Olivia Carter
Are you tired of the same old french fries? Looking for a healthier alternative that doesn’t skimp on flavor? Look no further than sweet potato fries made in the air fryer. Air frying is a popular cooking method that uses hot air circulation to cook food to crispy perfection, without the need for excessive oil.
Sweet potato fries are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. They are rich in vitamins A, C, and B6, as well as dietary fiber, potassium, and antioxidants. These fries make for a perfect snack or a side dish to your favorite meal.
Making sweet potato fries in the air fryer is incredibly easy. All you need are a few simple ingredients: sweet potatoes, olive oil, salt, and your favorite seasonings. After preheating the air fryer, you’ll toss the sweet potato strips in a mixture of olive oil, salt, and seasonings. Then, you’ll place them in the air fryer basket and cook them for about 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through for even crisping.
The result? Perfectly crispy, golden brown sweet potato fries that are healthier than traditional deep-fried fries. These fries are wonderfully versatile as well. You can dress them up with your preferred spices, such as paprika, garlic powder, or cayenne pepper. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces or alongside a juicy burger for a satisfying meal.
Ready to give sweet potato fries in the air fryer a try? Follow our simple recipe below and enjoy this guilt-free indulgence today!
Preparation and Seasoning
Preparing sweet potato fries in the air fryer begins with washing and peeling the sweet potatoes. Once peeled, cut the potatoes into long, thin strips resembling French fries. It’s important to keep the fries uniform in thickness, so they cook evenly.
After slicing the sweet potatoes, place them in a large bowl of cold water. Let them soak for about 30 minutes to remove excess starch. Soaking the fries also helps them become crispier when cooked in the air fryer.
While the fries are soaking, preheat the air fryer to the desired temperature. This will usually take around 5 minutes, depending on the brand and model of your air fryer. It’s recommended to preheat the air fryer to ensure even cooking.
Seasoning Options
Once the sweet potato fries are drained, it’s time to season them. There are various seasoning options to choose from, depending on your personal taste preferences. Here are a few popular choices:
- Salt and Pepper: A classic combination that enhances the natural flavors of the sweet potatoes.
- Seasoned Salt: A blend of salt, herbs, and spices that adds a savory kick to the fries.
- Cajun Seasoning: A mix of spices with a bit of heat, giving the fries a bold and zesty flavor.
- Garlic and Parmesan: A winning combination of garlic powder and grated Parmesan cheese, perfect for garlic lovers.
After choosing your desired seasoning, sprinkle it over the sweet potato fries, making sure to coat them evenly. Toss the fries gently to distribute the seasoning. For an extra kick, you can also drizzle a small amount of olive oil over the fries to help the seasoning adhere better.
Once the fries are seasoned, they are ready to be cooked in the air fryer. Continue following the recipe instructions for the recommended cooking time and temperature.
Sweet Potato Selection and Cutting
When making sweet potato fries in the air fryer, it is important to choose the right sweet potatoes and to cut them properly for the best results.
Choosing sweet potatoes: Look for sweet potatoes that are firm and have smooth skin. Avoid ones that have soft spots, cracks, or wrinkled skin, as these are signs of spoilage. Additionally, try to select sweet potatoes that are a similar size, so they cook evenly.
Cutting sweet potatoes: Start by washing the sweet potatoes thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or debris. Then, using a sharp knife and a sturdy cutting board, carefully slice off both ends of each sweet potato. Next, cut the sweet potatoes into 1/4-inch thick fries. Try to make the cuts as even as possible to ensure that the fries cook uniformly.
Note: If you prefer thicker fries, you can cut them into 1/2-inch thick slices, but keep in mind that the cooking time may need to be adjusted accordingly.
By selecting the right sweet potatoes and cutting them properly, you will set the foundation for delicious and crispy sweet potato fries in the air fryer.
Seasoning Options
When it comes to seasoning your sweet potato fries, the options are endless. Here are a few delicious suggestions to enhance the flavor:
1. Classic Salt and Pepper
The simplest way to season your sweet potato fries is with a generous sprinkle of salt and pepper. This timeless combination adds a savory kick to the naturally sweet taste of the potatoes.
2. Cajun Spice Blend
If you’re in the mood for something with a little more heat and complexity, try using a Cajun spice blend. The combination of spices like paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder will give your fries a bold and zesty flavor.
3. Garlic Parmesan
If you’re a fan of garlic and cheese, this seasoning option is for you. Toss your sweet potato fries in a mixture of grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. The result is a crispy and flavorful batch of fries.
4. Smoky Chipotle
For a smoky and slightly spicy twist, try seasoning your fries with chipotle powder. This seasoning adds a rich and smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the potatoes. Add a touch of salt and enjoy the delicious combination of flavors.
Remember, the key to achieving perfectly seasoned sweet potato fries is to evenly coat them with the seasoning of your choice. Be creative and experiment with different flavor combinations to find your favorite!
Cooking Process
Now that you have prepped your sweet potato fries, it’s time to cook them to perfection using your air fryer. Follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Preheating
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that the fries cook evenly and become crispy on the outside.
Step 2: Seasoning
In a large bowl, toss the sweet potato fries with olive oil, salt, and any other seasonings or spices of your choice. Make sure every fry is coated evenly.
Step 3: Air Frying
Place the seasoned sweet potato fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd the basket, as this may result in uneven cooking.
Cook the fries in the air fryer for about 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking process to ensure even browning. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your fries and your air fryer model.
Step 4: Checking for Doneness
Check the sweet potato fries for doneness by poking them with a fork. They should be tender on the inside and crispy on the outside. If they need more time, put them back in the air fryer and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
Step 5: Serving
Once the sweet potato fries are cooked to your desired level of crispiness, remove them from the air fryer and serve immediately. Enjoy them as a delicious and healthier alternative to regular fries!
Preheating the Air Fryer
Before you start preparing your sweet potato fries, it’s important to preheat your air fryer. Preheating ensures that the fries cook evenly and become crispy on the outside. To preheat the air fryer, simply set the temperature to 400°F (200°C) and let it heat up for about 5 minutes.
While the air fryer is preheating, you can start preparing the sweet potato fries by washing and peeling the sweet potatoes. Then, cut them into evenly sized strips. It’s important to make sure the fries are similar in size so that they cook at the same rate.
FAQ
What is an air fryer?
An air fryer is a kitchen appliance that uses hot air circulation to cook food. It can fry, roast, grill, and bake food with little to no oil, making it a healthier alternative to deep frying.
Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?
Yes, you can definitely use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes to make fries in the air fryer. The cooking time might vary slightly, so you may need to adjust accordingly.
How do I cut the sweet potatoes into fries?
To make sweet potato fries, start by peeling the sweet potatoes and cutting them into long, thin strips, resembling fries. You can use a knife or a mandoline slicer to get even and consistent cuts.
What seasonings can I use for the sweet potato fries?
You can season the sweet potato fries with a variety of spices and herbs, such as garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. You can also sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor.
How long do I cook the sweet potato fries in the air fryer?
The cooking time for sweet potato fries in the air fryer can vary depending on the thickness of the fries and the desired level of crispiness. Generally, it takes about 15-20 minutes at 400°F (200°C) to achieve crispy and golden fries.
