If you love sweet potato fries, you’ll adore this Spicy Sweet Potato Fries recipe. Inspired by Moxie’s, these fries are seasoned, spicy, and can be made in the air fryer or baked in the oven for a healthier alternative to deep-frying. Serve them with a creamy garlic mayo or a chipotle-style dip for a perfect snack or appetizer.
These fries work equally well as a casual snack, a party appetizer, or a flavorful side for burgers and sandwiches. The recipe below shows both baked and air fryer methods so you can choose based on convenience and desired crispiness.
I don’t often leave restaurants impressed, but Moxie’s sweet potato fries were an exception. Crispy, slightly sweet, and perfectly spiced, they paired beautifully with the garlic mayo dip. Recreating them at home is easy and rewarding.
Variations & Substitutions
- Cajun seasoning: If you don’t have Cajun, use Creole seasoning or a blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, and black pepper.
- Salt: Kosher or coarse sea salt both work; adjust amount to taste.
- Oil: For baking, use a light vegetable oil or olive oil. For air frying, use a non-propellant spray or brush lightly with high smoke-point oil such as avocado or canola.
We first tried these fries on a patio and immediately ordered more — they have that addictive restaurant quality. The sweet potato’s natural sweetness balances the warm spices, and a tangy dip elevates each bite.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Spicy Baked Sweet Potato Fries
- Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C) with a rimmed baking sheet inside so it heats while the oven comes up to temperature.
- Peel large sweet potatoes and cut into even fries using a chipper or a sharp knife. Even sizing ensures consistent cooking.
Place the cut fries in a large bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and toss with Cajun seasoning and coarse salt until evenly coated.
Spread the fries in a single layer on the preheated sheet pan and bake 15–20 minutes, turning once, until they are cooked through and lightly crisp. For extra crispiness, broil for 1–2 minutes while watching closely to avoid burning.
How to Make Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
Air frying gives great results with less oil and shorter cook time. A drawer-style air fryer or basket-style unit works well.
Cut the fries evenly. Spray or brush the air fryer drawer or basket lightly with oil to prevent sticking.
Toss fries with a light spray or tablespoon of avocado or canola oil and half the seasoning. Air fry at 390°F (198°C) for 10 minutes.
Shake the basket, spray and season again, then cook another 8–12 minutes until crisp. Cooking times depend on your air fryer model; watch for even browning.
Expert Recipe Tips
- Cut evenly: Uniform fries brown and crisp more consistently.
- Dry thoroughly: Pat fries completely dry before oiling to minimize steaming and sogginess.
- Preheat the pan: A hot baking sheet helps develop a crisp, caramelized bottom.
- Avoid overcrowding: Give each fry space so steam can escape and surfaces crisp.
- Salt strategically: For maximum crisp, add some salt after cooking to avoid drawing out moisture during baking.
- Use high heat: Sweet potatoes need higher temperatures to brown well.
- Shake or flip mid-cook: This promotes even browning on all sides.
- Broil briefly for finish: A quick broil can add an extra crunchy top.
- Serve right away: Sweet potato fries soften as they cool, so enjoy them hot.
What to Serve with Sweet Potato Fries
Serve these fries with a garlic mayo dip or a spicy chipotle mayo. They pair nicely with pulled pork sandwiches, salmon burgers, tuna burgers, or a simple green salad to balance the richness.
Equipment
You will need a rimmed baking sheet and a large mixing bowl for the oven method. For the air fryer method, use an air fryer large enough to hold a single layer of fries. A french-fry chipper or a sharp chef’s knife helps cut even fries quickly.
Serving Size
This recipe makes about 6 servings as a snack or side. You can easily halve or double the ingredient amounts as needed.
WW Points
When prepared in an air fryer with minimal spray oil, these fries can be lower in points compared with deep-fried versions. Adjust oil amounts to suit your goals.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in a hot oven or air fryer to help revive crispness.
Recipe FAQs
Yes. If you prefer skin-on fries, scrub the potatoes thoroughly and skip peeling. The skin adds fiber and a slightly earthier flavor.
Avoid overcrowding and make sure the fries are well dried before oiling. Spread them in a single layer and give them space to crisp.
Soaking is not necessary for sweet potatoes the way it is for russets. Drying well and using high heat yields better crispness.
These spicy sweet potato fries capture the best qualities of the restaurant original while being easy to make at home. Crisp edges, tender centers, and bold seasoning make them an irresistible snack—perfect with a garlicky dip and a cold drink.
More Sides
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Onion Soup Mix Baked Potatoes
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Air Fryer Parsnip Fries (lemon pepper)
-
Twice Baked Caesar Potatoes
-
Air Fryer Carrot Fries (Spicy Mayo)
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Spicy Sweet Potato Fries (Moxie’s Copycat)
A copycat of Moxie’s sweet potato fries—crispy, spicy, and perfect baked or air-fried as a healthier alternative to deep frying.
Ingredients
- 3–4 large sweet potatoes
- 1/4 cup olive oil (or use a non-propellant spray for air frying)
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 2 teaspoons coarse salt (sea salt or Kosher), divided
Instructions
General
- Peel sweet potatoes if desired and cut into even fries with a chipper or sharp knife.
Baked Method
- Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C) with a rimmed baking sheet inside.
- Toss cut fries in a large bowl with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, and half the salt.
- Spread in a single layer on the preheated sheet and bake 15–20 minutes, turning once, until cooked through and lightly crisp.
- If needed, broil 1–2 minutes for extra crispiness, watching closely to prevent burning. Add additional salt to taste and serve with garlic mayo.
Air Fryer Method
- Cut fries evenly and lightly oil the air fryer basket.
- Toss fries with a light spray or small amount of oil and half the seasoning and salt. Air fry at 390°F (198°C) for 10 minutes.
- Shake the basket, spray and season again, then cook another 8–12 minutes until crisp. Times vary by air fryer model.
Notes
- Air frying reduces calories and fat compared to baking with more oil or deep frying.
- For crispiest fries: cut evenly, dry thoroughly, preheat the pan, and avoid overcrowding.
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories: 227 kcal | Carbohydrates: 34 g | Protein: 3 g | Fat: 9 g | Fiber: 5 g