravings without guilt.
RECIPE CATEGORY
Snack, Side, Appetizer
SERVING SIZE
1
CUISINE
American, Healthy, Californian
PREPARATION/TECHNIQUES
Air Fryer, Quick & Easy, Low-Fat
OCCASION/HOLIDAY
Casual Dinner, Game Night, Meal Prep, Family Gathering, Party Snack
SPECIAL CONSIDERATION/DIETARY CONCERNS
Vegan, Dairy-Free, Low-Fat, Gluten-Free, High-Fibre, Paleo, Whole30
DISH TYPE
Fries, Side Dish, Finger Food
INGREDIENTS
- ½ small sweet potato, cut into fries
- ½ teaspoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to spice tolerance)
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- Pinch of salt
FULL NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
- Calories: 95 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Protein: 1.5g
- Fats: 3g
- Fibre: 3g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 180mg
PREPARATION
- Preheat the air fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 190°C (375°F) for about 5 minutes.
- Prepare the sweet potato: Wash and peel the sweet potato, then cut it into evenly sized-fries.
- Season the fries: In a bowl, toss the sweet potato fries with olive oil, paprika, black pepper, cayenne pepper, garlic powder and salt. Ensure they are well coated.
- Arrange in the air fryer: Spread the fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overlapping.
- Air fry: Cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even crispiness.
- Check for doneness: When they turn golden and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool for a minute.
- Serve immediately: Serve immediately with your favourite dipping sauce or seasoning.
PREP TIME
5 minutes
COOKING TIME
12-15 minutes
TIPS
- Cut evenly: To ensure all fries cook at the same rate, slice them uniformly.
- Don’t overcrowd: Arrange fries in a single layer to allow air circulation for even crispiness.
- Increase crispiness: Soak the sweet potato slices in cold water for 15-20 minutes, then pat dry before seasoning.
- Adjust spice level: Reduce cayenne or swap with smoked paprika for a milder taste.
- Double batch: If making more servings, cook in batches to maintain crispiness.
VARIATIONS
- Garlic Parmesan: Add grated parmesan and an extra sprinkle of garlic powder after air-frying.
- Sweet & Spicy: Drizzle with honey or maple syrup for a balance of heat and sweetness.
- Herb-Infused: Toss with dried rosemary or thyme before cooking.
- Extra Crunchy: Sprinkle cornstarch over the fries before air-frying for an extra crispy texture.
- Loaded Sweet Potato Fries: Top with avocado, black beans and a drizzle of spicy yoghurt sauce.
PREPPING AND STORAGE
- Best eaten fresh: These fries are best enjoyed immediately after air-frying for maximum crispiness.
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 180°C (350°F) for 3-5 minutes until crispy again.
- Freezing: Par-cook the fries for 8 minutes, let them cool and store them in a freezer bag. Air fry directly from frozen at 190°C (375°F) for 10-12 minutes.