These air fryer sweet potatoes are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with flavor, making them the perfect quick and easy side dish or snack.

The combination of air frying at high heat and a perfectly balanced seasoning mix gives these sweet potatoes a deliciously caramelized texture in just 10 minutes. Whether you enjoy them on their own, toss them in salads, or add them to wraps and grain bowls, this air fryer recipe is a must-try!
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 3
Why You’ll Love Making It
- Quick & Easy – Ready in just 20 minutes with minimal prep.
- Perfectly Crispy – The air fryer creates a golden, caramelized texture with little oil.
- Healthy & Nutritious – Sweet potatoes are packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
- Customizable – Switch up the seasonings to match your favorite flavors.
- Versatile – Enjoy as a snack, a side dish, or add to wraps, tacos, and bowls.
Ingredients
- 2 large Red Garnet sweet potatoes – Washed, scrubbed, and cut into ½- to ¾-inch cubes. This variety has a deep orange hue and a slightly less sweet flavor than Beauregard, making it ideal for savory dishes.
- 1 ½ teaspoons harissa spice blend – A mix of paprika, garlic, caraway, and hot chili powder that enhances the natural sweetness of the potatoes. Adjust the amount based on your spice preference.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil – Helps crisp the edges while keeping the inside soft and tender. Oil spray can be used for a lighter option.
- ½ teaspoon salt – Balances the flavors and enhances the seasoning.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper – Adds depth and complements the harissa blend.
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Sweet Potatoes
Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into ½-inch rounds, then slice each round into ½-inch cubes. Keeping the pieces uniform in size ensures even cooking.
Step 2: Season the Sweet Potatoes
Transfer the cubed sweet potatoes to a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle with harissa spice blend (or smoked paprika), garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss well to evenly coat all pieces.
Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and allow it to preheat for a couple of minutes, following your air fryer’s manufacturer instructions.
Step 4: Arrange in a Single Layer
Spread the sweet potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If necessary, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding, which helps them crisp up rather than steam.
Step 5: Air Fry to Perfection
Cook at 400°F for 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking. Every air fryer is slightly different, so start checking for doneness at the 8-minute mark. The sweet potatoes should be golden, crispy on the outside, and fork-tender inside.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy
Remove from the air fryer and serve immediately. Enjoy them as a snack, or add them to wraps, tacos, grain bowls, salads, or alongside your favorite protein.
FAQs
Can I make these sweet potatoes without oil?
Yes! While oil helps with crispiness, you can air fry them without it. Just toss the sweet potatoes in a little lemon juice or vegetable broth to help the seasonings stick.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftover air-fried sweet potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes until warmed through and crispy again.