Ella Walter
Yam fries are a tasty, healthier alternative to deep-fried yams. They are soft, sweet, and gloriously fried on the outside, with a tender bite on the inside. Air-fried yams are also a great option if you're short on time as they can be cooked in less than 15 minutes. The cooking time will depend on the temperature and the specific air fryer you have. For example, if you're using the Instant Pot Vortex 4-in-1 Air Fryer, it is recommended to start with 10 minutes at 380°F and add 1-minute incremental cooking times as needed. If you're using frozen yams, increase the cooking time by about 5 minutes.
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What You'll Learn
Yam fry preparation
Step 1: Prepare the Yams
Start by washing and peeling the yams. You can choose to keep the skin on for extra crispness and fibre, or peel them for a softer texture. Cut off both ends of the yam and then slice it into long, even spears. The ideal thickness for yam fries is about 1/4 inch, but you can go thinner for extra crispness. If any of the yam spears are smaller, set them aside to cook separately, as they will require less time in the air fryer. You can also trim the pointy tips of the spears to prevent burning.
Step 2: Soaking (Optional)
For crispier yam fries, you can optionally soak the sliced yams in cold water for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight for best results. Soaking helps remove excess starch, resulting in a fluffier texture. After soaking, thoroughly pat the yams dry before proceeding to the next step.
Step 3: Seasoning
Place the yam spears in a mixing bowl and toss them with a small amount of oil. You can use any type of oil, such as avocado oil, canola oil, or olive oil. Add your preferred seasonings to the bowl and toss to coat the yam spears evenly. Popular seasoning options include salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick. You can also experiment with different spices like cinnamon or Cajun seasoning.
Step 4: Air Frying
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F. Place the seasoned yam spears in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches. Air fry the yam fries for about 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. The fries are done when they are golden brown and crispy.
Step 5: Serving
Remove the yam fries from the air fryer and place them on a large plate. Serve immediately with your favourite dipping sauce, such as ketchup, ranch, or fry sauce. Enjoy the crispy and tasty yam fries as a side dish or snack!
Step 6: Storing Leftovers
Any leftover yam fries can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply pop them back into the air fryer at 380°F for 2 minutes to regain their crispiness. You can also freeze cooked yam fries for up to 6 months.
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Air fryer settings
Preheat Your Air Fryer
Before you begin cooking, it's important to preheat your air fryer. This step ensures that your air fryer is ready to cook the yams at the desired temperature, which is typically around 380°F (190°C). Preheating can be done by simply turning on the air fryer and setting it to the desired temperature.
Prepare the Yams
Wash and peel the yams. Cut off both ends of each yam, and then cut them into long, even spears with a thickness of about 1/4 inch (0.6 cm). The even size of the spears is important to ensure uniform cooking. If you have smaller pieces, set them aside to cook separately, as they will require less time. You can also "square off" the pointy tips to prevent burning.
Soak the Yam Spears
Fill a large bowl with cold water and ice cubes. Add the yam spears to the bowl and let them soak for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight for the best results. Soaking helps remove excess starch, giving the yams a fluffier texture.
Season the Yams
After soaking and drying the yam spears, it's time to season them. You can use various seasonings, such as salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick. Toss the yams with a small amount of oil, such as avocado oil or canola oil, or even olive oil, and your chosen seasonings.
Cook the Yam Fries
Place the seasoned yam spears in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't overlap. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches. Set the air fryer temperature to 380°F (190°C) and cook for about 10 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even browning and crispiness.
Serve and Enjoy
Once the yam fries are golden brown and crispy, transfer them to a large plate and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy the delicious, healthy treat!
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Cooking time
The cooking time for yam fries in an air fryer will depend on the temperature and the specific air fryer you have. It is recommended to start with 10 minutes at 380°F and add 1-minute incremental cooking times as necessary. The thinner the yam fries, the crispier they will be. It is recommended to cut them into 1/4-inch to 1/2-inch thickness. If you are using frozen yam fries, increase the cooking time by about 5 minutes.
If you are looking for crispy yam fries, it is important to cook them in a single layer to allow enough air circulation. You may need to cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Shake the air fryer basket several times during the cooking process so the yam fries cook evenly.
To ensure even cooking, flip the yam fries halfway through or shake the basket a few times. Open the basket to test for doneness—don't be afraid to open the air fryer to check if they are done. If your yam fries are cut thicker, they will take longer to cook. Adjust the cooking time as needed.
If you want to soak your yam fries to remove excess starch and achieve a fluffier middle, you can do so for 30 minutes to 2 hours before frying. After soaking, pat the yam fries dry and increase the temperature to 380°F. Cook until golden brown and crisp, about 4 to 5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway.
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Serving suggestions
Yam fries cooked in an air fryer can be served as a side dish or a snack with your favourite dipping sauce. They can be paired with a variety of main dishes for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Here are some specific serving suggestions:
- Turkey burgers
- Air fryer chicken
- Air fryer steak
- Juicy air fryer chicken breast
- Air fryer salmon bites
- Ketchup, ranch, or fry sauce for dipping
- Garlic mayo: Combine crushed garlic with your preferred mayo
- Mayo-ketchup: Mix equal parts ketchup and mayonnaise
- Garlic sour cream dip: Mix sour cream with crushed garlic
For a sweet variation, you can sprinkle cinnamon or pumpkin spice on the yam fries. You can also experiment with different spices and seasonings, such as smoked paprika for a smokey flavour or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
Additionally, you can serve yam fries with a sweet potato fry dipping sauce. They can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three to four days and reheated in the air fryer to maintain crispiness.
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Storage and reheating
Storing yam fries:
Allow the yam fries to cool to room temperature before storing them in the refrigerator. Store the leftover yam fries in a sealed container and place them in the refrigerator, where they will stay good for about three to five days. If you want to keep them for longer, you can freeze them. Place the cooked and cooled yam fries in a ziplock bag and store them in the freezer for up to six months.
Reheating yam fries:
The air fryer is the best option for reheating yam fries and restoring their crispy texture. Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. You can spritz the yam fries lightly with oil before placing them in the air fryer to help them get crispy. Arrange the yam fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket to allow for proper airflow and even heating. The reheating time will depend on the thickness of the yam fries and the amount you are reheating, but it should take about 2-3 minutes. Shake the air fryer basket or flip the yam fries halfway through the reheating process to ensure even cooking. You can also reheat yam fries in the oven, but this may result in drier fries. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and cook the yam fries for 8 to 10 minutes.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended that you cook yam fries in the air fryer for 10 minutes at 380°F, adding 1-minute increments as necessary.
For the best results, preheat your air fryer to 380°F. Cut the yams into even 1/4-inch thick slices, then toss them in a mixing bowl with a small amount of oil and seasonings of your choice. Place the yams in the air fryer in a single layer, shaking the basket a few times during cooking to ensure even cooking.
Allow the yam fries to cool, then place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer at 380°F for 2 minutes.
