1. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

Start by peeling the sweet potatoes and cutting them into fries. You can also leave the skins on if you prefer a more rustic feel to your fries, which adds extra fiber and texture. Cut the sweet potatoes into even-sized pieces, about ½-inch thick, to ensure they cook evenly in the air fryer.

For an alternative presentation, you can also cut the sweet potatoes into wedges or rounds, depending on your preference. Uniformity is key, as it helps the fries cook at the same rate.

2. Season the Sweet Potatoes

Place the cut sweet potato fries in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and toss them well to coat. Olive oil helps the fries become crispy during air frying, while also ensuring the seasoning sticks.

Next, add the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), cinnamon (if using), salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until the fries are evenly coated with the seasoning mix. The spices give the fries a savory flavor with a touch of heat and sweetness, balancing the natural flavor of the sweet potatoes.

3. Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes. This step ensures that the fries begin cooking immediately when placed in the basket, allowing them to get crispier faster.

4. Air Fry the Sweet Potato Fries

Once the air fryer is preheated, place the sweet potato fries in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure there is enough space between the fries so that the hot air can circulate properly, helping them cook evenly. If necessary, cook the fries in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Set the air fryer temperature to 375°F (190°C) and cook for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure even crisping. The fries should be golden and crispy on the outside, with a tender interior.

5. Serve and Enjoy

Once the fries are cooked to your desired level of crispiness, transfer them to a serving dish. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro for added color and flavor, if desired. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce on the side, such as spicy ketchup, garlic aioli, or ranch dressing.

Allow the fries to cool for a few minutes before serving, as they will be very hot right out of the air fryer. Enjoy them as a snack, side dish, or appetizer!