Quick And Crispy Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries Recipe 

Air fryer sweet potato fries will change your life. With their crispy exterior and tender, flavorful interior, these air fryer sweet potato fries have become a popular alternative to traditional potato fries. And what's even better? Thanks to the wonders of air fryers, you can effortlessly replicate this tantalizing delight right in the cozy confines of your own kitchen.

Over the past few years, air fryers have completely transformed the culinary landscape, presenting a healthier approach to savoring our beloved fried delicacies. By harnessing the power of swift air circulation, these devices achieve a delectable, crispy consistency without relying on excessive oil. Not only does this method significantly reduce the amount of unhealthy fats, but it also cuts down on cooking time and simplifies the process. With an air fryer, you can achieve that sought-after crunch while retaining the natural goodness of the sweet potatoes.

In this blog post, we will show you how to make the perfect air fryer sweet potato fries that may just become one of your new favorite air fryer recipes. Whether you're an experienced air fryer enthusiast or embarking on this culinary journey for the first time, this comprehensive guide will provide you with the necessary knowledge and techniques to cook sweet potato fries that boast a delightful crunch while being abundant in natural sweetness and essential nutrients.

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries

Ingredients

Directions

1. Begin by preheating your air fryer to a temperature of 400°F (200°C), ensuring it reaches the optimal heat while you diligently prepare the sweet potatoes.

2. Start by thoroughly washing and peeling the sweet potatoes. Then, proceed to slice them into uniformly sized fries, approximately 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Aim for consistency in size to achieve crispier fries.

3. Optional: Immerse the sweet potato fries in a bowl of cold water and let them soak for approximately 30 minutes. This soaking process helps to eliminate excess starch, leading to the desired outcome of crispier fries. After soaking, pat them dry properly, as moisture can hinder crisping.

4. In a bowl, gently toss the sweet potato fries with olive oil, ensuring each fry is thoroughly coated for even distribution. If desired, add paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to enhance the flavor. Customize the seasoning to your personal taste preferences by adjusting it accordingly.

5. Arrange the sweet potato fries in a single, non-overlapping layer inside the air fryer basket. It's important to avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking and crispy results. If needed, cook in multiple batches to prevent overcrowding, which may result in uneven cooking.

6. Air fry sweet potato fries for approximately 15-20 minutes, remembering to flip them halfway through the cooking process. Cooking times may vary based on the thickness of the fries and the desired level of crispiness. Monitor them closely to prevent any potential burning.

7. Once the sweet potato fries have achieved a golden brown hue and delightful crispiness, carefully remove the golden brown fries from the air fryer and allow them to cool for about 5 minutes. Serve these fries with your favorite dipping sauce for a flavorful accompaniment.

Once you have enjoyed your fries, don't forget to clean your air fryer.

Dry thoroughly: After the soaking process or if you opted to skip it, it's important to ensure that the sweet potato fries are thoroughly dried. Take a clean kitchen towel or paper towel and gently pat them dry, removing any excess moisture. Moisture on the fries can hinder the crisping process.

Use minimal oil: While sweet potatoes naturally have moisture, adding a small amount of oil, such as olive oil, helps the fries crisp up. When coating the sweet potato fries with oil, aim to use only a sufficient amount to lightly cover them, avoiding excessive greasiness.

Avoid overcrowding: Ensure that you leave enough space between the sweet potato fries in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and prevent proper airflow, resulting in less crispy fries. Cook in multiple batches if needed.

Flip halfway through: To encourage uniform browning, flip the sweet potato fries halfway through the cooking process. Carefully turn them using tongs or a spatula to ensure all sides receive equal heat exposure. This simple step helps achieve a consistent golden color and crispness throughout the fries.

How to elevate your air fryer sweet potato fries

Experiment with seasonings

While the basic seasoning of salt, pepper, and optional paprika or garlic powder is delicious, you can explore various spice blends and seasonings to customize the flavor of your sweet potato fries. For added flavor, you can experiment with various spices. Consider incorporating cumin, smoked paprika, cinnamon, or a hint of cayenne pepper to give the sweet potato fries a delightful twist. These spices can add depth and a touch of spiciness, enhancing the overall taste experience.

Go for a sweet and savory combination

Sweet potato fries pair exceptionally well with both sweet and savory flavors. To enhance the inherent sweetness of the fries, sprinkle a bit of brown sugar or cinnamon over them. This simple addition will further elevate the flavor profile, adding a touch of delightful sweetness to the already delicious sweet potato fries.

For a savory twist, try sprinkling grated Parmesan cheese, nutritional yeast, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze over the fries after air frying.

Make a dipping sauce

Elevate your sweet potato fries with a delicious homemade dipping sauce. Consider options like sriracha mayo, garlic aioli, chipotle ketchup, or a tangy yogurt-based dip with herbs and spices. The dipping sauce's contrasting flavors will complement the fries' sweetness and crispness.

Try different cuts

While traditional fries are classic, don't limit yourself to just one cut. Embrace your creativity and try out different shapes and sizes when cutting the sweet potato fries to achieve visually appealing presentations and diverse textures. Try making sweet potato wedges, shoestring fries, or even sweet potato tots for a fun twist.

Add a crunchy topping

For an extra layer of texture, top your sweet potato fries with a crunchy element. Sprinkle panko breadcrumbs, crushed nuts (such as almonds or pecans), or toasted sesame seeds over the fries before air frying. This will add a delightful crunch and depth of flavor.

Serve with a gourmet touch: Turn your sweet potato fries into a gourmet appetizer or main course by adding some toppings. Consider toppings like crumbled feta cheese, caramelized onions, chopped fresh herbs (such as cilantro or parsley), diced avocado, or even a dollop of guacamole or sour cream.

