Crispy, golden, and full of flavor! These air fryer sweet potato wedges are naturally sweet, lightly maple-glazed, and perfectly seasoned. A quick side or snack, with less oil and all the crave-able crisp.
Also try my crispy air fryer potato wedges, these loaded chili sweet potato fries, and this best ever soy burger recipe! Or make this vegan chipotle sauce recipe dip!
Sweet potatoes are a staple in my weekly meals, and these air fryer sweet potato wedges are one of my favorite ways to enjoy them. They’re naturally sweet, crispy on the outside, and full of fiber, antioxidants, and skin-loving nutrients.
I usually bake sweet potatoes plain, but when I’m craving that sweet–salty crunch, this is my go-to. Quick to prep, easy to love, and even better with a little vegan chipotle sauce on the side.
And if you're craving something a little extra, try these vegan chili sweet potato fries, the ultimate comfort food.
Why this recipe works
- Crispy with less oil – The air fryer gives you that golden, crispy finish without deep frying.
- Sweet and savory balance – Maple syrup + sea salt brings the perfect sweet-salty contrast.
- Bold, smoky flavor – Garlic, onion, smoked paprika, and a pinch of cayenne take it up a notch.
- Flexible – Adjust the spices or sweetness to match your mood or meal.
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Substitutions
- Oil: I use avocado oil for its high smoke point, but olive oil or grapeseed oil also works well.
- Maple syrup: You can use agave or date syrup in a pinch, or leave it out for a fully savory version.
- Spices: Smoked paprika gives depth, but regular paprika, chili powder, or even curry powder work too, depending on the flavor you want.
- Cornstarch: Optional, but great for a crispier finish. Arrowroot or potato starch can be substituted 1:1 if needed.
How to make Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges (step-by-step)
Find the complete recipe with measurements in the recipe card below.\
- Step 1: Wash and dry 2 medium-large sweet potatoes thoroughly.
- Step 2: Then, trim both ends of the sweet potato. Slice it into 3-4 equal parts lengthwise. Then cut each part into ½-inch wedges.
- Step 3: After slicing, place the sweet potato wedges in a large bowl. Toss with oil and seasonings until evenly coated.
- Step 4: Place sweet potato slices in a preheated air fryer at 375°F in a single layer. Cook for 12 minutes, flipping halfway through at 6 minutes.
Optional add-ins
- More Spice: Swap cayenne for chipotle powder for a smoky kick, or add crushed red chili flakes for extra heat.
- Freshness: Top crispy wedges with cilantro, parsley, green onions, or avocado for a pop of color and freshness.
We like to switch up our dips for these sweet potato fries with maple dijon dressing (oil-free), spicy Thai peanut sauce, or a drizzle of maple soy glaze.
In the kitchen tips
- Preheat: Preheat your air fryer for even cooking.
- Dry Well: Pat wedges dry to avoid sogginess.
- Cut Evenly: Slice the wedges uniformly for even cooking.
- Skin On: Keep the skin for extra nutrients (optional).
- Space Wedges: Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow for proper air circulation and crispiness.
- Cooking Time: For ½-inch wedges, air fry at 375°F for 12 minutes, checking at 10 minutes for doneness. Adjust cooking time as needed, depending on thickness. If necessary, cook for a few more minutes until crispy and easily pierced with a fork.
- Finish with Sea Salt: A pinch of salt after cooking brings out the natural flavors.
Serve these wedges with air-fryer crispy vegan bean taquitos, both of which go great with this Instant Pot vegan nacho cheese sauce recipe.
How to store and make-ahead sweet potato wedges
- Make-ahead: Cut and season sweet potatoes up to 24 hours ahead. Store in an airtight container. Soak in cold water for up to a few hours if you want extra crispiness, but it’s not required for great results!
- Storage (cooked sweet potato wedges): Cooked homemade wedges can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge. They may lose some crispiness. Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F for a few minutes.
Nourish based on how you feel
Turn these sweet potato wedges into a full meal that supports how you feel.
- Need steady energy? Add these refried black beans made with canned beans, avocado, and greens for a nutrient-packed bowl.
- Craving comfort? Pair these sweet potato fries with my vegan lentil meatloaf.
- Want something lighter? Serve with a simple side salad, citrus vinaigrette, and a sprinkle of hemp seeds.
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges FAQs
The most common reason is excess moisture. Pat dry the wedges and leave enough room in the air fryer for the hot air to circulate.
Yes! You can skip the oil for a lighter version, but a little oil helps achieve those crispy edges.
Yes! Russet potatoes work, but the texture and flavor will be a little different. Adjust cooking time if needed.
To add spice, increase cayenne pepper, add chipotle powder, or use crushed red pepper flakes. For a milder heat, sprinkle chili powder or drizzle with hot sauce after cooking.
Did you try this recipe? Let me know what you thought by leaving a comment below and sharing it on Instagram, Facebook, & Pinterest! 💛
📖 Recipe
Crispy Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 medium-large orange sweet potatoes, skin on for more nutrients, cut into wedges
- 1.5 tablespoons avocado oil, or your preferred oil, such as extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional, for heat
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch, optional for extra crispiness
- Chopped fresh parsley to garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for the best results. Wash and dry the sweet potatoes well. then slice off the ends. Cut them into ½-inch wedges for uniform cooking.
- In a large mixing bowl, toss the wedges with avocado oil and maple syrup.
- In a small bowl whisk together the remaining seasonings and cornstarch.
- Add the seasonings to the sweet potatoes and give them a good shake to coat evenly.
- Place the seasoned wedges in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they’re not touching. If needed, cook in batches. Cook at 375°F for 12 minutes, checking at the 10-minute mark, as air fryers can vary. If needed, add a few more minutes for extra crispiness. Flip the wedges at the 6-minute mark for even cooking.
- Sprinkle with a pinch or two of sea salt. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce. Our favorites are creamy vegan chipotle sauce or creamy maple dijon dressing — or enjoy them on their own!
Notes
- If you prefer a slightly less caramelized finish, drizzle the maple syrup over the sweet potatoes halfway through cooking, after flipping.
Nutrition
Julie Gaeta is a plant-based recipe creator, certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach (INHC) with advanced training in hormone health, trained yoga instructor, former restaurant owner, and mom of nine who’s been plant-based for over 20 years. She’s cooked approximately 4,382 pots of beans and reinvented comfort food more times than she can count. She’s completed multiple half marathons and a Tough Mudder because she can’t resist a new adventure — and apparently, she can’t vacation without cooking either, since her juicer (beets and greens, too) and pasta pot always come along. Julie’s work has been featured in HuffPost, Yahoo, YourTango, Mamamia, MSN, Redfin, Better Humans, and The Good Men Project. Through her blog, coaching, and weekly newsletter, she helps others simplify wellness, build lasting habits, and feel good again — one grounded, delicious choice at a time.
Julie Gaeta says
These wedges are crisp on the outside and tender on the inside. And the maple-glazed sweetness is so good! I love piling them into a bowl with black beans, avocado, and creamy chipotle sauce.