Crispy Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries with Smoked Paprika

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

Golden, crisp sweet potato fries seasoned with smoked paprika and garlic powder, perfectly cooked in the air fryer. This general-inspired air fryer (vegetarian, gluten free) ready in about 25 minutes pairs large (about 1 lb) sweet potatoes, olive oil, 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: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Peel and cut 2 large sweet potatoes into 1/4-inch thick fries. Place in a large bowl.
  2. Step 2: Toss sweet potato fries with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until evenly coated.
  3. Step 3: Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes. Arrange fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
  4. Step 4: Cook fries for 15 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes to ensure even crisping, until edges are golden and fries are tender inside. Serve immediately.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Crispy Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries with Smoked Paprika take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 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 Crispy Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries with Smoked 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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Crispy Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries with Smoked 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 Crispy Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries with Smoked 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 Crispy Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries with Smoked Paprika vegetarian?

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

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