Pin It My roommate used to tease me about my sweet potato obsession, always finding at least three on the counter. One rainy Tuesday, tired of the usual roasted cubes, I decided to turn them into something crunchier. The air fryer hummed on the counter while I rummaged through the spice drawer, tossing together whatever smelled bold. Those first Cajun fries emerged golden and speckled with red, carrying a warmth that filled the whole apartment. Now they are the one thing everyone actually asks for when they come over.
Last summer I made these for a backyard barbecue, unsure how Cajun spices would pair with burgers and corn. I ended up refilling the bowl three times, watching even the self proclaimed sweet potato skeptics reach for seconds. Something about the smoky heat and crisp edges just works alongside anything grilled or eaten outside on a warm evening.
Ingredients
- Sweet Potatoes: Two large ones, peeled and cut into even 1/4 inch fries so they cook at the same speed and come out uniformly crisp
- Olive Oil: About one and a half tablespoons helps the spices cling and encourages the fries to brown without burning
- Smoked Paprika: One teaspoon adds that deep, savory backbone that makes these taste like they came from a restaurant
- Garlic Powder: One teaspoon gives a mellow garlicky hum that lingers after each bite
- Onion Powder: One teaspoon rounds out the savory notes and makes the spice blend feel complete
- Dried Oregano: Half a teaspoon contributes an earthy herbal note that balances the heat
- Dried Thyme: Half a teaspoon adds a subtle floral quality that keeps the flavors from feeling too heavy
- Cayenne Pepper: Half a teaspoon brings the fire, but you can scale it back if you are sensitive to spice
- Ground Black Pepper: Half a teaspoon provides a sharp bite that cuts through the sweetness
- Fine Sea Salt: One teaspoon is essential to make all the spices pop and bring everything together
- Fresh Parsley: Two tablespoons chopped adds a bright finish and makes the plate look like you tried harder than you actually did
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer:
- Set your air fryer to 200°C or 400°F and let it run empty for about three minutes so the fries start crisping the moment they hit the basket
- Coat the potatoes:
- Toss the cut sweet potato fries in a large bowl with the olive oil until every piece gleams slightly and none look dry or bare
- Mix the spice blend:
- Stir together the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, cayenne, black pepper, and salt in a small bowl until evenly combined
- Season the fries:
- Sprinkle the spice mixture over the oiled fries and toss again until each fry is dusted with red and no white patches remain
- Arrange for cooking:
- Spread the fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket, working in batches if necessary so they have room to crisp instead of steam
- Air fry until golden:
- Cook for 15 to 20 minutes, shaking the basket or flipping the fries halfway through, until they are browned at the edges and sound crisp when you tap them
- Finish and serve:
- Transfer the fries to a serving plate, scatter with fresh parsley if you like, and get them to the table while they are still hot and snapping
Pin It These fries have become my silent weapon for picky eaters, including a friend who swore she hated sweet potatoes until she tried these. Something about the contrast between the sweet interior and the spicy, salty exterior just clicks in a way that roasted or mashed versions never do for some people.
Make Them Your Own
You can dial the heat up or down by adjusting the cayenne, or add a pinch of cinnamon if you want to lean into the sweetness. Sometimes I swap the thyme for dried rosemary when I am craving something more piney and aromatic.
Oven Method
If you do not have an air fryer, spread the fries on a baking sheet and bake at 220°C or 425°F for about 25 to 30 minutes, flipping once halfway through. They will not be quite as crisp, but they will still be delicious in a softer, more roasted way.
Serving Ideas
These fries play nicely with creamy dips that cool the heat, and they also hold their own alongside anything grilled. I have even eaten them straight from the basket, standing in the kitchen, pretending I was just quality checking.
- Garlic aioli or a lemony herbed yogurt sauce for cooling contrast
- A simple spicy ketchup mixed with a dash of hot sauce
- Whipped feta or a light tahini drizzle for something different
Pin It Make these once and you will understand why they keep appearing on my table, unannounced and unrequested, whenever I want something that feels like a treat but is still mostly a vegetable.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How can I make the fries extra crispy?
Soak the cut fries in cold water for 30 minutes, then dry them thoroughly before tossing with oil and spices. This helps remove excess starch and promotes crispiness during air frying.
- → Can I adjust the heat level of the Cajun spices?
Yes, modify the amount of cayenne pepper to suit your preferred spice level. Reduce it for milder flavor or increase for more heat.
- → What cooking methods work best for these fries?
Air frying at 200°C (400°F) for 15-20 minutes yields crispy fries. Alternatively, bake in the oven at 220°C (425°F) for 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through.
- → What herbs enhance the flavor of these fries?
Dried oregano and thyme are included in the spice mix, with fresh parsley as an optional garnish to add a fragrant, fresh note.
- → Are these sweet potato fries suitable for special diets?
Yes, this dish is vegetarian and gluten-free, making it a great option for various dietary preferences.