Crispy Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries Recipe: A Simple Guide to Perfectly Crunchy Fries Every Time
Looking for a healthier alternative to deep-fried snacks that’s quick and easy? Enter crispy air fryer sweet potato fries! This guide will teach you how to make sweet potato fries in the air fryer that are perfectly crisp on the outside and soft inside, without the mess and extra calories of deep frying. Air fryer sweet potato fries are a versatile side dish, great as a snack, or even as a crowd-pleasing party appetiser. Dive in to discover the best tips for making air fryer sweet potato fries that are healthier yet satisfyingly crunchy.
Why Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries are the Best Alternative to Fried Foods
Air fryer sweet potato fries give you the crispy, delicious experience of deep-fried food without the excess oil. Using an air fryer cuts down the calories significantly because you need only a fraction of the oil you’d use in traditional frying. Plus, air frying is faster, easier, and much less messy. If you’re looking for a healthy way to enjoy fried sweet potatoes with minimal effort, this recipe is perfect for you.
The air fryer method doesn’t compromise on flavour or texture; it ensures that your sweet potato fries are crispy on the outside and tender inside. Unlike oven-baked fries, air fryer sweet potato fries cook evenly and achieve a more consistent crunch without needing to flip multiple times.
Ingredients for this Air Fryer Recipes
- 2 medium sweet potatoes – approximately 500g in total, peeled if desired
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – helps the fries crisp up in the air fryer
- ½ teaspoon sea salt – for seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper – adds a hint of heat
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder – optional, for extra flavour
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika – optional, for a smoky, rich taste
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch – optional, helps make the fries extra crispy
These ingredients yield about two servings, but you can easily double the quantities if you’re making a larger batch. Just remember, if you’re cooking more, it’s best to fry in batches to keep the fries crispy.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Air Fryer Sweet Potato Recipe
- Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Start by washing and drying your sweet potatoes. Peel the sweet potatoes if you prefer, then cut the sweet potatoes into fries about ¼-inch thick. Try to keep them as uniform in size as possible for even cooking.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) and allow it to preheat. Preheating helps the fries start crisping up as soon as they hit the basket.
- Season the Fries: In a large bowl, toss the sweet potato fries with olive oil, sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. If you want extra crispiness, sprinkle the cornstarch over the fries and toss again until evenly coated. The cornstarch creates a light coating that makes the fries crispier.
- Arrange in the Air Fryer Basket: Place the fries in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this can cause the fries to steam instead of fry. If needed, cook the fries in batches to ensure maximum crispiness.
- Air Fry the Fries: Cook the fries for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket or turning the fries halfway through cooking. This helps them cook evenly and prevents sticking. The exact cook time may vary depending on the size of your air fryer and the thickness of your fries, so check on them around the 15-minute mark.
- Check for Doneness: The fries should be crispy on the outside and tender inside when done. If you want them a bit more golden, cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove them from the air fryer and season with a bit more salt if desired. Serve hot with your favourite dipping sauce, such as garlic aioli, ketchup, or spicy mayo.
Nutrient Table per 100g of Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
| Nutrient | Amount per 100g |
|---|---|
| Calories | 112 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 24.5 g |
| Fibre | 3.3 g |
| Sugars | 5.6 g |
| Protein | 1.4 g |
| Total Fat | 1.8 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.3 g |
| Vitamin A | 10755 IU |
| Vitamin C | 2.4 mg |
| Potassium | 337 mg |
| Calcium | 30 mg |
| Iron | 0.7 mg |
These values are approximate and may vary based on the exact size of the sweet potatoes and any added seasonings. The air fryer method keeps the calories relatively low, and the minimal oil helps retain the nutritional benefits of sweet potatoes without the excess fat from deep frying.
What Makes Sweet Potato Fries So Nutritious?
Sweet potatoes are packed with essential nutrients. They’re rich in vitamin A, which supports immune health and vision, and contain fibre, which aids digestion and keeps you full longer. The natural sweetness in sweet potatoes also satisfies your cravings for something sweet and savoury without added sugars.
Beyond their nutritional value, sweet potatoes are a healthier carbohydrate choice compared to regular potatoes, offering a lower glycaemic index. This means they won’t spike your blood sugar levels as much, making them a fantastic option for people looking for balanced energy without the sugar crash.
