Air-Fried Sweet Potato Fries with Paprika

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Golden, crispy sweet potato fries with smoky paprika seasoning, air-fried to perfection without deep-frying. This american-inspired air fryer (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes pairs large, peeled sweet potatoes, tablespoons olive oil, teaspoon smoked paprika for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 American cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cut 2 large peeled sweet potatoes into 1/4-inch thick sticks. Toss in a bowl with 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper until evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange sweet potato sticks in a single layer in air fryer basket, ensuring they don't overlap.
  3. Step 3: Cook for 15 minutes, shaking basket every 5 minutes, until fries are crisp and golden brown at the edges.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Air-Fried Sweet Potato Fries with Paprika take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Air-Fried Sweet Potato Fries with Paprika?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep large, peeled sweet potatoes from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Air-Fried Sweet Potato Fries with Paprika?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Air-Fried Sweet Potato Fries with Paprika for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Air-Fried Sweet Potato Fries with Paprika vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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