Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges are crispy on the outside, tender in the middle, and seasoned with garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, and black pepper. Cooking them in the air fryer creates golden edges with less oil than traditional deep-frying.
This easy side dish takes about 30 minutes and works well with burgers, sandwiches, grilled vegetables, or your favorite dipping sauce. The seasoning is easy to customize, so you can make the wedges smoky, spicy, or slightly sweet depending on what you’re serving.
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges
- Crispy edges: Cornstarch helps create a lightly crisp exterior while the centers stay tender.
- Less oil required: A small amount of olive oil coats the wedges without deep-frying.
- Simple preparation: Wash, cut, season, and air fry with just a few basic steps.
- Easy to customize: Adjust the spices to suit your preferred flavor.
- Versatile side dish: Serve them with burgers, sandwiches, wraps, or grilled meals.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Sweet potatoes: Two medium sweet potatoes provide the base. Choose firm potatoes with smooth skin and cut them into evenly sized wedges.
- Olive oil: Helps the seasonings stick to the potatoes and encourages browning during air frying.
- Cornstarch: A light coating absorbs surface moisture and helps the outside become crisp.
- Garlic powder and onion powder: These add savory flavor without introducing extra moisture.
- Smoked paprika: Gives the wedges a smoky taste and warm color. Regular paprika can be used if preferred.
Chef’s Tip: Cut the sweet potatoes into wedges of similar thickness and dry them thoroughly before seasoning. Even pieces cook more consistently, while removing surface moisture helps improve browning.
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges Recipe
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges are crispy on the outside, tender in the middle, and seasoned with a simple blend of garlic, paprika, and black pepper. Cooking them in the air fryer gives the wedges golden edges with much less oil than traditional deep-frying.This easy side dish takes about 30 minutes to prepare and pairs well with burgers, sandwiches, grilled vegetables, or your favorite dipping sauce. You can also adjust the seasonings to make them smoky, spicy, or slightly sweet.
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Vegetable brush
- Tongs
Ingredients
- 2 medium sweet potatoes about 1 ½ pounds
- 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Wash and Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Scrub the sweet potatoes under running water and pat them completely dry. You can leave the skin on for extra texture or peel them if preferred.
- Cut into Wedges: Slice each sweet potato in half lengthwise, then cut each half into evenly sized wedges. Aim for wedges about ½ to ¾ inch thick so they cook at a similar rate.
- Remove Excess Moisture: Pat the cut wedges dry with a clean kitchen towel. Removing surface moisture helps them develop better browning during air frying.
- Season the Wedges: Place the wedges in a large mixing bowl. Add olive oil, cornstarch, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Toss until all the pieces are evenly coated.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 380°F for about 3 minutes, if your model requires preheating. Lightly grease the basket with cooking spray.
- Arrange the Wedges: Place the seasoned wedges in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them. Avoid overcrowding and cook in batches if needed.
- Air Fry Until Crispy: Cook at 380°F for 18–20 minutes, turning the wedges halfway through. Check for golden edges and a tender center by piercing one with a fork. Add a few extra minutes if the wedges are thick.
- Garnish and Serve: Carefully transfer the cooked wedges to a serving plate. Sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- Use cornstarch: A light coating helps absorb surface moisture and improves the exterior texture.
- Do not overcrowd the basket: Air circulation is important for browning. Cook in multiple batches if necessary.
- Adjust the seasoning: Add cayenne pepper for heat, cinnamon for a sweeter flavor, or extra smoked paprika for a smoky taste.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftover wedges in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Air fry leftovers at 350°F for 3–5 minutes to bring back some of their crispness.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 190 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 34 g |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Fat | 6 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sugar | 7 g |
| Sodium | 340 mg |
Easy Seasoning Variations
- Spicy Sweet Potato Wedges: Add ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper or chili powder to the seasoning mixture.
- Cinnamon Sweet Potato Wedges: Add a pinch of cinnamon for a warm, slightly sweet variation.
- Herb-Seasoned Wedges: Mix in dried rosemary or thyme with the garlic and onion powder.
- Parmesan Sweet Potato Wedges: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan over the hot wedges just before serving.
- Extra Smoky Wedges: Increase the smoked paprika slightly for a stronger smoky flavor.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges
- Air Fryer Falafel Recipe
- Air Fryer Cauliflower Tacos Recipe
- Air Fryer Fried Rice Recipe
- Air Fryer Spring Rolls Recipe
- Air Fryer Croissants Recipe
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need to peel sweet potatoes before air frying?
No. You can leave the skin on after washing and scrubbing the potatoes thoroughly. The skin adds texture, while peeling gives the wedges a more uniform finish. - Why are my sweet potato wedges not crispy?
Excess moisture, overcrowding, or uneven cutting can affect the texture. Dry the wedges thoroughly, coat them evenly with cornstarch, and arrange them in a single layer. - Can I make sweet potato wedges without cornstarch?
Yes. You can leave it out, although the exterior may be less crisp. Make sure the wedges are dry before adding the oil and seasonings. - What temperature is best for air frying sweet potato wedges?
A temperature of 380°F works well for this recipe. Check the wedges toward the end of cooking because air fryer models and wedge sizes can affect the cooking time. - Can I use regular paprika instead of smoked paprika?
Yes. Regular paprika works as a substitute. It provides a mild pepper flavor and color without the same smoky taste. - How do I know when sweet potato wedges are fully cooked?
The edges should look golden, and the centers should be tender. Pierce a wedge with a fork to check that it passes through easily. - Can I cook frozen sweet potato wedges in the air fryer?
Yes, but this recipe is designed for fresh sweet potatoes. Frozen wedges may require a different cooking time and seasoning approach, so follow the package directions as a starting point.
