Olivia Carter
Are you craving a healthier alternative to traditional French fries? Look no further than these crunchy sweet potato fries made in an air fryer. Not only are they deliciously satisfying, but they also pack a nutritional punch.
Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants, making them a perfect choice for a guilt-free snack or a tasty side dish. And when cooked in an air fryer, sweet potato fries turn out irresistibly crispy on the outside, while still retaining their soft and sweet interior.
But how do you achieve that perfect crunch without deep-frying? It’s easier than you think. With just a few simple steps, you can enjoy homemade sweet potato fries that are far superior to anything you can get at a fast-food restaurant.
Grab your air fryer and get ready to discover the secrets to making the most addictive crunchy sweet potato fries. Your taste buds will thank you!
Preparation and Ingredients
Crunchy sweet potato fries make a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional French fries. With the help of an air fryer, you can easily achieve the perfect crispy texture without the need for deep frying. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
Ingredients:
- 2 large sweet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Note: Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your taste. You can also add other spices, such as cayenne pepper or rosemary, for extra flavor.
Preparation:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Wash and peel the sweet potatoes. Cut them into evenly-sized strips, about 1/4 inch thick.
- In a large bowl, toss the sweet potato strips with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Make sure each strip is evenly coated.
- Place the seasoned sweet potato strips in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the basket; you may need to cook them in batches.
- Cook the sweet potato fries in the air fryer for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the fries from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
These crunchy sweet potato fries are a perfect side dish or snack. They pair well with your favorite dipping sauces, like ketchup or aioli. Enjoy!
Choosing and Preparing the Sweet Potatoes
When making crunchy sweet potato fries in the air fryer, it’s important to start with the right sweet potatoes. Look for sweet potatoes that are firm and have smooth, unblemished skin. Avoid potatoes that have soft spots or are green in color.
Before cutting the sweet potatoes into fries, it’s a good idea to wash them thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris. Use a vegetable scrub brush and water to gently clean the skin.
Once the sweet potatoes are clean, it’s time to peel them. If you prefer, you can leave the skin on for added texture and nutrients. However, peeling the potatoes will give you a more uniform and crispy fry.
To peel the sweet potatoes, use a vegetable peeler or a sharp knife. Start at one end and carefully remove the skin in long strips, working your way around the potato.
After peeling, cut the sweet potatoes into uniformly sized fries. Aim for fries that are about 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch thick for optimal crispiness.
Once the sweet potatoes are cut, transfer them to a large bowl and toss them with a drizzle of oil. Use a vegetable oil with a high smoke point, such as canola or avocado oil, to prevent the fries from sticking to the air fryer basket.
At this point, you can also season the sweet potato fries with your preferred spices and seasonings. Common options include salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, or cinnamon for a sweet twist.
Make sure all the fries are evenly coated with oil and seasonings before transferring them to the air fryer basket.
Now that the sweet potatoes are chosen, peeled, and cut into fries, they’re ready to be cooked in the air fryer. Follow the recommended cooking time and temperature for your specific air fryer model to achieve perfectly crunchy sweet potato fries.
Gathering the Necessary Ingredients
Before you can make crunchy sweet potato fries in the air fryer, you’ll need to gather a few key ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
| Ingredients | Amount |
| Sweet potatoes | 2 large |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Cornstarch | 2 tablespoons |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Paprika | 1 teaspoon |
| Garlic powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | 1/2 teaspoon |
Make sure you have all of these ingredients on hand before you get started, as well as an air fryer and a baking sheet for cooking. Once you have everything ready, you’ll be well on your way to making delicious, crispy sweet potato fries!
Cutting and Seasoning
Properly cutting and seasoning your sweet potato fries is crucial for achieving the perfect crispy texture and delicious flavor. Follow these steps to ensure the best results:
1. Choose the Right Sweet Potatoes
Look for sweet potatoes that are firm and free of blemishes. The fresher, the better! Organic sweet potatoes are also a great option for a healthier choice.
