Was this page helpful?
Help improve this recipe for others.
Send this recipe to your inbox.
We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.
Ingredients
Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Sweet potato waffle fries
Sauce choices (pick one or offer all as a flight)
Method
Sweet potato waffle fries
- 1
Preheat and prepare
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). If using an air fryer, preheat to 400°F (200°C). Line two rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper or lightly oil them to prevent sticking. Make sure your waffle-cut mandoline (or crinkle/waffle cutter) is clean and dry.
- 2
Cut the sweet potatoes
Wash and scrub the sweet potatoes. Leaving the skin on for texture and nutrients, slice the potatoes into 1/4" to 3/8" thick waffle cuts using a waffle chipper or mandoline with the waffle blade: slice once, rotate the potato 90 degrees, and slice again to create the waffle pattern. Aim for pieces roughly 2 to 3 inches long — if very long, cut in half so they fit on your tray or in your air fryer basket.
- 3
Dry and coat
Place the cut sweet potato pieces on a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and pat them thoroughly to remove surface moisture (this helps them crisp). In a large bowl, combine 3 tbs neutral oil, cornstarch, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and brown sugar (if using). Toss the dry, patted sweet potato pieces with the oil-spice mixture until well coated. If pieces seem dry, add up to 1 more teaspoon oil—do not over-saturate.
- 4
Arrange for baking or air-frying
Spread the coated waffle fries in a single layer on the prepared baking sheets, making sure pieces do not touch (use two sheets if needed). For air fryer: arrange in a single layer in the basket, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
- 5
Bake or air-fry to crisp
Oven method: Bake for 18–25 minutes, flipping once halfway through (at 9–12 minutes), until edges are browned and crisp. Rotate pans between racks if using both. Air fryer method: Air-fry at 400°F (200°C) for 12–16 minutes, shaking the basket or turning fries halfway, until crisp and golden. Exact time depends on potato thickness and appliance; watch closely the last 5 minutes to avoid burning.
- 6
Finish and serve
When fries are crisp and nicely browned, remove from oven/air fryer and immediately sprinkle with any additional pinch of salt to taste. Let rest 1–2 minutes (they crisp further as they cool). Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot with your choice of sauce(s).
Sauce preparation
- 7
Chipotle mayo (quick)
Stir together 1/2 cup mayonnaise with 1-2 teaspoons chipotle in adobo sauce (minced) and 1 teaspoon lime juice; season to taste with salt and a pinch of sugar if desired. Refrigerate until serving.
- 8
Honey mustard (quick)
Whisk 1/4 cup Dijon mustard with 1/4 cup honey and 1 tablespoon mayonnaise or olive oil to mellow; add 1 teaspoon lemon juice or apple cider vinegar and salt to taste. Chill until serving.
- 9
Garlic aioli (quick)
Mix 1/2 cup mayonnaise with 1 small garlic clove, finely grated or minced, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. For a lighter version, use half Greek yogurt and half mayo.
- 10
Maple cinnamon dip (sweet)
Whisk 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream with 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup, 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Adjust sweetness to taste and chill before serving.