Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges: Quick, Crispy, Delicious!

Air fryer sweet potato wedges are a quick, easy, and healthy snack or side dish. They can be made in just 30 minutes and are a great alternative to classic french fries. With minimal ingredients and simple steps, you can achieve a crispy exterior and soft, fluffy interior. The key to success is in the preparation and cooking method, ensuring even cooking and maximum crispiness. This recipe is a great way to get creative with spices and herbs, and the wedges can be served with a variety of dips or as an accompaniment to sandwiches, salads, or proteins.

Choosing the right sweet potatoes

First, look for sweet potatoes that are medium to large in size. You can use either one large sweet potato per serving or 2 to 3 medium-sized ones. This will ensure you have enough wedges to work with and that they fit nicely in your air fryer.

Next, check the quality of the sweet potatoes. Look for ones that are firm, with taut, unwrinkled skin. Avoid any that have soft spots, bruises, or sprouting ends as these may affect the taste and texture of your wedges.

When it comes to colour, opt for sweet potatoes with vibrant, even colouring. The skin should be either orange or purple, depending on your preference. Avoid potatoes with discoloured patches or those that look faded as this could indicate that they are past their prime.

When selecting sweet potatoes, it is also important to consider their intended use. Different varieties offer distinct flavours and textures. For example, the orange-fleshed Beauregard variety is known for its sweet flavour and moist texture, making it ideal for wedges. On the other hand, the purple-skinned Stokes variety has a drier texture and a more earthy taste, which may be better suited for mashing or roasting.

Finally, when choosing sweet potatoes, always select those that feel heavy for their size. This indicates that they are dense and packed with flavour. A lighter potato may be less flavourful and have a higher water content, which can affect the cooking process and the overall taste of your wedges.

Preparing the sweet potatoes

First, select your sweet potatoes. You can use either one large sweet potato per serving or 2-3 medium-sized ones. There's no need to peel them, but give them a good wash and scrub to clean the skin.

Next, cut off the tips of the sweet potatoes and slice them lengthwise into wedges. Try to cut them into similar sizes so they cook at the same rate. If your sweet potatoes are particularly large, you may need to cut some of the thicker wedges in half again.

Place the wedges into a large mixing bowl and drizzle with your chosen oil. Avocado oil is a great option due to its high smoke point, but you can also use olive oil or another neutral cooking oil. Toss the wedges in the oil to ensure they're evenly coated.

Now it's time to season. You can use a variety of herbs and spices, but a simple blend of salt and pepper, smoked paprika, cayenne, cinnamon, onion powder, and garlic powder works well. You can also add some Parmesan cheese for a savoury flavour. Use your hands to massage the spices into the sweet potatoes until they're evenly coated.

Once your wedges are prepared, they're ready to be placed into the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding. Make sure the wedges aren't touching, as this will affect how evenly they cook.

Making the seasoning blend

• Select your spices: The beauty of a seasoning blend lies in its versatility. You can choose from a wide array of spices to create a unique combination. Some popular options include salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, ground cinnamon, onion powder, garlic powder, garlic granules, chili powder, cumin, and coriander. You can also opt for ready-made blends like Cajun seasoning or BBQ seasoning.
• Determine your preferred spice level: Depending on your taste preferences, you can adjust the spice level of your seasoning blend. If you enjoy a spicier kick, you can be more generous with spices like cayenne pepper, black pepper, or chili powder. On the other hand, if you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of these spices or omit them altogether.
• Combine the spices: In a small bowl, simply mix together the spices you have chosen. You can start with equal amounts of each spice and then adjust the ratios according to your taste. For instance, if you want a smokier flavor, increase the amount of smoked paprika. Likewise, if you want a stronger garlic flavor, add more garlic powder or granules.
• Add herbs for extra flavor (optional): While not mandatory, adding dried or fresh herbs can enhance the aroma and taste of your seasoning blend. Some options to consider are mixed herbs, basil, parsley, or fresh thyme leaves. Feel free to experiment with different combinations to find your favorite herb and spice pairings.
• Tweak to perfection: Once you have combined your spices and herbs, give the blend a good mix, and then take a moment to taste it. You can do this by sprinkling a tiny amount on a piece of bread or a cooked potato wedge. This will allow you to assess the balance of flavors and make any necessary adjustments. You can add more of a particular spice or herb to intensify its presence in the blend.
• Store your blend (optional): If you have created a larger batch of the seasoning blend, you can store it in an airtight container or jar. This will allow you to use it for future cooking endeavors, saving you time and effort. Label the container with the date and the blend's contents for easy reference.

