Sweet potatoes usually get stuck in casserole land — marshmallow goo, pecan crunch, sugar coma. But here, they break free. These Crispy Sweet Potato Wedges with Brown Sugar-Chili Butter are golden-edged, lightly blistered from the air fryer, and swiped in a glossy sauce that’s equal parts cozy and kick. The kind of side dish that makes you feel smug for finding the middle ground between indulgence and “I tried.”
It’s Thanksgiving energy without the casserole dish, or Tuesday night energy with a little lipstick. Either way, the wedges deliver.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Air fryer fast — 20 minutes start to finish, no oven drama.
- Sweet + heat — brown sugar cozies up with chili powder for the perfect holiday fling.
- Pantry-friendly — you already have the butter, sugar, and spice.
- Crowd-flexible — works as a Thanksgiving side, weeknight snack, or toddler-approved finger food (minus the spice).
- Messy in a beautiful way — glossy, caramelized, and unapologetically finger-lickable.
Tips, Tricks & Variations
- Dial the heat: Swap chili powder for smoked paprika if you want smoky without spice.
- Upgrade moment: Add a sprinkle of crumbled feta or goat cheese for tangy contrast.
- Make it a meal: Serve with rotisserie chicken or toss on a salad with cranberries and pecans.
- Storage hack: Reheat wedges in the air fryer at 375°F for 4–5 minutes to revive crispness.
- Toddler tweak: Leave off the chili butter and serve wedges plain with a yogurt dip.
Serving & Pairings
These wedges play well with:
- Roast turkey or glazed ham at Thanksgiving.
- Burgers, sandwiches, or anything grilled.
- A maple-bourbon cocktail (or, fine, sparkling water if you’re parenting).
FAQ
Can I make these with regular potatoes?
Yes — Yukon Golds or Russets also crisp beautifully. Adjust air fryer time by 2–3 minutes if wedges are thicker.
Can I make them ahead?
You can cut the wedges up to 1 day in advance and store them in cold water in the fridge. Pat dry before air frying.
Do I need to peel the sweet potatoes?
Nope. The skin crisps up beautifully in the air fryer and adds extra texture.
Crispy Sweet Potato Wedges with Brown Sugar-Chili Butter
Ingredients
- 2 medium sweet potatoes cut into wedges
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- ½ tsp chili powder
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 380°F (193°C).
- Toss wedges with olive oil and salt; air fry 12–15 minutes, shaking halfway.
- In a small saucepan, melt butter with brown sugar and chili powder.
- Brush wedges with sauce before serving.