Cajun Spiced Sweet Potatoes (Printable version)

Golden sweet potatoes tossed in Cajun spices and air-fried to a crisp, flavorful finish.

# Ingredient List:

→ Sweet Potatoes

01 - 2 large sweet potatoes (about 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, adjustable 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 Steps:

01 - Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
02 - Place the sweet potato fries in a large bowl and toss 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 spice mixture over the sweet potatoes and toss to ensure an even coating.
05 - Place the fries in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. If needed, cook in batches.
06 - Air-fry the fries for 15 to 20 minutes, shaking the basket or turning the fries halfway through until golden brown and crisp.
07 - Transfer fries to a serving plate, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • They're ready in under 30 minutes, which means you can satisfy a serious snack craving without planning ahead.
  • The air fryer does the hard work, giving you that restaurant-quality crispiness with a fraction of the oil.
  • One batch disappears faster than you'd expect, so everyone at the table gets a moment of pure joy.
02 -
  • If your fries come out soft instead of crispy, they likely had too much moisture—next time, soak cut fries in cold water for 30 minutes, then pat them completely dry before seasoning.
  • Shaking the basket halfway through isn't optional; it's the difference between evenly golden fries and some that are pale while others burn.
03 -
  • Don't skip the preheat step—a properly heated basket is what gives you that contrast between a crispy exterior and a fluffy center.
  • If you don't have an air fryer, these work beautifully in a regular oven at 220°C (425°F) for 25–30 minutes, turning halfway through for even browning.
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