Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries Recipe

This recipe combines the perfect balance of crispy and spicy, making these sweet potato fries an irresistible snack that satisfies my food cravings without all the guilt. Plus, using the air fryer makes them super easy to whip up, leaving me with minimal cleanup and more time to binge-watch my favorite shows.

Making air fryer sweet potato fries is one of my favorite cooking projects because it results in a tasty yet much healthier alternative to the traditional French fry. The only ingredients needed to achieve that nice crisp texture and yummy flavor are sweet potatoes (obviously), extra virgin olive oil, and an assortment of spices.

(I went with sea salt, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.) Given that sweet potatoes are packed with nutrition, these fries have a lot going for them, health-wise!

Ingredients

Sweet Potatoes:
High-fiber, vitamin A and C; naturally sweet.

Olive Oil:
Moisture comes from healthy fats.

Crispiness? They help with that too.

Salt:
Intensifies taste, offsets sweetness; absolutely necessary condiment.

Black Pepper:
Imparts gentle warmth; enhances the sugary flavor.

Garlic Powder:
Provides delicious richness; fragrant spices.

Paprika:
Provides color and a delicate, sweet spiciness.

Cayenne Pepper:
Elective warmth; zesty punch for a gutsy close.

Ingredient Quantities

• 2 large sweet potatoes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions

1. Peel and wash the sweet potatoes. For even cooking, cut them into thin, even-sized fries, about 1/4 inch thick.

2. In a very large bowl, mix the sweet potato fries with olive oil. Use a liberal amount of oil. You want to make sure they are well coated and no dry spots are visible. This ensures they will crisp up nicely in the oven.

3. In the bowl, add salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and, if you’re using it, cayenne pepper. Then, give everything in the bowl a good toss so the seasoning is distributed evenly among the fries.

4. Set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) to warm up for about 3 to 5 minutes.

5. Sweet potato fries that are well-seasoned should be placed in the air fryer basket, not to densely pack it, lest the cooking suffers in quality and consistency. The basket can be filled to a certain degree, but expect that itching, burning, and other sensations can induce some mild discomfort if not heeded. The work can and should be divided into batch affec.

6. Fry the cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway through to ensure they are evenly cooked.

7. After 12 minutes, check the fries; they should be crispy and golden on the outside, tender on the inside. If not, adjust the cooking time.

8. When finished, take the fries out of the air fryer and set them on a plate that’s lined with paper towels to soak up any extra fat.

9. If any batches are left, do the same for them. You should end up with all the sweet potatoes cooked.

10. Serve the sweet potato fries right away, when they are scalding hot, with your preferred dipping sauce. Enjoy!

Equipment Needed

1. Vegetable peeler
2. Cutting board
3. Sharp knife
4. Large mixing bowl
5. Measuring spoons
6. Air fryer
7. Plate
8. Paper towels

FAQ

• Q: Can I peel the sweet potatoes before making fries?A: Yes, optional it is to peel the sweet potatoes. The rind can contribute added texture and nutrients, but if you like them without the peel, you can have that too. It’s not going to alter the dish in any negative way.
• Q: Can I make these fries ahead of time?A: Air fry the sweet potato fries just before serving. You can prepare and season the fries in advance, but for the best crispness, cook them in the air fryer right before you eat.
• Q: What should I do if my fries are not crisping up?A: Ensure that you do not overcrowd your fries in the air fryer basket. If necessary, fry them in batches, and shake the basket halfway through the cooking process.
• Q: How can I make the fries spicier?A: To intensify the heat, you may add more cayenne pepper, sprinkle on some chili powder, or serve with a sauce that really has some kick.
• Q: Can I use other oils instead of olive oil?Yes, you may use other oils like canola, avocado, or coconut oil. Each will impart a slight difference in flavor.
• Q: How do I store leftover sweet potato fries?A: Put any remaining food in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The air fryer can take care of reheating duties and do so in a way that gets your food nice and crispy again.

Substitutions and Variations

Olive oil: Use avocado oil or coconut oil for unique health benefits and different, if only slightly so, flavor profiles.
Sodium Chloride: Sodium chloride, or common table salt, is composed of somewhat simplistic minerals—sodium and chloride—that are essential to life. In seawater, salt is present in much greater variety, and in far greater quantity. Use ocean salt or Himalayan rock salt for a wide array of minerals.
White pepper: Use in place of black pepper when you want a milder, slightly different kind of heat.
Garlic powder: Replace with onion powder for a distinctly different but still savory flavor.
Smoked paprika: A essential spice for Spanish and Southwestern cuisines, it provides a deep smoky flavor.

Pro Tips

1. Soak the Fries Before cooking, consider soaking the cut sweet potato fries in cold water for at least 30 minutes. This helps to remove some of the starch, making the fries crispier when they are cooked.

2. Preheat the Air Fryer To achieve optimal crispiness, ensure your air fryer is preheated for a few minutes before you add the fries. This helps in creating a hot, consistent cooking environment right from the start.

3. Don’t Overcrowd the Basket Cook the fries in batches and avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. This allows hot air to circulate efficiently around each piece, leading to uniformly crispy fries.

4. Experiment with Seasonings Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your taste. Adding herbs like rosemary or thyme can impart additional flavor, while a sprinkle of parmesan cheese after cooking adds richness.

5. Serve Immediately Sweet potato fries are best enjoyed fresh from the air fryer to maintain their crispy texture. If you need to keep them warm while cooking batches, place them in a low oven (around 200°F/95°C) on a wire rack to stay crispy.