Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy, Golden Perfection

Air fryers are a great way to make healthier, crispier versions of your favourite fried foods. They use less oil than deep-frying, which means less fat and fewer calories. One of the best things to cook in an air fryer is sweet potato fries. They're simple to make, and you can add your own choice of spices and seasonings. You can also choose to peel the sweet potatoes or leave the skin on for more fibre.

Choosing the right oil

When making sweet potato fries in an air fryer, the oil you choose can impact the flavour and crispiness of the final product. Here are some factors to consider when selecting an oil for your air fryer sweet potato fries:

Smoke Point

A key factor to consider is the smoke point of the oil, which is the temperature at which it starts to burn and produce smoke. Oils with a high smoke point are generally better for air frying as they can withstand higher temperatures without breaking down. Avocado oil and canola oil are popular choices for air frying due to their high smoke point. Peanut oil is another option with a high smoke point that can work well for sweet potato fries.

Flavour

The flavour of the oil you choose can also impact the taste of your fries. Olive oil, for example, has a distinct flavour that can enhance the taste of your fries. It has a relatively lower smoke point compared to other oils, but many people still use it successfully in an air fryer by controlling the temperature. Other oils with a more neutral flavour include canola oil and grapeseed oil, which will allow the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes to shine through.

Health Benefits

When it comes to health, different oils offer varying benefits. Olive oil, for instance, is known for its monounsaturated fats, which are considered a healthier type of fat. Avocado oil also offers health benefits due to its high monounsaturated fat content and vitamin E. Canola oil is often touted for its low saturated fat content. Consider your health goals and the specific attributes of different oils when making your choice.

Allergies and Dietary Restrictions

Keep in mind any allergies or dietary restrictions you may have when selecting an oil. For example, if you have a soy allergy, you may want to avoid soybean oil. If you follow a vegan or vegetarian diet, you may prefer plant-based oils such as olive oil, avocado oil, or canola oil.

Experimentation

Ultimately, the best oil for air fryer sweet potato fries may vary depending on individual preferences and the specific air fryer being used. Don't be afraid to experiment with different oils to find the one that gives you the taste and texture you desire. You may also want to try combining oils or adjusting the amount of oil used to find the perfect balance for your fries.

How to cut the sweet potatoes

Preparing the sweet potatoes for air frying is a simple process, but there are a few key steps to follow to ensure the best results. Here's a detailed guide on how to cut the sweet potatoes for crispy air fryer sweet potato fries:

Start with two medium-sized sweet potatoes. Look for ones that are not too long, so you can use the full length of the sweet potato as the length of the fry. Remember that the potatoes will shrink after cooking, so select a shape slightly longer than your ideal fry length.

Peel the sweet potatoes. Cut off the skinny ends, which you can save for another recipe. Then, cut the sweet potatoes in half lengthwise. This will make it easier to lay them flat on a cutting board for the next step.

Cut the sweet potatoes into fries. For the best crispness, cut them into even 1/4-inch thick fries. You can use a chef's knife or a mandoline slicer for this step. If you prefer thicker fries, you can cut them into 1/2-inch thick slices, but keep in mind they may not get as crispy.

At this point, you have the option to soak the sweet potato fries in water. Soaking removes excess starch and can help the fries crisp up better in the air fryer. Fill a large bowl with cold water and add ice cubes. Place the cut sweet potatoes in the water and let them soak for at least 10 minutes, or up to an hour if you have time. If you want to soak them overnight, store them in the refrigerator. After soaking, drain the water, rinse the potatoes, and pat them completely dry with a kitchen towel.

Now your sweet potatoes are ready for seasoning and air frying! Follow your favourite recipe for the rest of the process, and enjoy your crispy, delicious sweet potato fries.

