If you’re looking for a healthier and easy way to enjoy crispy sweet potato fries, using an air fryer is the perfect solution. These homemade sweet potato fries are crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with natural sweetness. Whether you’re making them fresh or using frozen sweet potato fries, the air fryer ensures they turn out golden and delicious without excessive oil.
Why Choose Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries?
Cooking sweet potato fries in an air fryer eliminates the need for deep frying while still achieving a crispy texture. Unlike traditional baked sweet potato fries, the air fryer circulates hot air evenly, giving you the perfect crunch without the wait. Plus, this method is faster and requires minimal effort, making it one of the best sweet potato recipes fries lovers can try.
Ingredients
- 2 large sweet potatoes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for spice)
Instructions
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Prepare the Sweet Potatoes – Wash and peel the sweet potatoes, then cut them into thin, uniform fries. This helps them cook evenly and become extra crispy.
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Soak for Extra Crispiness – To get the best crispy sweet potato fries, soak them in cold water for at least 30 minutes. This removes excess starch and prevents them from becoming soggy. Drain and pat dry completely.
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Season the Fries – Toss the dried fries in a bowl with olive oil and seasonings, ensuring they are well coated.
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Preheat the Air Fryer – Set your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) and allow it to preheat for a few minutes.
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Air Fry in Batches – Arrange the fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Repeat with remaining fries if necessary.
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Serve Immediately – Once crispy and golden brown, remove the fries and serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
How to Make Sweet Potato Fries Extra Crispy?
- Cutting the fries evenly ensures they cook at the same rate.
- Soaking the fries before cooking removes starch, helping them crisp up.
- Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, as this can cause steaming instead of crisping.
- Tossing the fries halfway through cooking promotes even browning.
Can You Freeze Sweet Potatoes for Fries?
Yes! If you want to freeze sweet potatoes for later use, cut them into fries and blanch them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes. Drain, let them cool, and freeze in a single layer before transferring them to a freezer bag. When ready to cook, pop them straight into the air fryer without thawing.
Air Fryer vs. Baked Sweet Potato Fries
While baked sweet potato fries are a great alternative, the air fryer cuts down cooking time and delivers a crispier texture. Oven baking usually takes longer and may require flipping multiple times for even crisping. If you prefer the oven, bake at 425°F (218°C) for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Final Thoughts
Making sweet potato fries in the air fryer is one of the easiest and tastiest ways to enjoy this healthy snack. Whether you’re using fresh or frozen sweet potato fries, the air fryer guarantees crispy, flavorful results every time. Try these air fryer sweet potato fries for a guilt-free, satisfying side dish that pairs well with any meal.
