Air Fryer Yam Fries: Crispy, Quick, And Easy!

Yam fries, also known as sweet potato fries, are a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried potatoes. They can be made in an air fryer with just a fraction of the oil, resulting in a crispy and fluffy texture that's perfect for dipping. The key to achieving this crispiness lies in the preparation and cooking technique. This includes soaking the potatoes in water to remove excess starch, seasoning with spices and a small amount of oil, and cooking in a single layer to allow for even air circulation. With these tips, you can enjoy tasty and crispy yam fries from the comfort of your own home!

Soak the yams in water to remove excess starch

Soaking yams in water before air frying is a crucial step to ensure you get that perfect crispiness on the outside and a tender bite on the inside. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

• Prepare a Bowl of Water: Fill a large bowl with cold water. You want the bowl to be big enough to comfortably fit all your yam pieces.
• Submerge the Yam Pieces: Cut your yams into the desired fry shape and size. Make sure they are all evenly sized to ensure uniform cooking. Once cut, place the yam pieces into the bowl of water.
• Soaking Time: Let the yams soak in the water for around 10 minutes. This duration should be long enough for the excess starch to dissolve into the water.
• Drain and Dry: After soaking, remove the yams from the water and place them on a paper towel–lined rimmed baking sheet. It's important to pat them dry thoroughly. This step ensures that when you add the yams to the air fryer, the oil doesn't splatter or boil over.
• Oil and Season: Once the yams are dry, transfer them to a clean, dry bowl, and toss them with a small amount of oil and your desired seasonings. A light coating of oil is enough; you can use a cooking spray for even distribution.
• Air Fry: Finally, place the yams into the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring proper air circulation. No overcrowding! Follow the standard cooking instructions for your air fryer, shaking the basket or flipping the yams halfway through for even browning.

By soaking the yams in water, you're not only removing excess starch, but you're also helping to achieve that coveted crispiness that makes yam fries so delicious. So, don't skip this important step and enjoy your perfectly crispy air-fried yams!

Use cornstarch for an extra-crispy coating

Cornstarch is a great way to get an extra-crispy coating on your yam fries. It's a simple process: first, peel your yams and cut them into fries of your desired thickness. Next, add them to a bowl of cold water and leave them to soak for around 30 minutes to an hour. This step is important as it helps to remove excess starch from the yams. After soaking, remove the yams from the water and ensure they are completely dry. Now, it's time to add the cornstarch. Sprinkle the cornstarch over the yams, along with your desired seasonings. Toss the yams well to ensure an even coating.

You can also add a splash of oil at this point and toss again. Cornstarch, along with a small amount of oil, will help to create that sought-after crispy texture. Once your yams are prepared, place them into the air fryer basket in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the basket. Set your air fryer to around 380°F and cook for 20-25 minutes, shaking the basket a few times during cooking to ensure even cooking.

For an extra-crispy result, you can also try adding a tablespoon of cornstarch directly to the potatoes before placing them in the air fryer. This will give your yam fries that extra crunch!

Cut the yams evenly to ensure even cooking

To make yam fries crispy in an air fryer, it is important to cut the yams evenly. This ensures that all the fries cook at the same rate, preventing some from burning or being undercooked. Here are some tips to help you achieve even yam pieces:

First, try to select yams that are similar in size. This provides a good foundation for uniformity. If you're using multiple yams, consider measuring their width and length to get a consistent cut.

Before cutting, peel the yams and cut off the skinny ends. Then, place the yam on a flat surface, and cut it lengthwise into slabs of even thickness. A good thickness range for yam fries is between 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch. If you prefer crispier fries, opt for the thinner end of the range.

Once you have your slabs, cut them lengthwise into fries of the same thickness. A sharp knife or a fry cutter can help you achieve precise cuts. If you're using a fry cutter, you may need to soften the yams in the microwave first to make cutting easier.

By following these steps, you'll end up with evenly cut yam fries that will cook uniformly in your air fryer, ensuring a delicious, crispy result.

Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket

When making yam fries in an air fryer, it is important not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. This is because overcrowding can create a steaming effect instead of the desired crisping effect. Air fryers use hot air to cook food, and if the basket is overcrowded, the hot air may not be able to circulate properly. This can result in uneven cooking, with some areas of the food getting too much heat and others not enough.

To avoid overcrowding, it is recommended to cook the yam fries in batches. This means cooking only a single layer of fries at a time, ensuring there is enough airflow for them to crisp up. Cooking in batches also helps to prevent the fries from overlapping, which can lead to uneven cooking and steaming instead of crisping.

Additionally, overcrowding the air fryer basket can make it difficult to stir or shake the fries during cooking. It is important to stir or shake the fries halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking. If the basket is overcrowded, you may not be able to stir or shake the fries effectively, resulting in some areas burning or not cooking through properly.

By cooking the yam fries in batches and ensuring proper airflow, you can achieve the desired crispy texture and avoid the issues that come with overcrowding the air fryer basket.

Season with olive oil, paprika, and garlic

To make yam fries crispy in an air fryer, you can season them with olive oil, paprika, and garlic. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Ingredients:

• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled
• 2 teaspoons of olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of paprika
• Black pepper to taste

Method:

• Preheat your air fryer to 380°F.
• Slice the peeled sweet potatoes into even 1/4-inch thick sticks. The more evenly sized your fries are, the better they will cook.
• Place the sweet potato sticks in a large mixing bowl and toss them with olive oil, salt, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper. Use your hands to ensure each fry is well coated with the seasoning.
• Cook the fries in the air fryer in 2 to 3 batches, depending on the size of your basket. Avoid overcrowding the pan, and cook until crispy, which should take around 12 minutes. Remember to turn the fries or shake the basket halfway through.
• Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.

Tips for Crispy Fries:

• Soak the sweet potato sticks in cold water for 10 minutes to an hour before cooking. This helps remove excess starch and ensures crispier fries.
• Pat the sweet potatoes completely dry after soaking.
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if needed.
• Shake the basket or turn the fries halfway through the cooking process.
• If your fries are not crispy enough, spray more olive oil on them.

Frequently asked questions