Creating a seasoning blend for your air fryer sweet potato wedges is a fun and creative process. Don't be afraid to experiment with different spices and herbs to find your signature flavor combination. Enjoy the process of crafting a delicious blend that will elevate the taste of your wedges and impress your family and friends.

Cooking the wedges

Now that your sweet potatoes are seasoned and ready to go, it's time to cook them to perfection! Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Arrange the Sweet Potato Wedges in the Air Fryer Basket: Place the seasoned sweet potato wedges in a single layer at the bottom of your air fryer basket. Make sure they are not overcrowded and have a little space between each wedge. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you might need to cook them in batches.
• Set the Temperature and Timer: Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature. Most recipes recommend a temperature between 350°F and 400°F. Set the timer for the recommended cooking time, which can range from 12 to 20 minutes, depending on the recipe and your air fryer model.
• Shake the Basket Halfway Through: To ensure even cooking and crisping, shake or toss the air fryer basket halfway through the cooking process. This will prevent the wedges from sticking and help them cook evenly on all sides.
• Check for Doneness: After the initial cooking time, check on the wedges. They should be crispy on the outside and soft or fluffy on the inside. If they don't look ready, continue cooking and check on them at 2-minute intervals.
• Serve Immediately: These sweet potato wedges are best served hot and crispy. Pair them with your favourite dip or enjoy them as a side dish.

Tips for Crispy Wedges:

• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Airflow is crucial for maximum crispiness.
• Shake or toss the basket periodically during cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
• If you're cooking multiple batches, subsequent batches may take less time as the air fryer is already preheated. Keep a close eye on them.
• For extra crispiness, try tossing the wedges in a small amount of cornstarch before adding oil and seasonings.

Serving suggestions

Air fryer sweet potato wedges are a versatile side dish that can complement a variety of meals. Here are some serving suggestions to make the most of this delicious dish:

As a Side Dish

• Burgers: Sweet potato wedges are an excellent pairing for burgers, such as bison burgers, grilled turkey burgers, or cilantro lime chicken burgers. The heartiness of the wedges complements the juicy burgers for a satisfying meal.
• Grilled Chicken: Try serving the wedges with a juicy grilled chicken breast for a well-rounded dinner.
• Salads: Add some crunch and flavour to your favourite salad by tossing in a handful of sweet potato wedges. They go particularly well with a kale pomegranate salad.
• Sandwiches: These wedges are a tasty side for sandwiches, especially open-face tuna melts.
• Fish or Shrimp Tacos: For a Tex-Mex twist, serve the wedges alongside fish or shrimp tacos.
• Soups and Chili: Sweet potato wedges can add substance to a simple soup or chili meal, such as a healthy cauliflower potato soup.
• Veggie Burgers/Wraps/Skewers: For a vegetarian or vegan option, serve the wedges with veggie burgers, wraps, or tofu/veggie skewers.

As a Snack

Sweet potato wedges are a tasty snack on their own, but you can also serve them with a variety of dips and sauces:

• Avocado Mayo: Blend avocado, lime juice, and salt for a refreshing dip that contrasts the smoky spiced wedges.
• Roasted Garlic Aioli
• Whole30 Buffalo Ranch
• Homemade Ranch Dressing
• Sriracha Mayo: Mix sriracha with Greek yoghurt and mayonnaise for a spicy kick.
• Honey Mustard
• Tzatziki
• Barbecue Sauce
• Aioli
• Ketchup

Frequently asked questions