How to Choose the Right Sweet Potatoes for Fries
When it comes to air fryer sweet potato fries, choosing the right sweet potatoes is essential. Opt for firm, medium-sized sweet potatoes with a smooth skin. Avoid any that have soft spots or cracks, as these might affect the texture when cooked. Medium-sized potatoes are easier to cut and cook more evenly in an air fryer.
If you’re going for crispy sweet potato fries, the size of the potatoes and the way you cut them are crucial. Smaller sweet potatoes are ideal for making thin fries that can become crispy without overcooking the inside.
Do You Need to Peel the Sweet Potatoes?
Whether or not you peel the sweet potatoes is a matter of personal preference. Peeling the sweet potatoes gives a smoother finish and slightly softer texture, while keeping the skin adds extra fibre and a bit more crunch. The skin also has additional nutrients, so if you’re looking for a more wholesome snack, feel free to leave it on. Just make sure to scrub the potatoes well to remove any dirt before slicing.
How to Cut Sweet Potato Fries for the Air Fryer
To get crispy air fryer sweet potato fries, the way you cut the fries matters. Start by cutting the sweet potato in half lengthwise. Then, slice each half into strips about ¼ inch thick. Thicker slices will result in softer, more potato-like fries, while thinner slices will yield a crispier texture.
Consistent size is key—try to keep your fries as uniform as possible for even cooking. If you prefer wedges, cut the sweet potato into thicker slices, but keep in mind they may need a longer cook time.
Seasoning Ideas for Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
Seasoning can take your air fryer sweet potato fries from good to absolutely addictive. A classic combination includes salt, pepper, garlic powder, and a sprinkle of paprika for colour. If you want to try something different, consider:
- Cinnamon and chilli powder for a sweet-spicy kick.
- Rosemary and sea salt for a savoury, earthy flavour.
- Smoked paprika and cumin for a smoky, robust taste.
Once seasoned, toss the fries in a small amount of olive oil to help them crisp up in the air fryer. The oil also helps the seasoning stick and prevents the fries from drying out.
How to Achieve Perfectly Crispy Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
Achieving crispy sweet potato fries in an air fryer requires a few simple tricks. First, don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Place the fries in a single layer to ensure each fry has enough space to cook evenly. You may need to cook the fries in batches if you have a small air fryer.
Next, preheat the air fryer to 380 degrees before adding the fries. Preheating ensures a crisp outer layer from the moment the fries hit the basket. Halfway through the cook time, turn the fries or shake the basket to promote even browning.
Lastly, for an extra crispy finish, consider coating the fries in a teaspoon of cornstarch before seasoning. This can help create a crunchy outer layer that many people love in their french fries.
Can You Make Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries with Frozen Sweet Potatoes?
Yes, you can make air fryer sweet potato fries with frozen sweet potatoes. Frozen sweet potato fries are a convenient option and can turn out just as crispy in an air fryer. Simply place the frozen sweet potato fries in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook at 380°F. They may need slightly longer cook time than fresh fries—usually around 20 minutes, but check them halfway through and give the basket a shake for even cooking.
Tips for Serving and Storing Leftover Sweet Potato Fries
Serve sweet potato fries with a variety of dips like garlic aioli, spicy mayo, or a simple ketchup. For a unique flavour pairing, try a honey mustard dip or chipotle sauce.
If you have leftover sweet potato fries, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. To re-crisp, reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes. This will bring back the crispy texture without making them soggy.
Key Points to Remember
- Air fryer sweet potato fries are a healthier alternative to deep-fried options.
- Choose firm, medium-sized sweet potatoes for the best texture.
- Peel the sweet potatoes if you prefer a smoother finish; keep the skin for extra crunch and fibre.
- Cut sweet potato fries to a consistent size for even cooking.
- Place fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket for best results.
- Preheat the air fryer and cook at 380°F for perfectly crispy fries.
- Season with your favourite spices, and toss lightly in oil to help with crispiness.
- Cook the fries in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
- For a quick option, use frozen sweet potato fries directly in the air fryer.
With these tips, you’ll be able to make crispy air fryer sweet potato fries that are as delicious as they are healthy. Enjoy your fries without the guilt!