Cajun Spiced Sweet Potato Fries (Printable Version)

Crispy sweet potato fries with bold Cajun spices, air-fried for a flavorful, healthier snack or side dish.

# What You'll Need:

→ Sweet Potatoes

01 - 2 large sweet potatoes (approximately 1.5 lbs), peeled and cut into 1/4-inch fries

→ Seasonings

02 - 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
04 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
05 - 1 teaspoon onion powder
06 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
07 - 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
08 - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
09 - 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
10 - 1 teaspoon fine sea salt

→ Optional Garnish

11 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
02 - In a large bowl, toss the sweet potato fries with olive oil until evenly coated.
03 - Combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried thyme, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and sea salt in a small bowl.
04 - Sprinkle the spice mixture over the sweet potatoes and toss thoroughly to ensure even coverage.
05 - Place the fries in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
06 - Cook for 15 to 20 minutes, shaking the basket or turning the fries halfway through cooking, until fries are crispy and golden brown.
07 - Transfer fries to a serving dish and garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • They're crispy on the outside and tender inside without any deep-frying mess or oil splatters everywhere.
  • The Cajun spice blend is bold enough to feel indulgent but balanced so it doesn't overpower the natural sweetness of the potatoes.
  • Ready in under thirty minutes, making them perfect for weeknight sides or unexpected guests.
02 -
  • Soak your cut fries in cold water for thirty minutes before seasoning and cooking—this removes excess starch and is the difference between just-okay fries and genuinely crispy ones.
  • Don't skip shaking the basket halfway through; those fries touching the bottom need air circulation or they'll steam themselves soft.
03 -
  • If you don't have an air fryer, these work just as well baked in a regular oven at 220°C (425°F) for twenty-five to thirty minutes, though you'll want to flip them partway through.
  • Uniform fry thickness is worth the extra minute with the knife because it means nothing gets overcooked while you're waiting for something else to finish.
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