Sweet potato fries have always been a favorite in our household, but achieving that perfect crispy texture at home was a challenge—until we discovered the magic of the air fryer. This method transforms sweet potatoes into golden, crunchy delights with minimal oil, making them both healthier and easier to prepare. Whether you’re serving them as a snack or a side, these air fryer sweet potato fries are sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Let’s get started on this simple, tasty recipe!
Steps
- Preheat your air fryer to 380°F. While it’s heating, peel two medium-sized sweet potatoes and slice them into even ¼ inch thick sticks.
- In a large mixing bowl, toss the sweet potato sticks with olive oil, salt, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper until they are evenly coated.
- Arrange the seasoned sweet potato sticks in the air fryer basket without overcrowding them. Cook in 2 or 3 batches, if necessary, for about 12 minutes, turning them halfway through the cooking time.
- Once cooked to a crispy texture, serve the sweet potato fries immediately with your favorite dipping sauce for the best taste.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place them in the air fryer at 360°F for 1-2 minutes, or use a toaster oven for crispiness.
Ingredients
- 2 medium-sized sweet potatoes
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Garlic powder, to taste
- Paprika, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Nutritional Values
Calories: 232kcal | Carbohydrates: 46g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 706mg | Potassium: 774mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 32186IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 70mg | Iron: 1mg
FAQ
- What type of oil is recommended for air fryer sweet potato fries?
- You can use any oil you prefer, but high smoke point oils like avocado or canola oil are often recommended. Olive oil provides excellent flavor and works well too. Cooking spray is also an option.
- How long should sweet potato fries be cooked in the air fryer?
- The cooking time can vary based on your air fryer and temperature setting. A good starting point is 10 minutes at 380°F. You can add more time in 1-minute increments if needed.
- Can frozen sweet potato fries be cooked in the air fryer?
- Yes, you can cook frozen sweet potato fries using the same method. Just add approximately 5 extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure they are thoroughly cooked.
- Is preheating necessary for air fryer sweet potato fries?
- While not all air fryers require preheating, it is generally recommended for even cooking and optimal results.
- How should leftover sweet potato fries be stored and reheated?
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. To reheat, use an air fryer at 360°F for 1-2 minutes. You can also use a toaster oven, but microwaving may result in softer fries.
Tips
- Ensure Even Cooking: Cut sweet potatoes into uniform 1/4-inch to 1/2-inch thick sticks to prevent uneven cooking. Using sweet potatoes of similar size and a sharp knife can help achieve consistency.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheating the air fryer helps ensure that the fries cook evenly at the desired temperature. Although not all air fryers require it, preheating can improve the overall texture and crispiness.
- Avoid Overcrowding: To attain a crispy texture, do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary, as too many fries can lead to steaming rather than frying.
- Shake or Turn Midway: Halfway through cooking, shake the basket or turn the fries with tongs. This ensures even cooking since the heat may be stronger at the bottom of the basket.
Equipment
- Air Fryer – If you don’t already have one at home, you might consider purchasing one. The NuWave Air Fryer or Instant Pot Vortex 4-in-1 Air Fryer are mentioned in the recipe.
- Sharp Knife – A very sharp knife is recommended for cutting sweet potatoes evenly.
- Cutting Board – A sturdy cutting board is necessary for safely slicing the sweet potatoes.
- Mixing Bowl – A large mixing bowl is used to toss the sweet potatoes with the seasoning.
