I love the air fryer for heating leftovers and making frozen food, but it’s also great for making homemade versions of foods you enjoy when you go out to eat. Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges are the perfect example of a tasty side dish that you can make healthier at home!
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges
One reason I love making potatoes and sweet potatoes in the air fryer is because it uses less oil than deep frying. I also don’t deep fry foods at home so I don’t even have the option. But the air fryer makes these recipes a bit healthier plus it’s super convenient to make!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthier Snacking: Air frying sweet potato wedges is a nutritious alternative to traditional frying.
- Convenient Cooking: Enjoy a quick and easy preparation with minimal clean-up. The list of ingredients is also very simple, making it a great recipe to try.
- Packed With Flavor: The seasoning on these sweet potato wedges is packed with flavor. You can also tweak the seasonings to get just the right taste for your family! (They can actually go sweet or savory!)
Selecting the Best Sweet Potatoes
When I first wanted to cook more sweet potatoes, I had to learn more about how to choose a good sweet potato when I was shopping.
Here are a few tips I’ve learned:
- Start by looking for firm sweet potatoes that have skin that is smooth and taught. You want to avoid any bruises or soft spots. They can have an impact on both the texture and the taste of the sweet potato.
- You’ll want to look for ones that are also even in shape to give you the best shape for cutting them into wedges. Choose sweet potatoes that are all similar in size so your wedges are similar in size.
- Sweet potatoes that feel heavy for their size are usually moist and full of flavor.
- You also want them to be dry to the touch. If they are moist they can end up soggy when you put them in the air fryer.
Ingredients
Most of the ingredients you’ll need for this recipe are the seasonings you’ll use for the wedges. You can also tweak your seasoning mix or try a premade seasoning to mix.
- Medium sweet potatoes (you can peel the sweet potatoes or leave the skin on for this recipe)
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Paprika
- Garlic powder
- Cinnamon
- Cayenne pepper
Full measurements for each ingredient can be found in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.
You’ll also need a few pieces of kitchen equipment:
The links above are some of my favorite products to use in my kitchen.
Instructions for Crispy Wedges
This recipe takes about 10 minutes prep time (40 minutes if you include the 30 minutes of soaking time) and 20 minutes cooking time. The total time is 30 mins once you’ve soaked your sweet potatoes.
Begin by washing and peeling (if desired) your sweet potatoes, ensuring they’re clean and smooth. You can make these wedges with or without the skin on.
Next, slice them into even wedges. Keeping the size consistent is key for consistent cooking.
If you want to and have time, soak the wedges in cold water for at least 30 minutes to remove excess starch, which ensures crispiness. If you soak the wedges, use a paper towel to dry them and remove as much moisture as possible.
Preheat your air fryer to 400℉, if required by your air fryer model.
Toss the dried wedges in a large bowl with olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, cinnamon, and cayenne for a flavorful coat. Even seasoning on all of the wedges will give you a consistently delicious snack.
Arrange the wedges in a single layer in the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding to promote even cooking. Cook in batches if necessary.
Cook the wedges for 18 to 20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure all sides get a chance to brown evenly.
Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
Variations & Dipping Sauces
One of the best things about this recipe is that you can change up the flavor by using a variety of seasoning mixes. Some ideas to try include:
- Salt and pepper
- Rosemary and thyme
- Cajun spices
- Chili powder
- Onion powder
- Cilantro
- Cumin
- Parsley
- Brown sugar
You can also serve with different dipping sauces to change things up. Some ideas that work well are:
- Ketchup
- Chipotle sauce
- Ranch dressing
- BBQ sauce
- Mayo, chili sauce & smoked paprika
- Marshmallow dip (if you’re going for sweet)
These sweet potato wedges pair well with everything! Try them with chicken, burgers, steak, and even pork chops!
Leftovers & Storage
- Storage – You can refrigerate leftover wedges in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
- Freezing – Wedges can be frozen in an airtight container or zipper bag that is made for the freezer for 3 months. Thaw completely before reheating.
- Reheating – You can reheat leftovers in the oven or in the air fryer. In the air fryer, place the wedges in a single layer and heat for 3-5 minutes at 400℉.
Recipe Tips & Tricks
- Preheat Your Air Fryer: If your model allows it, start by preheating your air fryer to ensure uniform cooking.
- Size Matters: Cut wedges evenly so they cook at the same rate.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Cook in batches to allow air circulation for crispiness.
- Soak Wedges: Soak the sweet potatoes in water to remove excess starch, which helps with crispness.
- Dry Thoroughly: After soaking, pat the wedges dry to prevent steaming inside the air fryer.
- Light Oil Coating: Use just enough oil to lightly coat the wedges without drenching them.
- Season Well: Apply spices and seasoning evenly to enhance the flavor.
- Shake the Basket: Shake the basket halfway through cooking for even browning.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the wedges sit for a few minutes after cooking; they continue to crisp as they cool.
FAQs
Can I make sweet potato wedges without peeling them?
Yes, you can leave the skin on for added nutrition, just be sure to wash them thoroughly.
Why soak sweet potatoes before air frying?
Soaking helps remove excess starch, which can result in crispier wedges, but it’s not required.
Why are my sweet potato wedges not crispy?
You might have too much moisture in your sweet potatoes. If you soak them prior to air frying, be sure to dry them well.
Be sure to also place the wedges in a single layer in the air fryer. Allow plenty of room for the air to circulate the wedges may not be able to crisp up.
Why do sweet potatoes turn black in the air fryer?
Sweet potatoes have a higher sugar level than regular potatoes. If your wedges are darkening too quickly, reduce the temperature of the air fryer or reduce the cooking time.
More Air Fryer Side Dishes
If you like this recipe, try making some other air fryer vegetable side dishes:
- Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes (Try this recipe instead of baking them!)
- Air Fryer Butternut Squash
- Air Fryer Cauliflower
- Air Fryer Zucchini
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 medium sweet potatoes peeled
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- Pinch of cayenne
Instructions
- Wash the sweet potatoes and peel, if desried.
- Cut the potatoes into wedges.
- Allow the wedges to soak in cold water for at least 30 minutes. After soaking, remove the wedges to a paper towel lined plate and pat them dry. (This step is optional.)
- Preheat the air fryer to 400℉ (if required by your model).
- Place the sweet potato wedges in a large bowl and toss them with the oil, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, cinnamon and cayenne.
- Spread the wedges in an even layer in the basket of the air fryer. Cook in batches, if needed.
- Place the basket in the air fryer and cook for 18 to 20 minutes, tossing the wedges halfway through the cook time.
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