Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy Perfection

Sweet potato fries are a delicious, healthier alternative to deep-fried potatoes. They can be made in an air fryer in less than 30 minutes and are a great side dish for many meals. The natural sweetness of the sweet potato combined with spices like garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper makes for a tasty treat. The key to getting them crispy is to cut them into even-sized fries, not overcrowd the air fryer basket, and shake the basket halfway through cooking. You can also experiment with different spices and seasonings to find your perfect combination. So, if you're looking for a quick, easy, and tasty side dish, air-fried sweet potato fries are a great option!

Choosing the right sweet potatoes

First, look for sweet potatoes that are the right size. You want to avoid ones that are too long because you'll want to use the full length of the potato for the fries. Remember that they will shrink a little during cooking, so go for a shape that is slightly longer than your ideal fry length. Aim for medium-sized sweet potatoes, and try to get them all similar in size to ensure even cooking.

Next, consider the variety of sweet potato. The most common variety is the orange-fleshed Beauregard, which is soft, sweet, and holds its shape well—making it perfect for fries. However, you can also experiment with other varieties, such as white or purple sweet potatoes, for a multicolored and multi-flavored fry experience.

When selecting your sweet potatoes, look for ones that are firm and have intact, unbruised skin. Avoid potatoes with soft spots, wrinkles, or sprouting. The ideal sweet potato will feel heavy for its size, which indicates a higher moisture content.

Before using your sweet potatoes, be sure to wash them thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or residue. You can peel them if you prefer, but leaving the skin on adds more fiber to your fries.

Finally, cut your sweet potatoes into even-sized spears or fries. The thinner you cut them, the crispier they will be. Aim for a thickness of around 1/4 to 1/2 inch. "Squaring off" the pointy tips can help prevent burnt tips.

By choosing the right sweet potatoes and following these simple preparation steps, you'll be well on your way to making perfect sweet potato fries in your air fryer!

Preparing the sweet potatoes

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

Now, you'll want to cut the sweet potatoes into fries. For the perfect fry shape, cut them into long, even 1/4-inch thick spears or planks. The thinner you cut them, the crispier they will be. Try to make the fries as evenly sized as possible to ensure even cooking. You can also square off the pointy tips to avoid burnt tips.

At this stage, you have the option to soak the raw sweet potato fries in cold water for around 10-30 minutes. This helps to release starch and will make your fries even crispier. If you decide to soak them, make sure to pat them completely dry with a kitchen towel before proceeding to the next step.

Next, it's time to season your sweet potato fries. Place the dry fries in a large bowl and toss them with your chosen seasonings. You can use a variety of spices such as garlic powder, black pepper, paprika, cayenne pepper, or even smoked paprika for a smokey flavour. Add a small amount of oil to the bowl and toss again to ensure the fries are evenly coated. You can also add a small amount of arrowroot powder or corn starch for extra crispness.

Once your sweet potato fries are prepared, you're ready to cook them in the air fryer! Preheat your air fryer to around 380°F, and then place the fries in the basket, ensuring they are in a single layer and not overlapping. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the fries in batches.

Cook the sweet potato fries for approximately 10-12 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. For best results, shake the basket or turn the fries halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.

And that's it! You now have perfectly prepared sweet potatoes for your air fryer. Enjoy your delicious, crispy sweet potato fries!

Seasoning the sweet potatoes

Choosing the Right Spices:

• The most commonly used spices for sweet potato fries include garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. These spices complement the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes perfectly.
• You can also experiment with other spices like cayenne pepper for a spicier kick, smoked paprika for a smokey flavour, or cinnamon and brown sugar for a sweeter option.
• Feel free to play around with different combinations of spices to find your favourite blend.

Preparing the Sweet Potatoes:

• Start by peeling the sweet potatoes and cutting them into even-sized fries. The recommended thickness for the fries is around 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch.
• Some recipes suggest soaking the cut sweet potatoes in cold water for about 10 to 30 minutes to remove excess starch and ensure crispier fries. After soaking, make sure to pat them dry thoroughly before proceeding to the next step.
• Place the dry sweet potato fries in a large bowl and drizzle them with a small amount of oil. You can use olive oil, canola oil, avocado oil, or any neutral-tasting oil of your choice. Toss the fries to ensure they are evenly coated.