2. Peel and Slice the Sweet Potatoes
Start by peeling the sweet potatoes with a vegetable peeler. Once peeled, slice the sweet potatoes into thin strips, about 1/4 inch thick. For even cooking, try to cut the fries as evenly as possible.
3. Soak the Sweet Potato Fries
Soaking the sweet potato fries in cold water for about 30 minutes helps remove excess starch, resulting in crispier fries. After soaking, make sure to thoroughly pat them dry with a paper towel.
4. Season the Fries
In a bowl, toss the sweet potato fries with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and your favorite seasonings. You can use a variety of spices such as paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, or cumin to give your fries a flavorful kick. Make sure the fries are evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
5. Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This will help ensure that your sweet potato fries cook evenly and become nice and crispy.
Now that your sweet potato fries are cut and seasoned, you’re ready to cook them in the air fryer. Follow the cooking instructions to achieve perfectly crunchy and delicious fries!
Cutting the Sweet Potatoes into Fries
Before you can begin cooking your crunchy sweet potato fries, you’ll need to cut the sweet potatoes into the desired shape. Follow these simple steps to achieve perfectly shaped fries:
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
First, gather all the necessary ingredients and utensils. You’ll need:
- 3 medium-sized sweet potatoes
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
Step 2: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
Wash the sweet potatoes under cold water. Scrub them gently to remove any dirt or debris on the skin. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.
Step 3: Peel the Sweet Potatoes
Using a peeler, carefully remove the skin from the sweet potatoes. Ensure that you remove all the skin, as leaving any behind can affect the texture and taste of the fries.
Step 4: Cut into Desired Shape
Now, it’s time to shape the sweet potatoes into fries. You can cut them into any shape you prefer: thick, thin, or crinkle-cut. However, keep in mind that thicker fries will take longer to cook, while thinner ones may become too crispy.
| Thickness | Cooking Time |
|---|---|
| 1/4 inch | 20-25 minutes |
| 1/2 inch | 25-30 minutes |
| 3/4 inch | 30-35 minutes |
Regardless of the shape you choose, aim for uniformity in size to ensure even cooking.
Once you’ve cut the sweet potatoes into fries, you’re now ready to move on to the next steps in making your delicious and crispy sweet potato fries in the air fryer.
Seasoning the Fries for Added Flavor
To make your sweet potato fries extra flavorful, it’s important to season them properly. Here are some tips to help you season your fries to perfection:
1. Salt and Pepper
Start by adding a generous amount of salt and freshly ground black pepper to the sweet potato fries. This basic seasoning will enhance the natural flavors of the sweet potatoes and add a savory kick.
2. Garlic and Herbs
For an added depth of flavor, consider adding some garlic and herbs to your seasoning mix. You can use garlic powder, dried thyme, rosemary, or any other herbs of your choice. Simply sprinkle them over the fries and toss them together to evenly distribute the seasonings.
3. Smoked Paprika and Cumin
If you prefer a smoky and slightly spicy flavor, consider adding some smoked paprika and cumin to your seasoning mix. These spices will add a rich and aromatic taste to your sweet potato fries.
Note: Feel free to experiment with different seasonings to create your own unique flavor combinations. Just remember to taste and adjust the seasonings according to your preference.
Now that you have seasoned your sweet potato fries, it’s time to cook them in the air fryer to achieve that perfect crunchy texture!
FAQ
What ingredients do I need to make crunchy sweet potato fries in an air fryer?
To make crunchy sweet potato fries in an air fryer, you will need sweet potatoes, olive oil, salt, and any optional seasonings or spices you prefer.
Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?
Yes, you can use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes to make fries in an air fryer. The cooking method and ingredients will remain the same.
Do I need to peel the sweet potatoes before making fries?
It is up to personal preference whether you peel the sweet potatoes or not. If you prefer the skin on, make sure to wash and scrub the sweet potatoes thoroughly before cutting them into fries.
What temperature and cooking time should I set for the air fryer?
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Cook the sweet potato fries for around 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time, until they are golden and crispy.
Can I make sweet potato fries in the oven instead of an air fryer?
Yes, you can make sweet potato fries in the oven if you don’t have an air fryer. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and bake the fries for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are crispy.
