Craving crispy, flavorful fries without the guilt? Welcome to the world of Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries , a healthier alternative to traditional frying. With a crunchy exterior and soft interior, these fries are an irresistible snack or side dish. The air frying method drastically reduces oil usage, giving you all the flavor and texture with fewer calories! Let’s dive into the recipe.
Ingredients List
To get started, quickly gather the following ingredients. This mixture will create a tasty blend of crispy, savory fries with a hint of smokiness.
- 1 large or 2 small/medium sweet potatoes (about 1 pound)
- 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil (optional but recommended for a crispier texture)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt , plus additional for serving
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder for that delicious, garlicky aroma
- ½ teaspoon paprika for a smoky touch
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper to balance flavors
- Chopped fresh chives (optional, for garnish)
These simple ingredients make creating a healthy and flavorful snack at home as easy as it gets!
Required Kitchen Tools
Though this recipe is simple, having the right tools ensures your cooking process is smooth and easy – and that your Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries come out perfectly every time.
- Mandoline or Sharp Knife : To slice the sweet potatoes evenly, a mandoline works wonders. However, a sharp knife will also do the trick if you don’t have a mandoline.
- Air Fryer : This recipe revolves around the air fryer, so you’ll need one that can be preheated to 375°F. The air fryer means less oil and quicker cooking time.
- Mixing Bowl : To coat your fries in spices and oil, you’ll need a large mixing bowl.
- Tongs or Spatula : These will help you toss the fries midway through cooking to ensure even crisping.
- Baking Sheet (optional): If you’re making fries in batches, a baking sheet lined with parchment is great for keeping cooked fries warm in the oven.
These handy kitchen tools ensure your sweet potato fries will be wonderfully crisp and flavorful.
Sweet Potato Preparation
Sweet potatoes are the star of this recipe, and preparing them well makes all the difference in achieving crispy fries with soft and tender centers. Here’s how to prepare them like a pro!
Step 1: Scrub and Peel
Start by scrubbing your sweet potatoes thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt. You can peel them if you prefer, but leaving the skins on can add extra texture and nutrients. The choice is yours! I personally like the natural, rustic look and taste that sweet potato skins provide.
Step 2: Slice Them Just Right
Slicing the sweet potatoes evenly is crucial. If the fries vary in thickness, they’ll cook unevenly—some may burn while others stay soggy. Here’s how to get that perfect fry shape:
- Cut in Half Lengthwise : First, slice the sweet potato in half lengthwise.
- Cut into Strips : Lay the halves flat-side down on your cutting board, and slice each half lengthwise into 1/4-inch-wide strips. This gives you long, thin fries. A mandoline can be a huge timesaver here, ensuring consistent slices—just be cautious and use a protective tool or guard while slicing.
- Shorten Long Strips : If your fries are extra long, feel free to cut them once crosswise into 3-to-4 inch lengths. This step ensures your fries are easier to pick up and enjoy as finger food.
Step 3: Toss in the Bowl
Place your beautifully cut sweet potato strips into a large mixing bowl. Make sure they have enough room to move around when adding the oil and seasonings—this helps ensure an even coat.
By following these simple steps, your sweet potatoes will be prepped to perfection and ready to soak up those delicious spices.
Seasoning and Air Frying
Step 1: Season the Fries
Now comes the fun part—adding flavor! Drizzle your cut sweet potatoes with 2 teaspoons of extra virgin olive oil for that extra-crispy texture. If you prefer a completely oil-free version, you can skip this step, but just know that oil helps the fries crisp up beautifully in the air fryer.
Next, sprinkle in the following seasonings:
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika for a smoky flavor
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Toss everything together in the mixing bowl, making sure all the fries are evenly coated with oil and seasonings. You can use your hands or tongs to mix, but whatever method you choose, ensure that each fry is fully seasoned—this will lead to maximum flavor in every bite.
Step 2: Preheat Air Fryer
While you’re tossing the fries in seasoning, preheat the air fryer to 375°F . This step ensures that the fries start cooking immediately as soon as they hit the basket, giving you that crispy outside and tender inside.
Preheating typically takes only about 3 to 5 minutes, depending on your air fryer model. If your air fryer has a specific preheat mode, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for best results.
Step 3: Air Fry the Fries
Once preheated, arrange half of your seasoned sweet potato fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding the fryer —spreading the fries in a single layer ensures even circulation of hot air around each fry, helping them crisp evenly.
Cook the first batch for 12–15 minutes , shaking the basket halfway through (about at the 7-minute mark). Shaking or flipping the fries is crucial to ensure they cook evenly and achieve that golden brown, crispy surface.
After the first batch is done, repeat with the second batch, air frying for another 12-15 minutes. The total cooking time may vary slightly depending on your air fryer, so always keep an eye on them during the last few minutes.
Serving and Garnishing
Your air fryer sweet potato fries should now be perfectly crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and packed with flavor. But we’re not done yet—there are just a few final touches that make these fries truly irresistible.
Step 1: Keep Fries Warm (Optional)
If you’re cooking in multiple batches, you can keep the cooked fries warm by placing them on a baking sheet in an oven set to 200°F . This will prevent them from cooling down and losing their crispiness while you finish air frying the rest of the batches.
Step 2: Add Final Seasoning
Once all fries are cooked, give them a quick taste test. If they need more seasoning, sprinkle a bit of kosher salt over the top while they’re still warm. The residual heat helps the salt stick to the fries, enhancing every bite.
Step 3: Garnish with Fresh Herbs
For a burst of freshness, garnish your fries with chopped fresh chives . If you don’t have chives on hand, other fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or even a light sprinkle of parmesan cheese can also do wonders. These little finishing touches bring extra color and flavor to the fries, making them not only taste better but also look more appetizing.
Step 4: Serving Suggestions
Sweet potato fries are a versatile side dish or snack. You can serve them alongside a main meal like burgers or grilled chicken, or enjoy them as an afternoon snack with your favorite dipping sauces. Popular dipping options include:
- Ketchup
- Garlic aioli
- Honey mustard
- Sriracha mayo
- Ranch dressing
No matter how you serve them, these golden, seasoned fries are sure to be a hit!
Conclusion
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries are a healthier yet equally delicious alternative to traditional deep-fried fries. With minimal oil and easy preparation, you can enjoy restaurant-quality fries right at home. Plus, the beauty of this recipe is its versatility—you can switch up the seasonings, oils, or even cooking times to match your personal preferences.
Whether you’re making these as a snack or side dish, this recipe guarantees tasty results with a crisp exterior and tender, flavorful insides. Just garnish, serve, and enjoy!