ingredients and preparation
To create perfectly crispy and flavorful air fryer sweet potato fries, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 large sweet potatoes – Peeled and cut into thin, even strips. Aim for a thickness of about 1/4 inch to ensure they cook evenly.
- 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil – This helps the fries crisp up nicely in the air fryer.
- 1 teaspoon of cornstarch – Optional, but highly recommended for extra crispiness.
- 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika – Adds a subtle smoky flavor that complements the sweetness of the potatoes.
- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder – For a savory touch.
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground black pepper – To taste.
- 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt – Adjust to your preference.
Start by peeling the sweet potatoes and cutting them into thin, uniform strips. Consistency in size is key to ensuring that all the fries cook evenly. Once cut, place the sweet potato strips in a large bowl of cold water and let them soak for at least 30 minutes. This step helps to remove excess starch, which is crucial for achieving that desired crispiness.
After soaking, drain the sweet potatoes and pat them dry thoroughly with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Any excess moisture can prevent the fries from crisping up properly. Once dry, transfer the sweet potato strips to a large mixing bowl.
Drizzle the olive oil over the sweet potatoes and toss them to coat evenly. If you’re using cornstarch, sprinkle it over the fries at this stage and toss again to ensure an even coating. The cornstarch will help create a crispy exterior.
Next, add the smoked paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and sea salt to the bowl. Toss the fries once more to ensure that each piece is well-seasoned. Now, your sweet potato fries are ready to be cooked in the air fryer.
cooking instructions
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. Preheating is an important step as it ensures that the fries start cooking immediately when placed in the basket, which helps in achieving a crispy exterior.
Once the air fryer is preheated, arrange the sweet potato fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket. It’s crucial not to overcrowd the basket, as this can lead to uneven cooking and prevent the fries from becoming crispy. If necessary, cook the fries in batches to ensure they have enough space to cook properly.
Cook the sweet potato fries for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your fries and the specific model of your air fryer, so keep an eye on them as they cook. The fries should be golden brown and crispy on the outside while remaining tender on the inside.
If you find that the fries are not as crispy as you’d like after the initial cooking time, you can continue cooking them in 2-3 minute increments until they reach your desired level of crispiness. Just be careful not to overcook them, as sweet potatoes can burn quickly.
Once the fries are done, carefully remove them from the air fryer and transfer them to a serving dish. If you’re cooking in batches, you can keep the cooked fries warm in a low oven (around 200°F or 95°C) while you finish cooking the remaining batches.
serving suggestions
Now that your air fryer sweet potato fries are perfectly crispy and golden, it’s time to think about how to serve them. These fries are incredibly versatile and can be paired with a variety of dips and accompaniments to suit your taste.
For a classic approach, serve the fries with a side of ketchup or your favorite barbecue sauce. The sweetness of the sweet potatoes pairs wonderfully with the tangy and smoky flavors of these sauces. If you’re looking for something a bit more adventurous, consider offering a garlic aioli or a spicy sriracha mayo. The creamy texture of these dips complements the crispy fries, while the added flavors elevate the dish to a new level.
If you’re in the mood for something a bit more indulgent, try topping the fries with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and a handful of fresh chopped parsley. The salty, nutty flavor of the Parmesan adds a delicious contrast to the sweet potatoes, and the parsley provides a fresh, herbaceous note that brightens up the dish.
For a more substantial meal, consider serving the sweet potato fries alongside a hearty sandwich or burger. They make an excellent side dish for grilled chicken sandwiches, veggie burgers, or even a classic cheeseburger. The fries can also be used as a base for loaded sweet potato fries—top them with melted cheese, crumbled bacon, green onions, and a dollop of sour cream for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or snack.
Don’t forget to season the fries with a final sprinkle of sea salt or your favorite seasoning blend just before serving. This last touch of seasoning will enhance the flavors and ensure that every bite is as delicious as the first.