Olivia Carter
If you’re a fan of sweet potatoes, then you’re in for a treat! Crispy sweet potato fries are not only delicious, but they’re also a healthier alternative to traditional french fries. And the best part? You can easily make them in an air fryer!
With just a few simple steps, you can enjoy a batch of perfectly crispy and flavorful sweet potato fries. All you need are some sweet potatoes, a little bit of oil, and your trusty air fryer. No need to worry about deep frying or excess oil – the air fryer does all the work for you!
First, start by preheating your air fryer to the recommended temperature. While it’s heating up, wash and peel your sweet potatoes. Cut them into even-sized fries, making sure that they’re not too thick or too thin. This is important to ensure even cooking and crispy results.
Next, place the sweet potato fries in a bowl and drizzle with a small amount of oil. Toss them well, making sure that every fry is coated with oil. This will help the fries to crisp up in the air fryer. You can also season them with your favorite spices, such as garlic powder, paprika, or rosemary, for an extra kick of flavor!
Once your air fryer is preheated and the sweet potato fries are coated with oil, carefully place them in the air fryer basket. It’s important not to overcrowd the basket, as this will prevent proper air circulation and result in less crispy fries. Cook the fries in batches if needed.
Choosing the Right Sweet Potatoes
When it comes to making crispy sweet potato fries in an air fryer, choosing the right sweet potatoes is crucial. Not all sweet potatoes are created equal, and some varieties are better suited for making fries than others.
Varieties of Sweet Potatoes
There are several different varieties of sweet potatoes available, each with its own unique flavor and texture. The most common varieties you will come across include:
| Variety | Description |
|---|---|
| Orange Sweet Potatoes | These sweet potatoes have a vibrant orange flesh and are commonly used in baking. |
| White Sweet Potatoes | White sweet potatoes have a creamy texture and a less sweet flavor compared to orange varieties. |
| Purple Sweet Potatoes | These sweet potatoes have a deep purple flesh and a slightly nutty flavor. |
Best Sweet Potatoes for Fries
When making sweet potato fries in an air fryer, it is best to choose sweet potatoes that have a higher starch content. This will help achieve that desired crispy texture on the outside while still maintaining a soft and tender interior.
Varieties such as the orange sweet potatoes or purple sweet potatoes are great options for making fries. These varieties tend to have a higher starch content compared to white sweet potatoes, resulting in a crispier fry.
Additionally, it is important to choose sweet potatoes that are firm and free from blemishes or soft spots. This will ensure that your fries turn out crisp and delicious.
Preparing the Sweet Potatoes
Before you start making crispy sweet potato fries in an air fryer, you need to properly prepare the sweet potatoes. Follow these steps for the best results:
1. Choose the right sweet potatoes:
Look for sweet potatoes that are firm and have smooth skin. Avoid sweet potatoes with bruises, blemishes, or soft spots.
2. Wash the sweet potatoes:
Thoroughly wash the sweet potatoes under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris. Use a scrub brush to gently scrub the skin.
3. Peel or leave the skin on:
You can choose to peel or leave the skin on the sweet potatoes, depending on your preference. Peeling the sweet potatoes will result in crispier fries, while leaving the skin on will add extra texture and nutrients.
4. Cut the sweet potatoes into even-sized fries:
Using a sharp knife, carefully cut the sweet potatoes into even-sized fries. Aim for fries that are about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick to ensure even cooking.
5. Soak the sweet potatoes in cold water:
Place the cut sweet potatoes in a bowl and cover them with cold water. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes to remove excess starch, which will help the fries become crispy when cooked.
6. Pat dry the sweet potatoes:
After soaking, drain the sweet potatoes and pat them dry using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Removing the excess water will prevent the fries from becoming soggy while cooking.
7. Season the sweet potatoes:
You can either season the sweet potatoes before or after cooking them in the air fryer. Olive oil, salt, pepper, and any other desired spices or seasonings can be used to enhance the flavor of the fries.
By properly preparing the sweet potatoes, you’ll ensure that your crispy sweet potato fries turn out delicious and satisfying. Now you’re ready to move on to the next step – cooking the fries in the air fryer!
Cutting the Sweet Potatoes Into Fries
To make crispy sweet potato fries in an air fryer, start by cutting the sweet potatoes into fries.
First, wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris. Once they are cleaned, dry them with a paper towel.
Next, take a sharp knife and carefully cut off the ends of the sweet potatoes. This will create a flat surface to work with and make it easier to cut them into evenly sized fries.
Now, cut the sweet potatoes into long rectangular strips, about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Try to make the fries as uniform in size as possible, so they will cook evenly in the air fryer.
If you prefer thinner fries, aim for a 1/4-inch thickness. For thicker, steak-style fries, go for a 1/2-inch thickness.
Once all the sweet potatoes are cut into fries, place them in a large bowl.
Tips:
Use a sharp knife: A sharp knife will make it easier to cut through the dense texture of sweet potatoes, resulting in clean, even cuts.
Watch your fingers: Pay attention to your fingers as you’re cutting the sweet potatoes. Take your time and be cautious to avoid any accidents.
Adjust the size: If you prefer thicker or thinner fries, feel free to adjust the thickness of the cuts to your liking.
Now that your sweet potatoes are cut into fries, you’re ready to move on to the next step in making crispy sweet potato fries in an air fryer.