Seasoning

• Basic seasoning: A simple yet effective seasoning mix for sweet potato fries is olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt and pepper. Toss the sweet potato fries in this mixture before placing them in the air fryer. You can adjust the amounts of each spice to your taste preferences.
• Spices: Play around with different spices to find your favourite flavour combinations. For a smokey flavour, use smoked paprika. If you like your fries spicy, add some cayenne pepper or chilli powder. You could also try using Cajun seasoning, cinnamon or pumpkin spice for a unique twist.
• Herbs: Fresh or dried herbs can also be used to season your sweet potato fries. For example, you could try using parsley, rosemary or thyme.
• Salt: Don't be afraid to be generous with the salt. Salt helps to bring out the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes and enhances the other flavours in the dish. It is best to season the fries with salt after cooking, as this will help them crisp up.
• Batter: For an extra crispy texture, you can try battering your sweet potato fries before air frying. This is a technique used by restaurants to achieve that perfect crispiness. You can make a simple batter by whisking together flour, cornstarch, salt, baking powder and vegetable oil. Toss the sweet potato fries in the batter before air frying, making sure they are well coated and not clumped together.
• Starch: Coating the sweet potato fries in a layer of starch, such as cornstarch or arrowroot powder, can also help to create a crispy texture. Toss the fries in the starch before adding any other seasonings or oil.

Air fryer temperature and time

The air fryer temperature and cooking time will depend on the model of your air fryer and the thickness of your sweet potato fries. For 1/4-inch thick fries, most recipes recommend cooking at 350°F–380°F for 10–15 minutes. For thicker fries, you may need to increase the cooking time, and for thinner fries, you may need to reduce it. It's important to shake the basket or turn the fries halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking.

Method 1: Quick Prep, Less Crispy

• Preheat your air fryer.
• Spray the air fryer basket with oil.
• Peel and cut the sweet potatoes into even 1/4-inch thick fries.
• Toss the fries with oil and seasonings such as salt, garlic powder, black pepper, and paprika.
• Air fry at 380°F for about 12 minutes in 2 or 3 batches, depending on the size of your basket. Be sure not to overcrowd the basket and turn the fries or shake the basket halfway through.
• Transfer the fries to a large plate and serve immediately with your favourite dipping sauce.

Method 2: Longer Prep, Crispier

• Peel and cut the sweet potatoes into even 1/4-inch thick fries.
• Submerge the sweet potato fries in a large bowl of hot tap water and let them soak for about 10 minutes. Then, drain, transfer to a paper towel-lined sheet, and pat them dry.
• Toss the sweet potatoes with a small amount of oil in a clean, dry bowl, then transfer them to the air fryer basket.
• Place the basket in the air fryer (no need to preheat) and air fry at 350°F for 8 minutes, then shake and cook for another 5 minutes.
• Transfer the sweet potatoes back to the bowl and toss with the remaining oil and seasonings.
• Spray the basket with oil and return the sweet potatoes to the air fryer. Increase the temperature to 380°F and cook until golden brown and crisp, about 4 to 5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
• Transfer the fries to a large plate and serve immediately with your favourite dipping sauce.

Tips for Crispy Sweet Potato Fries:

• Cut the sweet potatoes into even-sized fries to ensure uniform cooking.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if needed, arranging the fries in a single layer with space between them.
• Turn the fries or shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
• If cooking in batches, you can pile all the batches back into the air fryer and heat them for 1 minute to ensure everything is hot at the same time.
• Don't be afraid to open the air fryer and check for doneness. Adjust the cooking time as needed, especially if your fries are cut thicker or thinner than recommended.

How to store leftovers

Leftover sweet potato fries can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To maintain their crispiness, it is best to reheat them in the air fryer at 360°F to 380°F for about 2 minutes. You can also reheat them in a toaster oven or the microwave, but these methods may make the fries softer.

For longer-term storage, you can freeze the leftover fries. It is best to separate each fry on a baking sheet and freeze them before combining them into a freezer-safe container or bag to prevent them from sticking together. To reheat, you can either thaw the fries in the refrigerator first or reheat them directly from frozen in the air fryer.

Frequently asked questions