Cajun Spiced Sweet Potato Fries (Print version)

Crispy sweet potato fries with bold Cajun spices, air-fried to golden perfection for a tasty snack.

# What You Need:

→ Sweet Potatoes

01 - 2 large sweet potatoes (approx. 24.7 oz), 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:

01 - Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and allow it to run for 3 minutes.
02 - In a large mixing 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, ground black pepper, and fine sea salt in a small bowl.
04 - Sprinkle the seasoning blend over the sweet potatoes and toss thoroughly to ensure even coverage.
05 - Place the fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
06 - Air-fry the fries for 15 to 20 minutes, shaking the basket or turning them halfway through cooking until golden brown and crisp.
07 - Transfer fries to a serving plate, garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, and serve immediately.

# Expert tips:

01 -
  • They're crispy on the outside, tender inside, and taste nothing like rabbit food despite being healthier than regular fries.
  • The spice blend comes together in under a minute, but tastes like you've been developing the flavor profile for weeks.
  • Air frying means less oil and minimal cleanup, which means more time enjoying the actual fries.
02 -
  • Soaking cut fries in cold water for 30 minutes before seasoning removes excess starch and is the single biggest factor in achieving that shattering crispness you're after, though it does require planning ahead.
  • The heat builds differently depending on your cayenne—some batches are spicier than others, so taste a single fry before serving to a group and adjust future batches accordingly.
03 -
  • Pat your soaked fries completely dry with a clean kitchen towel before tossing with oil—any lingering moisture interferes with browning and makes them greasy instead of crispy.
  • If your air fryer runs hotter than average, check the fries at the 12-minute mark rather than waiting the full 15 minutes, since timing varies wildly between models.
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