Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries: Timing And Tricks

Air fryer sweet potato fries are a tasty, healthier alternative to deep-fried potatoes. They are easy to make, requiring only a few simple ingredients and a short cooking time. The cooking time depends on the specific air fryer being used, but generally, they take around 10-15 minutes to cook. The fries are best served hot and crispy, with a variety of dips and sauces.

How to cut sweet potato fries

Ingredients:

• 2 medium sweet potatoes
• Olive oil (or cooking oil of your choice)
• Salt
• Garlic powder
• Black pepper
• Paprika

Step-by-Step Guide:

• Start with two medium-size 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 sweet potato fries will shrink after cooking, so look for a shape slightly longer than the ideal fry length.
• Peel the sweet potatoes and cut off the skinny ends. You can save these ends for another recipe.
• Cut the sweet potatoes in half lengthwise. This will make it easier to lay them flat on a cutting board for the next step.
• Cut the sweet potatoes into long slices, about 1/4-inch to 1/2-inch thick. The thinner you cut them, the crispier they will be.
• If needed, cut the long slices into fry shapes by slicing them into 1/4-inch thick sticks.
• Place the cut sweet potatoes into a large mixing bowl.
• Drizzle olive oil over the sweet potatoes and toss to coat evenly.
• Sprinkle your desired amount of salt, garlic powder, black pepper, and paprika over the sweet potatoes.
• Toss the sweet potatoes again to ensure they are well coated with the oil and seasonings.
• Your sweet potato fries are now ready to be cooked in your air fryer!

Note: For the best results, try to cut the sweet potato wedges as evenly as possible so they cook uniformly in the air fryer. It is also recommended to use a sharp knife and a cutting surface to ensure even slices.

How to season sweet potato fries

To make tasty sweet potato fries in your air fryer, you can use a variety of seasonings. Here is a detailed guide on how to season your sweet potato fries:

Firstly, select your seasonings. A simple combination of olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt and pepper is a great option. You can also add some mixed herbs, or smoked paprika for a smokey flavour. Alternatively, you could try Cajun seasoning, BBQ seasoning, or garlic granules. If you want to add a touch of spice, include some cayenne pepper, or if you have a sweet tooth, try cinnamon or pumpkin spice.

Once you have selected your seasonings, it is time to prepare the sweet potatoes. Peel two medium-sized sweet potatoes and cut off the skinny ends. Then, cut the potatoes in half lengthwise, and lay them flat on a cutting board. Cut the potatoes into fries, aiming for a thickness of around 1/4 to 1/2 an inch. The thinner you cut them, the crispier they will be.

Now, place the cut sweet potatoes into a large mixing bowl. Drizzle a teaspoon of olive oil over the potatoes, and add your chosen seasonings. Use your hands to ensure each fry is well coated.

Finally, place the seasoned sweet potatoes into the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer and not overcrowded. Cook in batches if necessary. Air fry at 380°F for around 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the fries are lightly golden.

Enjoy your delicious, crispy sweet potato fries!

How long to cook sweet potato fries

Sweet potato fries are a tasty, healthier alternative to regular fries, and can be made in an air fryer with minimal oil. The cooking time will depend on the temperature and specific air fryer you have, but generally, sweet potato fries will take between 10 to 20 minutes to cook.

Preparation

Before cooking, peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into even, thin slices. The thinner the slices, the crispier the fries will be. Aim for a thickness of around 1/4 to 1/2 inch. You can also experiment with the shape of your fries, trying out different lengths and widths to find your preferred style.

Once sliced, place the sweet potatoes in a bowl and toss them with a light coating of oil. You can use olive oil, canola oil, avocado oil, or any other neutral-tasting oil. This will help the seasoning stick to the potatoes and promote even browning during cooking.

After coating with oil, it's time to season the fries. You can keep it simple with just salt and pepper, or get creative with seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, Cajun seasoning, or BBQ spice. Experiment with different combinations to find your favorite flavor.

Cooking

When you're ready to cook, preheat your air fryer. Most models recommend preheating for best results. While the air fryer is heating up, you can select the seasoning for your fries and toss them to ensure an even coating.

Place the sweet potato fries into the air fryer basket, being careful not to overcrowd them. Depending on the size of your basket, you may need to cook in multiple batches. Overcrowding the basket can create a steaming effect instead of the desired crispiness.

For crispier fries, it is recommended to cook the sweet potatoes in a single layer, ensuring that the air can circulate properly. This may require cooking in multiple batches, but it will be worth it for that perfect crunch!

During cooking, remember to shake the basket or use tongs to turn the fries periodically. This ensures even cooking and prevents burning. Depending on your air fryer model and the thickness of your fries, the cooking time may vary, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.

As a guide, cook the fries at a temperature of around 380°F for 10 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket or turning the fries halfway through. For crispier fries, you may need to cook for an additional 4 to 5 minutes at a higher temperature of 380°F to 400°F.

Serving

Sweet potato fries make a delicious side dish and can be served with a variety of dipping sauces. Try ketchup, ranch dressing, fry sauce, or get creative with your favorite flavors. Don't forget to sprinkle a pinch of salt on the fries right after cooking to enhance the flavor.

So, there you have it! The cooking time for sweet potato fries in an air fryer can vary, but with the right techniques and a little experimentation, you'll be on your way to crispy, tasty treats. Enjoy!

How to store sweet potato fries

Storing sweet potato fries depends on whether they are raw or cooked.

Storing Raw Sweet Potato Fries

If you want to store raw sweet potato fries, you must first blanch them. Blanching is the process of boiling vegetables for a short time and then placing them in an ice bath. This helps to preserve nutrients, colour, and texture. To blanch sweet potatoes, peel and cut the potatoes into your desired shape, boil them for 3-5 minutes, and then place them in a bowl of ice water. After a few minutes, drain the potatoes and lay them out on a lined baking sheet. Place the sheet in the freezer until the potatoes are frozen solid, and then transfer them to a labelled freezer bag.

Storing Cooked Sweet Potato Fries

If you are storing cooked sweet potato fries, place them in a shallow container and put them in the refrigerator. They will last in the fridge for 3-5 days. To make them last longer, store them in an airtight plastic bag or container.

How to reheat sweet potato fries

If you've cooked up a batch of sweet potato fries and want to reheat any leftovers, it's best to use your air fryer to ensure they stay crispy. Here's what you need to do:

• Set your air fryer to 360°F or 375°F.
• Place the leftover fries in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer and not overcrowded.
• Reheat for 1-2 minutes, or until they reach your desired level of crispiness.
• If you're reheating a large batch, you may need to do this in batches to ensure even heating.
• For best results, it's recommended to reheat in the air fryer rather than a microwave, which will make the potatoes soft.
• You can also reheat in a toaster oven or a preheated oven/pan at 400°F.
• If you're freezing any leftover fries, they can be reheated directly from frozen in the air fryer.

Frequently asked questions