Tiffany Haney
Purple yams, also known as purple sweet potatoes, are a vibrant variety of sweet potatoes with a deep purple flesh. They have a rich, earthy flavor and a slightly denser and drier texture than orange sweet potatoes. Purple yams can be cooked in an air fryer to create a delicious and nutritious dish. The air fryer method is a convenient and quick way to prepare purple yams, and in this article, we will explore the step-by-step process of making crispy purple yam fries and provide tips on serving and storing them.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Preheat temperature | 320-425°F (160-220°C) |
| Cooking temperature | 350-400°F (180-200°C) |
| Cooking time | 15-25 minutes |
| Additional seasonings | Salt, chili powder, ground white pepper, black sesame seeds, olive oil, avocado oil, garlic powder, herbs |
| Toppings | Sour cream, Sriracha sauce, butter, smoked sea salt, pomegranate seeds |
| Storage | 3-5 days in a shallow airtight container |
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What You'll Learn
How to cut purple yams for the air fryer
To cut purple yams for the air fryer, start by washing the yams under running water. You can use a vegetable brush or scrub them gently with your hands to remove any dirt or debris. Pat the yams dry with a kitchen or paper towel. Next, use a fork to poke holes into each yam. This step will help the yams cook evenly and prevent them from bursting in the air fryer.
Now you're ready to cut the yams. You can cut them into fries or spears, depending on your preference. For fries, use a sharp knife or a French fry cutter to cut the yams into thin, evenly sized strips. For spears, simply slice the yams lengthwise into the desired thickness. Try to cut the yams into similar sizes to ensure even cooking.
If you want to add some extra flavour, you can create a coating for your purple yams. In a small bowl, mix together your choice of oil, herbs, salt, garlic powder, pepper, or any other seasonings you like. Stir or whisk the ingredients until they form a paste, then use a brush to coat the yam spears or fries generously. Alternatively, you can toss the yams in a bowl with the coating until they are evenly coated.
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Air fryer temperature and time
The temperature and time for cooking purple yams in an air fryer depend on the type of dish you want to prepare. Here are some common options:
Air Fryer Purple Yam Fries
For this recipe, preheat your air fryer to 195°C or 320°F. Then, cook the yam fries for 16 minutes. Increase the temperature to 200°C or 400°F, shake the basket, and cook for another 5 minutes. This method will give you crispy yam fries.
Air Fryer Purple Yam Spears
To make yam spears, slice the yams accordingly, coat them with oil, and air fry at 400°F or 200°C until golden. Remember to toss the spears halfway through the cooking process. The total cooking time will depend on the size of your yam spears and the characteristics of your air fryer.
Air Fryer Japanese Sweet Potato (Murasaki)
For this variety of purple yam, wash the potatoes, dry them, and poke holes in them with a fork. Then, place them in the air fryer basket, spray them with oil, and cook at 400°F or 200°C until they reach your desired level of doneness. This recipe should take around 30 minutes.
Air Fryer Purple Yam (Whole)
To cook whole purple yams in an air fryer, preheat the appliance to 350°F or 180°C. Place the yams inside and cook for 20 minutes. Then, flip them over and cook for an additional 15 minutes. You'll know the yams are ready when you can easily pierce them with a fork.
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Oil and seasoning
Purple yams can be cooked in an air fryer in a variety of ways, with different seasonings and oils to enhance their natural sweet and earthy flavour. The yams can be sliced into fries, or cooked whole.
When cooking purple yams in an air fryer, it is important to use an oil with a high smoke point. Avocado oil is a good choice, as it is convenient and does not burn or oxidise at high temperatures. Other options include ghee, coconut oil, or extra virgin olive oil. For example, when making purple yam fries, toss them in olive oil and Sriracha salt before air frying. Alternatively, you can use melted ghee, or, if you prefer a more savoury flavour, rub the yams with butter before cooking.
For seasonings, a simple combination of salt and pepper will complement the natural sweetness of the yams. You can also add fresh or dried herbs such as rosemary and oregano, as well as garlic powder. If you want to add a little spice, sprinkle some chili powder on the yams before cooking. Toasted black or white sesame seeds are another great addition to the yams, providing a subtle nutty flavour.
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Dipping sauces
Purple yam fries are a delicious treat, and there are many dipping sauces that can complement their sweetness. Here are some ideas for sauces that you can serve alongside your air-fried purple yam fries:
Smoky chipotle sauce
A tried-and-true combination that works well with sweet potato fries. You can make a basic aioli and add chipotle to it to create a smoky flavour.
Sour cream and Sriracha sauce
A simple combination of cool sour cream and spicy Sriracha sauce can be a great complement to the sweet yam fries. You can also toss the yams in Sriracha salt before air-frying them.
Mayonnaise, chilli sauce and smoked paprika
This sauce is a combination of creamy, spicy, and smoky flavours. You can whisk together mayonnaise, chilli sauce (such as Sriracha), and smoked paprika. You can also add some sweetness with honey or maple syrup.
Sour cream, mayonnaise, taco seasoning and paprika
A mild-flavoured dip that can be served with yam fries. You can adjust the seasoning to your taste.
You can experiment with different sauces and adjust the ratios of ingredients to suit your taste. These sauces will surely elevate your air-fried purple yam fries and make them even more enjoyable!
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Storing cooked purple yams
If you want to store cooked purple yams for a longer period, you can consider freezing them. To do this, first, let the yams cool down after cooking. Then, mash or slice them and place them in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. Make sure to remove any excess air from the bag or container before sealing it tightly. Finally, place the yams in the deepest part of your freezer, where the temperature is the coldest. With proper storage, frozen cooked purple yams can last up to 10 to 12 months in the freezer.
It is important to regularly check your stored purple yams for any signs of spoilage, such as mould, soft spots, discolouration, or a sour smell. If you notice any of these signs, it is best to discard the yams to avoid any health risks.
Additionally, you can also get creative with your leftover purple yams and use them in various recipes. For example, you can make purple yam mash, soup, pancakes, or salad. These are fun and tasty ways to use up your leftover yams and ensure they don't go to waste.
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Frequently asked questions
Set your air fryer to 350 degrees F (176.6 degrees C) and cook for 20 minutes. Then, flip the yams and cook for another 15 minutes.
Your purple yams are done when they can be easily pierced with a fork.
Wash the yams, pat them dry, and poke holes in them with a fork. You can then coat them with oil and any desired seasonings.
Purple yams pair well with both sweet and savory seasonings. Some options include salt, pepper, parsley, olive oil, Sriracha, chili powder, and garlic powder.
