Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy, Golden Perfection

Making sweet potato fries in an air fryer is a great alternative to deep-frying, as it uses less oil, resulting in a healthier dish with fewer calories and fat. The air fryer also cooks the fries faster, taking only 10 to 20 minutes.

To make crispy sweet potato fries, start by cutting the sweet potatoes into even 1/4-inch thick sticks. Then, soak the potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes to 2 hours to remove excess starch. After soaking, pat the potatoes dry and toss them in a large bowl with olive oil, salt, garlic powder, paprika, and pepper.

Preheat your air fryer to 350-380°F and place the potatoes in the basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overcrowded. Cook for 12-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.

For crispier fries, you can also try tossing the potatoes in cornstarch or arrowroot powder before adding oil and seasonings. Additionally, cutting the potatoes thinner, such as 1/4-inch to 1/2-inch thick, will result in crispier fries.

Enjoy your crispy air fryer sweet potato fries!

Soak the sweet potato slices in water for 30 minutes to 2 hours before frying to remove excess starch

Soaking the sweet potato slices in water before frying is a great way to remove excess starch and achieve crispier fries. While it's not mandatory, doing so can help improve the texture of your fries. Here's a detailed guide on how to do it:

• Prepare the sweet potato slices: Start by peeling and cutting your sweet potatoes into even slices, preferably about 1/4-inch thick. Try to make the slices as uniform in size as possible to ensure even cooking.
• Soaking process: Fill a large mixing bowl or container with cold water. You can also add a few ice cubes to the water. Fully submerge the sweet potato slices in the water and let them soak for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours if you have the time. This soaking period helps remove excess starch from the potatoes, which can improve crispiness.
• Rinse and dry: After soaking, remove the sweet potato slices from the water and give them a quick rinse. Use a kitchen towel or paper towels to pat them dry thoroughly. It's important to remove as much moisture as possible before the next steps. If you have time, letting them air dry completely is ideal.
• Continue with your recipe: Once your sweet potato slices are dry, you can proceed with the rest of your air fryer sweet potato fries recipe. This may include tossing them with oil and seasonings, preheating your air fryer, and arranging the slices in the air fryer basket to cook.

Remember, while soaking the sweet potato slices in water is a helpful technique, it may not make a significant difference for some recipes or air fryers. Feel free to experiment with soaking times and adjust your recipe accordingly to find the best results for your taste and equipment.

Use a little oil to make the fries crispy

Using a little oil is a great way to make sweet potato fries crispy in the air fryer. While sweet potatoes are naturally rich in starch, a light coating of oil will help them develop a crunchy, golden-brown exterior.

Choosing the Right Oil

When making sweet potato fries, you can use a variety of oils, such as extra virgin olive oil, avocado oil, canola oil, or peanut oil. Olive oil is a popular choice for its flavour, while avocado oil and canola oil have neutral tastes that won't overpower the sweet potatoes. Peanut oil, on the other hand, can add a subtle nutty flavour to the fries.

How Much Oil to Use

The key to achieving crispy sweet potato fries is to use just enough oil to coat the potatoes lightly. A small amount of oil goes a long way, and you don't want to drench the potatoes. A light coating of oil will help the fries develop a crispy texture without making them greasy.

Coating the Sweet Potatoes

To coat the sweet potatoes evenly, start by placing them in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle or spray the desired amount of oil over the potatoes. Then, using your hands or two spoons, toss the potatoes until they are evenly coated. Make sure the oil is well distributed so that every fry has a chance to crisp up.

Seasoning the Fries

Before or after coating the sweet potatoes with oil, you can also add your choice of seasonings. A simple combination of salt and pepper works well, but you can also experiment with garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, or cayenne pepper for a spicier kick. You can also try tossing the fries in Parmesan cheese or cinnamon for a unique flavour profile.

Cooking the Fries

Once the sweet potatoes are coated and seasoned, it's time to cook them in the air fryer. Place the fries in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don't overlap. This arrangement ensures that hot air circulates around each fry, promoting even cooking and crispiness.

Cook the fries according to your air fryer's instructions, typically at around 375-380°F, for about 12-20 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fries and your air fryer model. Don't forget to flip or shake the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.

Tips for Extra Crispiness

• Cut the sweet potatoes into even, thin slices, about 1/4-inch thick. Thinner slices will result in crispier fries.
• Soak the sweet potato slices in cold water for 30 minutes to 2 hours before frying to remove excess starch. However, some people find that this step doesn't make a significant difference.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook the fries in batches if needed to ensure proper airflow and even cooking.
• Preheat the air fryer before adding the sweet potatoes to guarantee the crispiest results.
• After cooking, let the fries cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before serving. This step helps to prevent steaming and keeps the fries crispy.

Use sweet paprika to season the fries

Sweet paprika is a great way to season your sweet potato fries. It adds a subtle, fruity sweetness that complements the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes. The result is a delicious, sweet and savoury fry.

When making sweet potato fries, it is important to cut the potatoes evenly to ensure even cooking. You can peel the potatoes or leave the skin on, depending on your preference. Soak the potato slices in water for 30 minutes to 2 hours to remove excess starch, although this is not essential.

After drying the potatoes, toss them in a large bowl with olive oil and your chosen seasonings. You can also use avocado oil, canola oil, or peanut oil. In addition to the sweet paprika, you can add onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Toss the potatoes until they are evenly coated.

Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overcrowded. Cook at 375°F-380°F for 12-20 minutes, tossing or shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.

For the best results, serve the fries immediately. However, if you have leftovers, you can reheat them in the air fryer at 375°F for 3-5 minutes.

Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket

When making sweet potato fries in an air fryer, it's important to avoid overcrowding the basket. This is because the hot air needs to circulate all around the fries to ensure even cooking and achieve that desired crispiness. If the basket is overcrowded, the fries may overlap and create a steaming effect instead, resulting in soggy fries.

To prevent this, it's best to cook the fries in multiple batches, ensuring that they are in a single layer with enough space between them. Depending on the size of your air fryer basket, you may need to divide the fries into two or three batches. For example, if you have a smaller basket, you might need to cook the fries in three batches to ensure they are not overcrowded. This will take a little longer, but it's worth it to get that perfect crispiness!

Additionally, it's a good idea to shake the basket or use tongs to turn the fries halfway through the cooking process. This helps ensure even cooking and prevents the fries from sticking to the basket.

By following these tips and avoiding overcrowding the air fryer basket, you'll be well on your way to achieving crispy, golden brown sweet potato fries!

Turn the fries halfway through cooking

Turning the fries halfway through cooking is an essential step in ensuring they cook evenly. This technique helps to expose all sides of the fries to the heat, preventing them from steaming and creating a crispier texture. It is recommended to shake the basket or use tongs to turn the sweet potatoes. This is because the heat at the bottom of the fryer is stronger than at the top, so turning them over ensures even cooking and browning.

The timing of when to turn the fries will depend on the specific air fryer model and the desired level of crispiness. For example, one source recommends cooking the fries for 5 minutes, then using tongs to turn them over and cooking for an additional 5 to 7 minutes. Another source suggests cooking for 4 minutes, flipping, and then cooking for another 4 to 8 minutes. It is important to keep an eye on the fries during the final minutes of cooking to prevent burning.

Additionally, it is crucial not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow for proper air circulation. Cooking the fries in a single layer, with space between them, promotes even cooking and crispiness. Depending on the size of the air fryer, it may be necessary to cook the fries in multiple batches to ensure they are not overcrowded.

Frequently asked questions