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

Air fryer sweet potato fries are a tasty, healthier alternative to deep-fried potatoes. They are a great side dish for burgers, sandwiches, grilled chicken, and seafood. You can also serve them with a dip as a snack. They are simple to make and only take around 10-15 minutes to cook.

Choosing the right sweet potatoes

First, look for medium to large sweet potatoes that are not too long. This way, you can cut them into even-sized fries, ensuring consistent cooking. Avoid potatoes that are too thin or uneven, as they may cook unevenly and affect the overall texture.

When selecting sweet potatoes, opt for those with a firm texture and intact skin. Avoid potatoes with soft spots, bruises, or sprouting ends as they may not yield the best results. Look for sweet potatoes that are heavy for their size, indicating a higher moisture content, which will help them cook up nicely in the air fryer.

The type of sweet potato you choose can also make a difference. The most common variety is the orange-fleshed Beauregard, known for its soft texture and natural sweetness. However, you can experiment with other varieties like white or purple sweet potatoes to add some colour and variety to your fries.

When buying sweet potatoes, make sure they are fresh and have a smooth, unwrinkled skin. Older sweet potatoes tend to have a higher starch content, which can affect the texture of your fries. Try to find sweet potatoes that are in season and locally sourced for the best flavour and texture.

Lastly, consider the number of sweet potatoes you will need. Depending on the size of your air fryer and the number of servings you want to make, adjust the quantity accordingly. As a general rule, it's always better to have a few extra sweet potatoes on hand than not enough!

By choosing the right sweet potatoes and following the above tips, you'll be well on your way to making delicious and crispy sweet potato fries in your air fryer.

Preparing the sweet potatoes for frying

Firstly, select two medium-sized sweet potatoes that are not too long. This ensures you can get evenly sized fries with the ideal length. Peel the sweet potatoes and cut off the skinny ends, which can be saved for another recipe. Then, cut the potatoes in half lengthwise, so they lie flat on your cutting board.

Now, you can start cutting the potatoes into fries. The thinner you cut them, the crispier they will be. It is recommended to aim for a thickness of around 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch. Try to keep the fries as evenly sized as possible to ensure even cooking.

Once you have your fries cut, it's time to soak them. Fill a large bowl with cold water and add a couple of handfuls of ice cubes. Place the raw sweet potato fries in the water, stir, and let them soak for around 30 minutes. This step helps to remove excess starch and will give your fries a crispier texture.

After soaking, drain the water and rinse the fries. It's important to ensure they are thoroughly dried before the next step. You can use a kitchen towel to pat them dry, and if you have time, letting them air dry is even better.

Now, it's time to season your fries. Place the dry fries in a large bowl and toss them with your chosen seasonings. You can use a combination of spices such as garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add a splash of oil and toss again to ensure an even coating.

Your sweet potatoes are now ready to be placed into the air fryer! Divide them into batches to ensure they are not overcrowded in the basket, which can cause steaming instead of crisping. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in 2-3 batches.

The best oils to use

When making sweet potato fries in an air fryer, you can use any oil you like. However, some sources recommend using oils with a high smoke point, such as avocado oil or canola oil.

If you're after a certain flavour profile, olive oil is a good option, as it adds a nice taste to the fries. It's also possible to use cooking spray.

Seasoning and spices

The seasoning and spices you use for your sweet potato fries can make or break the dish. The right combination of spices can elevate the natural sweetness of the potatoes, while also adding a savoury or spicy kick.

A simple seasoning mix for sweet potato fries includes olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. You can toss the sweet potato fries in this mixture and then cook them in the air fryer.

If you want to add a little extra heat, cayenne pepper is a great addition. Smoked paprika can also be used to give a smokey flavour. For a sweeter option, you can try cinnamon or pumpkin spice.

For a more complex flavour profile, you can try adding Italian seasoning and grated Parmesan cheese to your fries. This will give them a cheesy, herby kick.

When it comes to the type of salt, you can use kosher salt or sea salt. For the oil, olive oil is a popular choice, but you can also use canola oil, avocado oil, or any neutral-tasting oil.

Don't be afraid to experiment with different spices and seasonings to find your perfect combination. You can also try adding a tablespoon of cornstarch to make your fries extra crispy.

Remember, the key to getting crispy sweet potato fries is to ensure they are evenly coated with oil and spices, and not overcrowded in the air fryer basket. Happy cooking!

Cooking times and temperatures

The cooking time and temperature for your sweet potato fries will depend on the type of air fryer you have, the thickness of your fries, and the level of crispiness you want to achieve.

Most recipes recommend cooking your fries at around 380°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes. However, some recipes suggest cooking at a higher temperature of 400°F (200°C) for a shorter time of 10 minutes.

If you want crispier fries, you can try cooking them at a lower temperature of 350°F (180°C) for 8 minutes, and then increasing the temperature to 380°F (190°C) for an additional 4-5 minutes.

It's important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your fries. Thicker fries will take longer to cook, while thinner fries may be done in less time.

To ensure even cooking, it's recommended to cut your sweet potatoes into fries of uniform size and thickness. It's also important not to overcrowd the air fryer basket and to shake or turn the fries halfway through the cooking process.

For frozen sweet potato fries, you will need to increase the cooking time by about 5 minutes.

Frequently asked questions