Hot, crispy sweet potato fries with melty Parmesan and a whisper of fresh garlic are my love language. These air fryer fries come out golden at home in minutes, and they taste like a treat without the deep fryer. Perfect for busy weeknights or game day snacking.
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries with Garlic Parmesan
- Ultra crispy outside, tender and sweet inside with just a light coating of oil.
- Ready fast in the air fryer with simple pantry ingredients.
- Garlic Parmesan finish adds savory, cheesy goodness without overpowering the sweet potatoes.
- Easy to customize with spices, heat, or dairy-free swaps.
- Kid friendly, game day approved, and a perfect side for burgers, chicken, or salads.
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries with Garlic Parmesan Ingredients & Substitutions
- 2 large sweet potatoes, about 1.5 lb/680 g, peeled or skin on
- 1.5 tbsp cornstarch (for extra crispiness)
- 1.5 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 tsp kosher salt, plus more to taste
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for depth)
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder (seasoning layer)
- 2 cloves garlic, very finely minced
- 1/3 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or chives
- Pinch red pepper flakes or lemon zest (optional finish)
Simple swaps: Use arrowroot in place of cornstarch. Try Pecorino Romano instead of Parmesan. For dairy free, skip the cheese and add 2 tbsp nutritional yeast. If avoiding garlic, finish with lemon zest and herbs.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries with Garlic Parmesan
1. Preheat the air fryer
Preheat to 380°F (193°C) for 3 to 5 minutes so the basket is hot when the fries go in.
2. Cut the fries evenly
Slice sweet potatoes into 1/4 inch thick sticks, 3 to 4 inches long. Even size means even cooking and better crisping.
3. Soak, then dry thoroughly
Cover fries with cold water for 20 to 30 minutes to draw out surface starch. Drain, then pat very dry with towels. Dry fries are crisp fries.
4. Season the base layer
Toss fries with cornstarch until lightly coated. Add oil, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Toss to coat evenly.
5. Air fry in batches
Arrange fries in a loose, single layer. Air fry 12 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket or flipping at the 7 minute mark, until edges are browned and crisp. Repeat with remaining fries. Add 1 to 2 minutes more if needed for extra crisp.
6. Make the garlic Parmesan finish
While fries cook, combine minced garlic, Parmesan, and parsley in a large bowl. The residual heat from the fries will soften the raw garlic without burning it.
7. Toss and serve
Transfer hot fries straight from the air fryer into the bowl and toss. Taste and add a pinch more salt, red pepper flakes, or lemon zest. Shower with extra Parmesan and serve immediately.
Tips for Success
- Cut evenly for consistent texture and color.
- Soak then dry thoroughly to prevent soggy fries.
- Cornstarch first, oil second. This thin coating helps crisp and keeps spices on.
- Do not overcrowd the basket. Cook in batches for best results.
- Toss with fresh garlic and Parmesan after frying so nothing burns.
Variations of Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries with Garlic Parmesan
- Spicy Chipotle: Add 1/2 tsp chipotle powder to the seasoning and finish with lime zest.
- Herb Lovers: Swap smoked paprika for 1 tsp Italian seasoning and add extra parsley.
- Truffle Parmesan: Drizzle 1/2 tsp truffle oil over hot fries before tossing with Parmesan.
- Dairy Free Umami: Skip Parmesan and finish with 2 tbsp nutritional yeast and a squeeze of lemon.
- Cajun Kick: Use 1 tsp Cajun seasoning in place of paprika and garlic powder.
Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries with Garlic Parmesan
- Protein mains: turkey burgers, grilled chicken, salmon, or steak bites.
- Salads: kale Caesar, arugula with lemon vinaigrette, or a chopped Greek salad.
- Dips: garlic aioli, chipotle mayo, yogurt herb dip, or honey mustard. Quick aioli: 1/3 cup mayo, 1 grated garlic clove, 1 tsp lemon juice, pinch salt.
- Brunch plate: top with a fried egg and hot sauce.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerate: Cool completely, then store in an airtight container up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a bag up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Air fryer at 360°F (182°C) for 4 to 6 minutes, shaking once, until hot and crisp. From frozen, add 2 to 3 minutes.
- Avoid the microwave if you want to keep the crisp edges.
Memories Made Around the Table
The first time I made these for friends, the bowl disappeared before the burgers hit the grill. We kept grating Parmesan over the top and everyone grabbed just one more fry.
FAQs
How do I make them crispier? Cut evenly, soak and dry well, use cornstarch, and fry in a single layer. Add 1 to 2 extra minutes at the end if needed.
Can I skip soaking? Yes, but soaking improves texture. If skipping, dry the cut fries very well and do not overcrowd the basket.
Do I need to peel the sweet potatoes? No. The skin adds texture and nutrients. Scrub well if leaving it on.
Why add garlic after air frying? Fresh garlic can burn quickly. Tossing it with hot fries gently warms it and preserves the sweet, savory flavor.
Can I bake these in the oven? Yes. Roast at 425°F (218°C) for 28 to 32 minutes on two parchment lined sheets, flipping halfway.
Final Thoughts
These Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries with Garlic Parmesan strike that perfect balance of sweet, salty, crispy, and cheesy. If you try them, leave a comment and share your favorite dip. Happy cooking.
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries with Garlic Parmesan
Equipment
- 1 Air fryer
- 1 Large bowl
- 1 Cutting Board
- 1 Chef's knife
- 1 Tongs for tossing and serving
Ingredients
Fries
- 2 sweet potatoes large; about 1.5 lb (680 g); peeled or skin on
- 1.5 tbsp cornstarch for extra crispiness
- 1.5 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 tsp kosher salt plus more to taste
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 0.5 tsp smoked paprika optional, for depth
- 0.25 tsp garlic powder seasoning layer
Garlic Parmesan Finish
- 2 clove garlic very finely minced
- 0.33 cup Parmesan cheese finely grated, plus extra for serving
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped; or chives
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes or lemon zest optional finish
Instructions
Fries
- Preheat to 380°F (193°C) for 3 to 5 minutes so the basket is hot when the fries go in.
- Slice sweet potatoes into 1/4 inch thick sticks, 3 to 4 inches long. Even size means even cooking and better crisping.
- Cover fries with cold water for 20 to 30 minutes to draw out surface starch. Drain, then pat very dry with towels. Dry fries are crisp fries.
- Toss fries with cornstarch until lightly coated. Add oil, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Toss to coat evenly.
- Arrange fries in a loose, single layer. Air fry 12 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket or flipping at the 7 minute mark, until edges are browned and crisp. Repeat with remaining fries. Add 1 to 2 minutes more if needed for extra crisp.
Finish & Serve
- While fries cook, combine minced garlic, Parmesan, and parsley in a large bowl. The residual heat from the fries will soften the raw garlic without burning it.
- Transfer hot fries straight from the air fryer into the bowl and toss. Taste and add a pinch more salt, red pepper flakes, or lemon zest. Shower with extra Parmesan and serve immediately.