Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries: How Long To Fry?

Cooking frozen sweet potato fries in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and healthy alternative to deep frying. The air fryer requires no oil and makes the fries super crispy. The cooking time depends on the model of the air fryer, but on average, it takes around 15 minutes to cook frozen sweet potato fries in an air fryer.

How to cut sweet potato fries

To cut sweet potatoes into fries, you'll first want to select two medium-sized sweet potatoes that are not too long. This way, you can use the full length of the sweet potatoes as the length of the fry. Remember that these fries will shrink after cooking, so select potatoes that are slightly longer than the ideal fry length.

Next, peel the sweet potatoes and cut off the skinny ends. Cut the sweet potatoes in half lengthwise. This will make it easier to lay them flat on a cutting board and start cutting into long slices. The thinner you cut them, the crispier they will be. It is recommended that you cut them into slices 1/4-inch to 1/2-inch thick.

To make it easier to slice sweet potatoes, you can soften them slightly by poking several holes in the skin with a fork and then microwaving them for 1 to 2 minutes. Be sure to use an oven mitt to remove the potatoes from the microwave, as they will be very hot.

You can also use a mandoline with a julienne cutter or a chef's knife to cut the potatoes. If you're using a knife, make sure it's sharp!

How to cook air fryer sweet potato fries

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients to make air fryer sweet potato fries:

• Frozen sweet potato fries
• Olive oil or cooking spray
• Salt
• Other seasonings of your choice (optional)

Method

First, preheat your air fryer to 360°F-390°F.

Next, remove the frozen sweet potato fries from the packaging and place them into the air fryer basket. Make sure to spread them out for an even cook, and avoid overcrowding the basket.

Then, spray the fries with olive oil or cooking spray, and sprinkle with salt and any other seasonings.

Cook the fries for 10 minutes, then mix or shake the basket and cook for an additional 5-8 minutes. Depending on your desired level of crispness, you may want to cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.

Finally, serve the fries with your favorite dipping sauce.

Tips

• For best results, use a basket-style air fryer rather than an air fryer oven.
• To prevent sogginess, cook the fries in a single layer and avoid adding too much oil.
• For crispier fries, spray them with oil again halfway through cooking.
• If your fries are frozen in a block, you may need to adjust the cooking time.
• Don't forget to preheat your air fryer!

Why are my frozen sweet potato fries soggy?

There are several reasons why your frozen sweet potato fries might be soggy. Here are some tips to help you achieve crispy fries:

Overcrowding the Air Fryer Basket:

Firstly, it is important to ensure that you are not overcrowding the air fryer basket. Even if you are cooking a large batch, it is best to cook the fries in smaller batches to allow proper air circulation. This will help ensure that the fries cook evenly and become crispy, rather than creating a steaming effect.

Moisture on the Fries:

If your bag of frozen fries was previously opened and the fries had ice on them, the extra moisture can make it difficult to achieve crispiness. Starting with dry fries is essential for the best results.

Oil Amount and Type:

The amount and type of oil you use can also impact the crispiness of your fries. It is recommended to use a light coating of oil, such as olive oil or an oil spray, rather than drenching the fries. Additionally, avoid using non-stick spray cans as they may cause premature rusting in your air fryer basket.

Cooking Temperature and Time:

Adjusting the cooking temperature and time can also help prevent sogginess. Some air fryers run hotter than others, so it may be necessary to experiment with different temperatures. Try cooking at a lower temperature, such as 375°F, and increase the cooking time. Be sure to shake the basket a few times during cooking to ensure even cooking.

Cornstarch Application:

If you want to try tossing the fries in cornstarch before cooking, be cautious as it can sometimes result in gummy clumps. Instead, try placing the cornstarch in a ziplock bag, capturing air inside, and then adding the fries. This will give the fries a light coating of cornstarch, which may help with crispiness.

How long do you cook frozen sweet potato fries for?

Frozen sweet potato fries are a great option for a quick, easy, and healthy snack or side dish. Cooking them in an air fryer is a convenient and mess-free way to achieve the perfect level of crispiness without the need for deep frying. Here is a step-by-step guide on how long to cook frozen sweet potato fries in an air fryer:

Preheat the Air Fryer:

Firstly, preheat your air fryer. Most recipes recommend preheating to ensure even cooking and the best results. The ideal temperature for preheating is around 360°F to 380°F.

Prepare the Frozen Sweet Potato Fries:

Take your desired amount of frozen sweet potato fries out of the freezer. You can use any brand of regular-cut frozen fries, but keep in mind that different shapes like waffle fries or steak fries may require adjustments to the cooking time. Spread the fries in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer with minimal overlap. Do not overcrowd the basket as this can lead to steaming instead of crisping.

Cooking Time and Temperature:

Now, it's time to air fry your frozen sweet potato fries. The cooking time will vary depending on the desired crispness and the model of your air fryer, but on average, it takes about 15-20 minutes.

Start by air frying the fries for approximately 10 minutes. Then, mix or shake the basket and continue cooking for an additional 5-8 minutes. You can add an extra 1-2 minutes if needed, depending on your desired level of crispness.

The recommended temperature for cooking frozen sweet potato fries is between 360°F and 390°F. A higher temperature of 400°F can be used for the last few minutes to achieve extra crispiness.

Tips for Optimal Results:

• To prevent the fries from sticking together, you can lightly spray them with cooking spray before placing them in the air fryer.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure proper air circulation and even cooking.
• If your fries are frozen in a block, let them thaw slightly before placing them in the air fryer for more even cooking.
• Brush off any ice crystals from the fries before cooking to prevent sogginess.
• For extra crispiness, spray the fries with olive oil or avocado oil before cooking, and consider spraying them again halfway through the cooking process.

Dipping Sauces:

Frozen sweet potato fries pair well with various dipping sauces. You can go for the classics like ketchup, mustard, barbecue sauce, or honey mustard. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, try something like a sweet and spicy mayonnaise-based sauce, chili crisp, or eel sauce.

Cooking frozen sweet potato fries in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to enjoy crispy and delicious fries as a snack or side dish. By following the above guidelines, you can ensure your fries turn out perfectly every time, with just the right amount of crispiness and flavor.

How to make frozen sweet potato fries taste better

Frozen sweet potato fries cooked in an air fryer are a great healthy option. The air fryer requires no oil, unlike a deep fryer, and the fries will still turn out super crispy.

How Long to Cook Frozen Sweet Potato Fries in an Air Fryer

First, preheat your air fryer to 360°F. Then, place the fries in the fryer basket and cook for approximately 10 minutes. Mix the fries and cook for another 5-8 minutes. Depending on your air fryer, you may need to shake the basket and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until you reach your desired level of crispness.

You can make frozen sweet potato fries taste better by cooking them in an air fryer to a super crispy texture and adding your favourite seasonings or dipping sauce.

Seasoning Ideas

You can season frozen fries with salt and your favourite additional seasoning, such as:

• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Creole seasoning
• Italian seasoning
• Cayenne
• Rosemary salt

Dipping Sauce Ideas

You can dip your fries in a standard favourite like ketchup, mustard, barbecue sauce, or honey mustard. Or, for something more exciting, try one of the following:

• Sweet and spicy chicken wing sauce
• Bang bang sauce (a sweet and spicy mayonnaise-based dipping sauce)
• Chili crisp (a delicious Asian sauce packed with spicy umami flavour)
• Eel sauce (a perfect combination of sweet, salty, and umami)

Frequently asked questions