Deliciously Crispy Sweet Potato Fries Made in an Air Fryer

If you’re someone who loves the taste of fries, but is looking for a healthier alternative, then you should definitely try sweet potato fries. Not only do they have a sweeter taste than regular fries, but they also come packed with a multitude of health benefits. And so, why not take things up a notch and make them in an air fryer? Here’s how to make sweet potato fries air fryer in just a few simple steps:

Firstly, gather all the ingredients you’ll need: sweet potatoes, cornstarch, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and olive oil. Peel and slice the sweet potatoes into fries and preheat your air fryer to 400F. In a bowl, toss the sweet potato fries with cornstarch, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and olive oil. Once the fries are coated, place them in the air fryer basket and cook for 15-20 minutes, flipping once halfway through. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re golden brown and crispy. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy a healthier version of fries!

1. Getting Started: Preparing the Sweet Potatoes

Making sweet potato fries in an air fryer is simple, quick, and healthy – and makes for a delicious snack or side dish! To get started, you’ll need a few sweet potatoes, your air fryer, and a few basic seasonings. Begin by washing and peeling your sweet potatoes, and then cutting them into evenly-sized fries.

2. Seasoning your Sweet Potato Fries

Once your sweet potato fries are cut and ready to cook, it’s time to add some flavor! You can keep it simple with just a sprinkle of salt and pepper, or get creative with your seasonings. Some popular options include garlic powder, paprika, chili powder, or even cinnamon for a sweeter variation.

3. Adding Oil to your Sweet Potato Fries

While it isn’t necessary to add oil to your sweet potato fries, doing so can help them crisp up nicely in the air fryer. You can use a spray bottle to lightly coat the fries with oil, or add a small amount of oil to the bowl before tossing the fries with your seasonings.

4. Preheating your Air Fryer

Before you begin cooking your sweet potato fries, preheat your air fryer to around 400 degrees Fahrenheit (or according to your air fryer’s instructions). This will help ensure that your fries cook evenly and get perfectly crispy.

5. Cooking your Sweet Potato Fries

Once your air fryer is preheated, add your sweet potato fries to the basket. Be careful not to overcrowd the basket – you may need to cook your fries in batches depending on the size of your air fryer. Cook for around 10-15 minutes, flipping or shaking the basket occasionally to ensure even cooking.

6. Checking for Doneness

After around 10 minutes of cooking, check your sweet potato fries to see if they are done. They should be crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. If they need more time, continue cooking them for a few minutes longer, checking every few minutes until they are done to your liking.

7. Serving your Sweet Potato Fries

Once your sweet potato fries are finished cooking, serve them up hot and enjoy! They can be served as a side dish or as a snack on their own, and are delicious dipped in your favorite sauce.

8. Variation Ideas for Your Sweet Potato Fries

While sweet potato fries are delicious all on their own, there are a variety of ways to switch up their flavor and texture. Try adding different seasonings, experimenting with different types of oil, or even adding a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for extra flavor.

9. Benefits of Cooking with an Air Fryer

Cooking sweet potato fries (and other goodies!) in an air fryer has a variety of benefits. It’s a healthier alternative to deep frying, as it requires little to no oil to cook your food. Additionally, air fryers are quick and easy to use, making them a great option for busy weeknights.

10. Tips for Perfect Sweet Potato Fries Every Time

Follow these tips to ensure that your sweet potato fries turn out perfectly every time:

– Cut your fries into evenly-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
– Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket – cook in batches if necessary.
– Flip or shake the basket every few minutes to ensure even cooking.
– Experiment with different seasonings and toppings to find your perfect sweet potato fry recipe.

Getting Started: Preparing the Sweet Potatoes

The first step to making the perfect sweet potato fries in the air fryer is to properly prepare your sweet potatoes. Here, we will cover everything from selecting the right sweet potatoes to cutting them into the perfect shape.

Choosing the Right Sweet Potatoes

When it comes to making sweet potato fries in the air fryer, you want to select sweet potatoes that are firm and smooth, without any bruises or blemishes. Look for sweet potatoes that are long and skinny, rather than short and chunky, as these will be easier to cut and will cook more evenly in the air fryer.

Washing and Drying the Sweet Potatoes

Before you start cutting your sweet potatoes, you’ll need to give them a good wash to remove any dirt or debris. Simply rinse them under cool running water and use a scrub brush to remove any stubborn dirt. After washing, pat the sweet potatoes dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel.

Cutting the Sweet Potatoes

Once your sweet potatoes are clean and dry, it’s time to start cutting them into the perfect shape. You’ll want to aim for a fries-style shape, with each piece being about 1/4 inch wide. Start by slicing off the top and bottom ends of the sweet potato, then slice it in half lengthwise. From there, cut each half into thin, fry-like pieces.