Soaking the Sweet Potato Fries
Before cooking your sweet potato fries in the air fryer, it’s important to give them a soak. Soaking the fries helps to remove excess starch, which can make them soggy when cooked.
To soak the sweet potato fries, begin by slicing them into thin, even strips. Then, place the fries in a large bowl and cover them with cold water. Allow the fries to soak for at least 30 minutes, but up to 2 hours for even crispier results.
During the soaking process, the water helps to draw out some of the starch from the sweet potato fries, which will make them less likely to stick together and more likely to turn out crispy.
After the soaking time is complete, drain the water from the bowl and pat the fries dry with a clean towel or paper towels. Removing excess moisture will also contribute to creating crispier sweet potato fries in the air fryer.
Once the sweet potato fries are dried, they’re ready to be seasoned and cooked in the air fryer. Remember, the soaking step is an important step to achieve the perfect crispy texture for your sweet potato fries.
Seasoning the Sweet Potato Fries
Seasoning is crucial for making crispy and flavorful sweet potato fries. Here are some seasoning ideas to enhance the taste:
1. Salt and Pepper
Start with a simple combination of salt and freshly ground black pepper. This classic seasoning brings out the natural sweetness of the sweet potato without overpowering its flavor.
2. Smoked Paprika
Add a smoky and slightly spicy kick to your sweet potato fries by sprinkling them with smoked paprika. This seasoning pairs well with the natural sweetness of the fries and adds depth to their taste.
You can adjust the amount of smoked paprika according to your spice tolerance level.
3. Garlic Powder and Onion Powder
If you love savory flavors, try seasoning your sweet potato fries with a combination of garlic powder and onion powder. These two ingredients add a delicious aroma and flavor to the fries.
Make sure to evenly distribute the garlic powder and onion powder for an even coating.
4. Cajun Seasoning
For a spicier option, sprinkle your sweet potato fries with Cajun seasoning. This blend of spices, including paprika, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder, adds a bold and zesty taste to the fries.
Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning according to your preferred level of spiciness.
Remember to toss the sweet potato fries in the seasoning mixture until they are evenly coated. This will ensure that every bite of your fries is packed with flavor.
Cooking the Sweet Potato Fries in the Air Fryer
Once you have prepared and seasoned your sweet potato fries, it’s time to cook them in the air fryer. Follow these simple steps to achieve perfectly crispy fries:
1. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This will ensure that the fries cook evenly and become crispy.
2. Arrange the Fries: Place the seasoned sweet potato fries in a single layer inside the air fryer basket or tray. Avoid overcrowding the fries as this will prevent them from becoming crispy.
3. Set the Time and Temperature: Set the air fryer to cook the fries at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes. Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of your fries and the model of your air fryer, so keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
4. Shake and Flip: After about 10 minutes of cooking, shake the air fryer basket or flip the fries with tongs to ensure that they cook evenly on all sides. This will help to achieve maximum crispiness.
5. Check for Doneness: After the initial cooking time is up, check the fries for doneness. They should be golden brown in color and crispy to the touch. If they are not yet crispy, continue cooking them for a few more minutes, checking regularly.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Once the sweet potato fries are cooked to perfection, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve them as a delicious side dish or snack, and enjoy their crispy texture and sweet flavor!
With these simple steps, you can easily make crispy sweet potato fries in your air fryer. Experiment with different seasonings and dipping sauces to customize the flavor to your liking. Happy cooking!
Serving and Enjoying the Crispy Sweet Potato Fries
After taking the crispy sweet potato fries out of the air fryer, it’s time to serve and enjoy them. Here are a few tips and ideas on how to make your crispy sweet potato fries even more delightful.
Serving Suggestions
There are endless ways to serve and enjoy these crispy sweet potato fries. Here are a few ideas to inspire you:
- Pair them with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ketchup, aioli, or mayonnaise.
- Sprinkle them with your favorite seasonings, such as garlic powder, smoked paprika, or freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
- Use them as a side dish for burgers, sandwiches, or wraps.
- Add them to a salad for a crunchy and flavorful twist.
Tips for Enjoying Crispy Sweet Potato Fries
Here are a few tips to help you fully enjoy the crispy goodness of these sweet potato fries:
- Enjoy them immediately after cooking to savor the ultimate crispiness.
- Eat them while they are hot to fully experience the soft and tender sweet potato interior.
- Feel free to experiment with different seasonings to customize the flavor according to your preferences.
- Serve them as soon as possible to prevent them from losing their crispiness.
Now that you know how to make crispy sweet potato fries in an air fryer and have some serving and enjoying suggestions, it’s time to turn on your air fryer, grab some sweet potatoes, and start making these delicious fries.
FAQ
What temperature should I air fry sweet potato fries at?
To make crispy sweet potato fries in an air fryer, set the temperature to 400°F (200°C).
How long should I cook sweet potato fries in an air fryer?
The cooking time for sweet potato fries in an air fryer is usually around 15-20 minutes. However, it may vary depending on the thickness of the fries and the desired level of crispiness.
Do I need to preheat the air fryer before cooking sweet potato fries?
Yes, it is recommended to preheat the air fryer for a few minutes before cooking sweet potato fries. This helps to ensure that the fries cook evenly and become crispy.