Adding the Seasonings:

• Now it's time to add the spices! Sprinkle your chosen combination of spices over the oiled sweet potato fries. You can also add a small amount of arrowroot powder or corn starch at this stage for extra crispness.
• Toss the fries again to ensure they are evenly coated with the seasonings. Use your hands or clean spoons to mix everything together thoroughly.

Cooking the Seasoned Sweet Potatoes:

• Preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature, usually around 380°F to 400°F.
• Place the seasoned sweet potato fries in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overcrowded. Cook in batches if necessary to allow proper airflow and even cooking.
• Cook the fries for about 10 to 12 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Remember to shake the basket or turn the fries halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.
• Once they are done, remove the fries from the air fryer and place them on a wire cooling rack. Season with additional salt if desired, and let them rest for a few minutes to crisp up even more.
• Serve your perfect sweet potato fries immediately with your favourite dipping sauce!

Cooking the sweet potatoes

First, peel the sweet potatoes. Then, cut them into fries of even thickness—the thinner they are, the crispier they will be. The recommended thickness is between 1/4 and 1/2 an inch. If you are using more than one sweet potato, try to cut them to a similar size so they cook evenly. You can also choose to leave the skin on for extra fibre.

Next, soak the sweet potato fries. Submerge them in a large bowl of hot tap water for around 10 minutes. This will help them to crisp up in the air fryer. After soaking, drain the potatoes, pat them dry with a paper towel, and let them air-dry.

Now it's time to season the fries. Place the sweet potato fries in a large bowl and toss them with oil and your chosen spices. For a simple seasoning, you can use olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Alternatively, you can use a Creole seasoning like Tony Chachere's, or a seasoning salt blend. You only need a small amount of oil for this recipe, just enough to keep the fries moist and help them turn golden brown.

Once the fries are seasoned, it's time to cook them in the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to between 380°F and 400°F. Place the fries in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don't overlap. Cook in batches if necessary, as overcrowding the basket will create a steaming effect instead of crisping up the fries.

Cook the fries for around 10 to 12 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Halfway through the cooking time, shake the basket or turn the fries to ensure even cooking. If you are cooking in batches, you can pile all the batches back into the air fryer for a minute at the end to ensure everything is hot.

Finally, remove the fries from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. For the crispiest fries, wait 5 minutes, season with salt, then wait another 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your sweet potato fries with your favourite dipping sauce!

Serving the sweet potatoes

Now that your sweet potato fries are ready, it's time to serve them! Here are some tips and suggestions for serving these delicious treats:

Serving Sweet Potato Fries:

• Serve immediately: Sweet potato fries are best enjoyed fresh out of the air fryer. They tend to lose their crispiness over time, so it's best to serve them right away.
• Dipping sauces: Sweet potato fries go well with a variety of dipping sauces. Ketchup, ranch, fry sauce, garlic mayo, and garlic sour cream dip are just a few options to consider. Get creative and experiment with different sauces to find your favorite combinations.
• Side dishes: These fries make a great side dish for burgers, lemon-batter fish, chicken tenders, sandwiches, grilled chicken, seafood, or sheet-pan suppers. They're versatile and can complement a variety of main courses.
• Reheating: If you have leftovers, you can reheat the fries in the air fryer at 360°F for 1-2 minutes or in a toaster oven. You can also use a microwave, but this may result in softer fries.
• Storage: Store any leftover fries in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for 3-4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing them.
• Presentation: Arrange the fries on a large plate or platter, ensuring they are spaced out to prevent steaming and maintain crispiness. Garnish with freshly chopped herbs like Italian flat-leaf parsley if desired.
• Variations: Experiment with different spices and seasonings to create unique flavors. Try smoked paprika for a smokey taste, cayenne pepper for spice, or cinnamon and pumpkin spice for a sweet twist. You can also try different types of salt, such as kosher salt or sea salt.
• Pairings: Sweet potato fries go well with a variety of dishes. Consider serving them with turkey burgers, grilled portobello mushrooms, quinoa black bean veggie burgers, or avocado veggie burgers. They can also be a tasty side dish for BBQ dishes like BBQ chicken or bean sliders.

Remember, sweet potato fries are versatile, so feel free to get creative with your serving options. Enjoy experimenting with different flavors, sauces, and pairings to find your favorite combinations!

Frequently asked questions