Create a loaded fries experience

Transform your sweet potato fries into a loaded fries masterpiece. Top them with cooked black beans, diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, shredded cheese, and a drizzle of lime crema or salsa for a Southwestern-inspired twist. Alternatively, go for a Mediterranean twist with feta cheese, olives, diced cucumbers, and tzatziki sauce.

Types Of Sweet Potatoes

There are many varieties of sweet potatoes available at your local market, and they all taste slightly different. They range in color, texture, and flavor, so consider that when purchasing. Here are three types I like to use: 

Japanese Sweet Potatoes

Japanese sweet potatoes are distinguished by their purple or reddish skin and pale yellow or white flesh. In terms of taste, they offer a milder and less sweet flavor compared to their orange counterparts. When air-fried, Japanese sweet potato fries have a creamy and fluffy texture with a delicate taste.

Garnet Sweet Potatoes

Garnet sweet potatoes have reddish-purple skin and vibrant orange flesh. They are moist, flavorful, and taste similar to orange sweet potatoes. Garnet sweet potatoes make delicious sweet potato fries and are visually appealing due to their deep color.

Jewel Sweet Potatoes

Jewel sweet potatoes have reddish-brown skin and orange flesh. When comparing Japanese sweet potatoes to orange sweet potatoes, the former boasts a subtly drier texture but compensates for its indulgent and delightful sweetness. Jewel sweet potatoes are favored by many for making sweet potato fries due to their vibrant color and distinct taste.

Types of Oil To Make Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries

Olive oil

Air-fried sweet potato fries often benefit from extra virgin olive oil, a favored option. This oil's unique taste imparts a gentle fruity or peppery undertone to the fries, enhancing their overall flavor. Keep in mind that using too much olive oil might result in a stronger taste, so use it sparingly if you prefer a milder flavor.

Avocado oil

For air-frying sweet potato fries, an alternative to consider is avocado oil. It offers a neutral flavor profile that allows the inherent taste of the sweet potatoes to take center stage without overshadowing them. Moreover, avocado oil boasts a high smoke point, making it well-suited for high-temperature cooking methods.

Canola oil

Due to its high smoke point and mild flavor, canola oil is widely employed in air frying techniques. It is a commonly chosen oil for this purpose. It won't significantly alter the taste of the sweet potato fries, allowing their natural flavors to take the spotlight.

Grapeseed oil

Grapeseed oil has a light, neutral flavor and a high smoke point, making it suitable for air frying. It won't add any distinct taste to the sweet potato fries, allowing their natural flavors to be the star.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I leave the skin on the sweet potatoes?

Absolutely! If you have a preference, feel free to leave the skin on the sweet potatoes. Just remember to give them a thorough wash and scrub before slicing them into fries. The skin adds extra nutrients and can contribute to a slightly different texture.

How To Store Leftover Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries

Store any of your leftovers in an airtight container. They will last about three days in the fridge. If you do not plan to eat the leftovers within three days, you can put them in an airtight sealed freezer bag and freeze them.

Are Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries Healthy?

Air fryer sweet potato fries are generally considered healthier than deep-fried fries. Traditional french fries and sweet potato fries are made in a deep fryer. They are drenched in oil and lead to a high fat and high calories side dish. Air frying requires minimal oil, reducing fat content and fewer calories. Sweet potatoes provide a wealth of nutrition, including fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making them a highly beneficial addition to your diet. So, air-fried sweet potato fries are much healthier than conventional deep frying. And sweet potatoes are slightly more nutritious than french fries.

How do I prevent the sweet potato fries from sticking to the air fryer basket?

To avoid any sticking issues, it is advisable to lightly apply a cooking spray or a small amount of oil to the air fryer basket before placing the sweet potato fries. This creates a non-stick surface and facilitates easy release. Alternatively, you can opt for parchment paper or perforated air fryer liners as a preventive measure against sticking.

Can I use frozen sweet potato fries in the air fryer?

Certainly! Frozen sweet potato fries can be used in the air fryer, although it's important to note that cooking times may differ from those of fresh fries. For optimal results, it is recommended to follow the instructions provided on the packaging. Remember that frozen sweet potatoes may not turn out as crispy as homemade ones.

How do I make the air fryer sweet potato fries extra crispy?

To achieve maximum crispiness, make sure the sweet potato fries are cut into uniform sizes so they cook evenly. Prior to cooking, it is essential to preheat the air fryer. Additionally, it is advisable to avoid overcrowding the fries in the basket. This ensures proper air circulation and promotes even cooking. To enhance the crispiness, You can lightly toss the fries with cornstarch or arrowroot powder before air frying. In addition, soaking your sweet potato in cold water to remove starch can help achieve that crispy sweet potato fries you may be looking for.

How do I store leftover sweet potato fries?

If you have any leftovers, storing them in airtight containers in the refrigerator is recommended. This helps maintain their freshness and quality for later consumption. While they might lose some of their crispiness, you can reheat them in the air fryer or oven to revive their texture. For optimal quality, consuming the leftovers within 2-3 days is advisable. This time frame ensures that the leftovers are still at their best in terms of taste and freshness.

What can I serve with air fryer sweet potato fries?

Air fryer sweet potato fries are versatile and can be enjoyed either as a standalone snack or as a delightful side dish. They complement an array of dipping sauces, including ketchup, garlic aioli, sriracha mayo, or honey mustard, enhancing their flavor and adding a delicious touch to your culinary experience. They also complement burgers, sandwiches, or grilled meats as a tasty side option.