Soaking the Sweet Potato Fries

After cutting your sweet potatoes into fry-like shapes, it’s a good idea to soak them in cold water for 30-60 minutes. This will help remove excess starch from the sweet potatoes, which can help prevent them from sticking together and ensure a crispier texture.

Drying the Sweet Potato Fries

After soaking, remove the sweet potato fries from the water and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel. You want to get them as dry as possible before cooking to ensure they get crispy in the air fryer.

Seasoning the Sweet Potato Fries

Now that your sweet potato fries are cut and dry, it’s time to add some flavor! You can keep it simple with just a sprinkle of salt and pepper, or get creative with seasoning blends like garlic and onion powder, smoked paprika, or even cinnamon and brown sugar.

Coating the Sweet Potato Fries in Cornstarch

For extra crispy sweet potato fries, you can coat them in cornstarch before cooking. Simply add a tablespoon or two of cornstarch to a large bowl and toss the dry sweet potato fries in it until they’re evenly coated. This will create a crispy outer layer without adding any extra fat or oil.

Adding Oil to the Sweet Potato Fries

While you don’t necessarily need to add any oil to your sweet potato fries in the air fryer, doing so can help them get even crispier. You can use just about any type of cooking oil you prefer, from olive oil to avocado oil to coconut oil. Just be sure to use it sparingly so the sweet potato fries don’t become greasy.

Preheating the Air Fryer

Before cooking your sweet potato fries in the air fryer, it’s a good idea to preheat it to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This will help ensure even cooking and a crispy texture.

Cooking the Sweet Potato Fries

Once your air fryer is preheated, it’s time to add the sweet potato fries! Spread them out in a single layer in the air fryer basket, being careful not to overcrowd them. Cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the fries are golden brown and crispy. Serve immediately and enjoy!

3. Tips to Make Perfect Sweet Potato Fries in an Air Fryer

Once you have tried making sweet potato fries in an air fryer, you might never want to go back to traditional frying methods. You will love your air fryer for the convenience and the consistency it provides. Here are a few tips to make sure you get perfect sweet potato fries every time.

3.1 Choosing the Right Sweet Potatoes

The first step to making perfect sweet potato fries is choosing the right potatoes. You want to choose sweet potatoes that are firm and medium-sized. Avoid sweet potatoes that are too large, too small, or old, as they won’t cook evenly. Look for sweet potatoes that have a vibrant orange color and are free of blemishes.

3.2 Preparing Your Sweet Potatoes for the Air Fryer

To get crispy sweet potato fries, you need to cut them into uniform shapes. You can use a mandoline, a sharp knife, or a food processor to cut the sweet potatoes into thin slices. Cut the fries to be about 1/4 inch thick. After cutting the sweet potato fries, it’s best to soak them in cold water for twenty minutes to remove excess starch. After soaking, pat dry the sweet potato fries with paper towels.

3.3 Seasoning Your Sweet Potato Fries

It’s essential to season your sweet potato fries properly to enhance their flavor. You don’t need to go overboard with spices; salt and pepper are enough to bring out the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes. However, you can add other spices like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and Cajun seasoning for a more robust flavor.

3.4 Cooking Your Sweet Potato Fries in an Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 380°F for about 3-5 minutes. Place the sweet potato fries in the air fryer basket, and cook for 10-12 minutes. You should shake the basket every five minutes to ensure that the fries cook evenly. You can also spray a small amount of cooking oil over the sweet potato fries to get extra crispiness.

3.5 Serving Your Sweet Potato Fries

Once your sweet potato fries are crispy and cooked to perfection, it’s time to serve them. You can serve them with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ketchup, aioli, or ranch. Sweet potato fries also pair well with burgers, sandwiches, or as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish.

Using an air fryer to make sweet potato fries is an easy and healthy way to indulge your taste buds. With a few tips and tricks, you can make perfect sweet potato fries every time. Remember the importance of cutting the potatoes evenly, seasoning them well, and preheating the air fryer. With these steps, you’ll enjoy perfectly crispy and delicious sweet potato fries that are sure to be a hit with family and friends.

Time to Enjoy Your Crispy Sweet Potato Fries!

Now that you know how to make sweet potato fries in an air fryer, it’s time to give it a try! It’s incredibly easy and the perfect addition to any meal or snack time. Once you’re done cooking, don’t forget to garnish your fries with your favorite toppings and dipping sauces. Thanks for reading, and be sure to come back for more tips and tricks on how to cook your favorite meals! Happy frying!