Air-Frying Sweet Potato Fries: How Long Does It Take?

Air fryer sweet potato fries are a tasty, healthier alternative to deep-fried potatoes. They are cooked with little to no oil and are ready in under 30 minutes. The cooking time depends on the temperature and the specific air fryer used. For example, cooking at 380°F for 10 minutes, adding 1-minute increments as needed, is one option. Another is to cook at 350°F for 8 minutes, then at 380°F for 4-5 minutes.

How to cut sweet potato fries

Sweet potato fries are a delicious and healthier alternative to regular fries. They can be served as a side or as the base of a main dish. Here is a detailed guide on how to cut sweet potato fries:

Step 1: Choose the Right Sweet Potatoes

When selecting sweet potatoes, look for ones that are medium-sized and not too long. This way, you can use the full length of the sweet potato as the length of your fry. Remember that sweet potatoes will shrink after cooking, so choose a shape slightly longer than your ideal fry length.

Step 2: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

Start by scrubbing or peeling the sweet potatoes. If you want to keep the skin on for extra fibre, simply give them a good wash. Then, cut off the skinny ends of the sweet potatoes, which you can save for another recipe.

Step 3: Cut the Sweet Potatoes in Half

Lay the sweet potato flat on your cutting board and cut it in half lengthwise, from top to bottom. This will give you a flat bottom edge to work with and make it easier to cut the fries. Place the halves flat side down on the cutting board.

Step 4: Slice the Sweet Potatoes into Fries

With the sweet potato halves flat on the cutting board, slice them vertically into the desired width of your fries. For even cooking, try to keep the slices as even as possible. Stack the slices and cut them lengthwise again to create the fry shape. Repeat this process with the remaining halves. The thinner you cut your fries, the crispier they will be. Aim for a thickness of 1/4 to 1/2 inch.

Tips:

• Use a sharp knife or a mandolin for easier slicing.
• For softer sweet potatoes that are easier to cut, poke several holes in the skin with a fork and microwave in 1-2 minute intervals until they reach your desired consistency.

How to cook air fryer sweet potato fries

Ingredients

• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled
• 2 teaspoons of olive oil or canola oil
• 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt or sea salt
• 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of paprika
• Black pepper to taste

Optional ingredients

• Italian seasoning
• Freshly grated Parmesan
• Cinnamon
• Brown sugar
• Cayenne pepper

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to 380°F to 400°F.
• Cut the sweet potatoes into even 1/4-inch to 1/2-inch thick sticks.
• Place the sweet potatoes in a large mixing bowl and toss with oil, salt, garlic powder, paprika, and pepper.
• Cook in 2 to 3 batches, depending on the size of your basket, without overcrowding the pan, until crispy. This should take around 10 to 12 minutes. Turn halfway through.
• Serve immediately with your favourite dipping sauce.

Tips

• Cut the potatoes evenly to ensure an even cooking time.
• Don't forget to preheat your air fryer.
• Don't overcrowd the basket.
• Turn the sweet potatoes halfway through cooking.
• You can experiment with different spices and seasonings, such as smoked paprika, Cajun seasoning, BBQ seasoning, or garlic granules.

Tips for making air fryer potatoes

Cut the wedges evenly

Try to cut the sweet potato wedges as evenly as possible so that they cook evenly in the air fryer. If you're aiming for crispy fries, remember that the thinner you cut them, the crispier they will be. A recommendation is to cut them into 1/4-inch to 1/2-inch thickness.

Don't overcrowd the basket

It can be tempting to throw all the potatoes into the air fryer at once, but overcrowding the basket will create a steaming effect instead of the desired crisping effect. It's best to cook the potatoes in 2 or 3 batches, depending on the size of your basket, without overcrowding.

Turn the potatoes halfway through cooking

You can shake the basket or use tongs to turn the sweet potatoes. While the air circulates all around the potatoes, the heat on the bottom is stronger than the top, so it's important to flip them halfway through the cooking process.

Preheat the air fryer

While it's not necessary for all air fryers, most recommend preheating before adding your potatoes. Even if your air fryer doesn't recommend preheating, it's a crucial step to ensure accurate cooking at the temperature you select. If your air fryer doesn't have a pre-heat function, simply let it run with an empty basket for about 3-4 minutes at 400ºF.

Mix well

Make sure the sweet potato fries are coated evenly in the oil and spices. You can use your hands to ensure each fry is well coated.

How long should I cook sweet potato fries in an air fryer?

The cooking time for sweet potato fries in an air fryer depends on the temperature and the specific model of the air fryer. On average, the fries should be cooked for 10 to 12 minutes at 380°F (193.33°C) in the air fryer, but this may vary depending on the thickness of the fries and the desired level of crispiness.

Detailed Instructions:

First, preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193.33°C) or 400°F (204.44°C). While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare the sweet potatoes by peeling them and cutting them into even-sized fries, preferably 1/4-inch thick or 1/2-inch wide. Soaking the cut sweet potatoes in hot tap water for 10 minutes and then thoroughly drying them is an optional step that can lead to crispier fries.

Next, toss the sweet potato fries with a small amount of oil—such as olive oil, canola oil, or avocado oil—and your desired seasonings. You can season the fries with salt, garlic powder, black pepper, paprika, and/or cayenne pepper to taste. It is important to ensure that the fries are evenly coated with oil and seasonings.

Once the air fryer is preheated, place the sweet potato fries in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring that they are not overcrowded. Depending on the size of your air fryer basket, you may need to cook the fries in multiple batches.

Cook the sweet potato fries for 10 to 12 minutes at 380°F (193.33°C), shaking the basket or tossing the fries halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking. For crispier fries, you can cook them at 350°F (176.67°C) for 8 minutes, then increase the temperature to 380°F (193.33°C) and cook for an additional 4 to 5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

Keep in mind that the cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your fries and your desired level of crispiness. Thicker fries will take longer to cook, and you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. It is recommended to keep a close eye on the fries after around 10 minutes of cooking and check their progress every minute or two.

Finally, serve the sweet potato fries immediately with your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy!

How to make crispy sweet potato fries in an air fryer

Ingredients:

• 2 medium sweet potatoes
• 2 teaspoons of olive oil (or another neutral-tasting oil, such as canola or avocado oil)
• 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt or sea salt
• 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of sweet paprika
• Black pepper to taste

Method:

First, preheat your air fryer to 380–400°F (180–200°C). While it's heating up, prepare your sweet potatoes. Try to choose sweet potatoes that aren't too long, so you don't have to cut them lengthwise. Peel the potatoes and cut them into even 1/4–1/2-inch thick fries. The thinner you cut them, the crispier they'll be.

Next, toss the fries with the oil and your chosen spices. Make sure each fry is well coated. Then, place the fries in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the basket. Depending on the size of your basket, you may need to cook the fries in 2 or 3 batches.

Cook for 10–12 minutes, shaking the basket or turning the fries halfway through. For extra crispy fries, cook in batches, and then return all the fries to the air fryer for a final cook of 1–2 minutes. Serve immediately with your favourite dipping sauce.

Frequently asked questions