Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries with Aioli (Air Fryer Option)

If you’re looking for the ultimate sweet potato fries with aioli, this recipe delivers everything you want: crispy edges, tender centers, and a rich, creamy dipping sauce that takes things to the next level. These crispy oven baked sweet potato fries are naturally delicious, easy to make, and a healthier twist on regular french fries.
They are a weekly staple in our home. As well as an every day dinner request from my 5 year old. 😉

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In addition, these are gluten free sweet potato fries made with simple pantry ingredients and a few smart techniques that guarantee that perfect crisp. Whether you’re serving them alongside burger buns, brussels sprouts, or your favorite comfort foods, this is the perfect side that always impresses.

Why You’ll Love These Sweet Potato Fries with Aioli

• Truly crispy baked sweet potato fries
• Made with wholesome sweet potatoes and olive oil
• Easy homemade aioli sauce for dipping
• Works in both the oven and air fryer
• A perfect match for everything from parmesan fries to regular fries

And here’s the good news: once you learn these simple tricks, you’ll never go back to limp sweet potato fry attempts again.

Ingredients

For the Sweet Potato Fries

• 2 large sweet potatoes (about 2 lbs, cut into thin fries for even baking)
• 2 tsp arrowroot powder (or corn starch)
• 1 tsp organic paprika
• 1 tsp organic garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1-2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

For the Garlic Aioli

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise (I use the brand Chosen)
• 1-2 cloves garlic
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (juice from 1/2 of a lemon)
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• Pinch kosher salt

Optional: add a little chipotle pepper for a smoky kick

How to Make Crispy Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries

1. Prep the Sweet Potatoes

Peel (optional) and slice your sweet potatoes into thin, even fries. Uniform size is key for even baking.

Place them in a large bowl or mixing bowl and soak in cold water for at least 30 minutes. This helps remove excess starch, which is essential for crispiness.

Drain and dry thoroughly with a clean towel. Moisture is the enemy of crispy fries.

2. Coat for Crispiness

Transfer dried fries to a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and toss well.

In a small bowl, mix arrowroot powder, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle over the fries and toss until evenly coated.

Why arrowroot powder works:
Arrowroot powder (or corn starch) absorbs moisture and creates a light coating that helps the fries crisp up beautifully in the oven.

3. Preheat the Pan (Game-Changer Tip)

Place your baking sheet (or preheated cookie sheet) in the oven while it heats to 425°F.

Carefully spread the fries in a single layer on the hot pan. You should hear a slight sizzle, this jumpstarts crisping immediately.

Avoid overcrowding. Use two baking sheets if needed.

4. Bake to Crispy Perfection

Bake for 20 minutes, then flip each fry.

Continue baking for another 10-15 minutes until golden and crispy.

For extra crispiness, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end, watching closely.

Air Fryer Option

Want to use your air fryer?

• Preheat to 380°F
• Cook fries in a single layer for 12-15 minutes
• Shake halfway through

They come out just as crispy (if not crispier) and absolutely delicious.

How to Make Homemade Garlic Paprika Aioli

In a bowl, combine:

• Mayonnaise
• Fresh Garlic (minced)
• Lemon juice
• Paprika
• Kosher salt

Mix until smooth and creamy.

This homemade aioli is rich, tangy, and the perfect dipping sauce for these fries.

Serving Suggestions

These sweet potato fries with aioli are incredibly versatile:

• Serve as a perfect side with burgers on toasted burger buns
• Pair with roasted brussels sprouts for a veggie-packed meal
• Add alongside comfort foods for a cozy dinner
• Swap them in for regular fries or parmesan fries

Honestly, they’re so good they might even compete with dessert… okay, maybe not ice cream, but close.

Tips for the Crispiest Sweet Potato Fries

• Always soak to remove excess starch
• Dry thoroughly before baking
• Use arrowroot powder or corn starch
• Preheat your baking sheet
• Don’t overcrowd the pan
• Flip halfway through baking

These simple steps take your fries from average to next level.

FAQ

Why aren’t my sweet potato fries crispy?

Most likely causes:

• Too much moisture (not dried well)
• Overcrowded baking sheet
• Skipping arrowroot powder or corn starch

Can I make these ahead of time?

They’re best fresh, but you can reheat in the oven or air fryer to bring back crispiness.

Can I customize the aioli?

Absolutely. Add chipotle pepper, extra lemon juice, or even onion powder for a twist.

If you make these gluten free sweet potato fries, let me know how they turn out. They just might become your new go-to perfect side.

Final Thoughts

There’s something about sweet potato fries with aioli that just works. The natural sweetness of the fries paired with the creamy, garlicky aioli sauce is a perfect match every time.

Whether you’re making them for your family, your little guy or girl, or just yourself after a long day, this recipe is guaranteed to hit the spot.

Once you try these crispy oven baked sweet potato fries, you’ll never look at regular french fries the same way again.

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• Garlic Aioli for Sweet Potato Fries

If you do give this recipe a try, I want to know! Leave a comment with a star rating below. You can also snap a photo & tag @wholisticmandy on Instagram. Your reviews help support this blog and make it possible for me to continue to create the recipes you know and love.