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If you’re craving a snack that’s irresistibly crunchy on the outside and tenderly sweet on the inside, you have to try this Air Fryer Crispy Sweet Potato Fries Recipe. It’s a game-changer for anyone who loves the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes but wants that perfect crisp texture without deep frying or excess oil. Using an air fryer, these fries come out golden, flavorful, and delightfully addictive every single time. Once you get a taste, they’ll quickly become your new favorite way to enjoy sweet potatoes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role to highlight the natural sweetness of the potatoes while achieving that satisfying crunch and vibrant color that makes these fries so inviting.
- 2 medium sweet potatoes (about 1 pound): The star of the show, providing natural sweetness and beautiful orange color.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil: Adds crispiness and helps the seasoning stick without overpowering flavor.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: The secret ingredient for that unbeatable crispy crust on every fry.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the flavor with a savory punch.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds a smoky depth and rich color to your fries.
- ½ teaspoon sea salt: Brings out the natural sweetness while balancing flavors.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle warmth and earthiness.
- Optional: ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper for heat: A little kick for those who love some spice.
How to Make Air Fryer Crispy Sweet Potato Fries Recipe
Step 1: Soak the Sweet Potato Fries
After peeling and cutting your sweet potatoes into fry shapes, soak them in cold water for 30 minutes. This simple step is essential as it helps remove excess starch, ensuring your fries become extra crispy instead of soggy.
Step 2: Dry Thoroughly
Once soaked, drain your fries and pat them completely dry with paper towels. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness, so getting them as dry as possible will make all the difference when cooking.
Step 3: Coat with Cornstarch
Transfer the dried fries to a large bowl, then sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Toss them gently until every piece is lightly but evenly coated. This coating creates a wonderful crust during air frying that locks in the texture.
Step 4: Add Oil and Seasonings
Drizzle 2 tablespoons of your chosen oil over the fries, then add garlic powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if you like it spicy. Toss well to ensure every fry is coated with the flavorful blend, setting the stage for mouthwatering fries.
Step 5: Preheat and Arrange
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for the best results. Arrange the fries in a single layer inside the air fryer basket—crowding them slows down the crisping process, so it’s worth cooking in batches if needed.
Step 6: Cook and Shake
Air fry your sweet potato fries for 15–20 minutes. Every 5 minutes, give the basket a good shake to promote even cooking and browning on all sides. If you want that extra crunch, add another 2–3 minutes at the end—it’s absolutely worth it.
Step 7: Final Seasoning
Once out of the air fryer, feel free to sprinkle on a little more salt while the fries are still hot. This subtle finishing touch accentuates the flavors and makes them utterly addictive.
How to Serve Air Fryer Crispy Sweet Potato Fries Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or a dusting of grated Parmesan for a fresh twist. A squeeze of lime or lemon juice also brightens up the warm spices beautifully and adds a zesty pop.
Side Dishes
These fries pair wonderfully with a variety of main courses—from grilled chicken and burgers to fish tacos. Their sweet and savory profile also complements creamy dips like garlic aioli, chipotle mayo, or classic ketchup.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Air Fryer Crispy Sweet Potato Fries Recipe in a rustic basket lined with parchment paper for a cozy, casual vibe. For a party, try stacking them in small cones or cups for easy grab-and-go snacking. Don’t forget to provide an array of dipping sauces for guests to mix and match!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you end up with leftovers (though that’s rare), cool the fries completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay good for up to 3 days while retaining much of their original texture.
Freezing
You can freeze uncooked, coated fries on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a sealed bag or container. When ready, cook from frozen in the air fryer for an extended time. This method helps you enjoy crispy sweet potato fries anytime with minimal effort.
Reheating
To bring back maximum crunch when reheating, pop the fries back into the air fryer at 350°F for about 5 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it tends to make fries soggy.
FAQs
Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?
Absolutely! While this Air Fryer Crispy Sweet Potato Fries Recipe is designed for sweet potatoes, you can swap in regular potatoes for a classic fry experience. Just adjust cooking times slightly based on the potato variety and fry thickness.
Why do you soak the fries in water before cooking?
Soaking removes excess starch from the sweet potatoes, which prevents them from becoming gummy and helps achieve that crispy exterior we all love in fries.
Can I make these fries spicy?
Yes! Adding cayenne pepper in the seasoning mix gives a pleasant heat that balances perfectly with the natural sweetness of the fries. You can also serve with spicy dips for an extra kick.
Is cornstarch necessary for crispiness?
Cornstarch is a crucial ingredient here because it creates a thin coating that crisps up beautifully in the air fryer, locking moisture inside while delivering that delightful crunch outside.
What oil is best for air frying sweet potato fries?
Oils with a high smoke point like avocado oil or olive oil are excellent choices. They help achieve crispiness without burning while adding a mild flavor that complements the fries well.
Final Thoughts
There is nothing quite like the joy of biting into perfectly crispy, flavorful fries made from wholesome sweet potatoes, especially when they come together so easily in the air fryer. This Air Fryer Crispy Sweet Potato Fries Recipe is a must-try for anyone who appreciates fresh, comforting home-cooked snacks. Invite friends or sit down solo and enjoy every crispy, golden bite—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without this recipe!
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Air Fryer Crispy Sweet Potato Fries Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (includes cutting and soaking preparation)
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy and flavorful sweet potato fries made effortlessly in the air fryer. These fries are seasoned with garlic powder, paprika, and a hint of cayenne for a perfect balance of taste and heat. A quick soak and coating with cornstarch ensure a wonderfully crispy texture without frying in oil.
Ingredients
Sweet Potato Fries
- 2 medium sweet potatoes (about 1 pound)
Seasoning & Coating
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper for heat
Instructions
- Soak the Sweet Potatoes: Cut the sweet potatoes into fries and soak them in cold water for 30 minutes to remove excess starch and ensure crispiness.
- Dry the Fries: Drain the soaked sweet potato fries and pat them thoroughly dry using paper towels to remove all moisture.
- Coat with Cornstarch: Place the dried fries in a large bowl, sprinkle with cornstarch, and toss thoroughly to coat each fry evenly.
- Add Oil and Seasonings: Add olive or avocado oil along with garlic powder, paprika, sea salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper. Toss well to ensure all fries are well coated.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for optimal cooking temperature.
- Arrange Fries in Basket: Place the fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd them to allow even air circulation.
- Cook the Fries: Air fry for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes to promote even cooking and crispiness.
- Optional Extra Crispiness: If desired, cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to achieve extra crisp fries.
- Season and Serve: Remove fries from the air fryer and season with additional salt while hot for enhanced flavor. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Soaking sweet potatoes removes excess starch, leading to crisper fries.
- Be sure to dry fries thoroughly to avoid sogginess.
- Use cornstarch as a light coating to add extra crunch without deep frying.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure fries cook evenly.
- Adjust cooking time based on the thickness of your fries and air fryer model.
- Optional cayenne pepper adds a spicy kick; omit if you prefer mild fries.
- Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
