Cooking sweet potato fries in air fryer is a game-changer for those who love a healthy yet crispy snack. Not only does the air fryer use less oil, but it also cooks the fries evenly and quickly. But can you achieve that perfect crispiness without deep frying? The short answer is yes, and it's much simpler than you think! This article will walk you through how to air fryer sweet potato fries and explore what you will need to achieve the best results. Let’s dive in!
Why You Will Like Sweet Potato Fries in Air Fryer?
Sweet potato fries in an air fryer offer a delightful balance of health and taste. One major reason you’ll love them is their reduced oil content compared to traditional frying methods, making them a healthier option without sacrificing crispiness. The air fryer cooks them evenly, giving you perfectly crispy fries with a soft interior every time. Additionally, the air fryer’s rapid cooking process saves you time, making it an efficient choice for busy weeknights or quick snacks.
Ingredients for Crispy Sweet Potato Fries in Air Fryer
Before you begin making crispy sweet potato fries air fryer, it's essential to gather all the necessary ingredients to ensure they turn out perfectly crispy and delicious. Here's what you'll need:
- Sweet potatoes: 2 medium-sized, peeled and cut into fries
- Olive oil: 1-2 tablespoons to help with crisping
- Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon for extra crispiness
- Salt: To taste, for seasoning
- Paprika: 1 teaspoon for a hint of spice and color
- Garlic powder: 1 teaspoon for added flavor
- Black pepper: To taste, for a touch of heat
- Optional seasonings: Chili powder, cumin, or your favorite herbs for additional flavor profiles
How to Make Sweet Potato Fries Air Fryer?
Homemade sweet potato fries in air fryer are a simple process that results in crispy, delicious fries with minimal effort. Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide to help you achieve the best results:
Step 1: Soak the Fries
Soaking the cut sweet potatoes in cold water for at least 30 minutes helps remove excess starch, which can prevent the fries from becoming crispy. After soaking, drain the water and pat the fries dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel.
Step 2: Season the Fries
Place the dried sweet potato fries in a large mixing bowl. Add 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil and toss to coat the fries evenly. Next, sprinkle 1 tablespoon of cornstarch over the fries and toss again. Cornstarch helps to create a crispy outer layer. Season with salt, paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and any additional spices you prefer, ensuring all fries are well coated.
Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for about 3-5 minutes. Preheating ensures the fries start cooking immediately and helps achieve a crispy texture.
Step 4: Arrange the Fries
Place the seasoned sweet potato fries in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this can prevent the fries from cooking evenly. If you have a large batch, cook them in multiple rounds.
Step 5: Cook the Fries
Air fry the sweet potato fries for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket or flipping the fries halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking. The fries are done when they are golden brown and crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Step 6: Check for Doneness
To guarantee perfectly cooked fries, sample a few pieces for texture and flavor. If they require additional cooking, continue air frying them for 2-3 minutes until they reach your preferred level of crispness.
Step 7: Serve Immediately
For the best taste and texture, serve the sweet potato fries immediately after cooking.
What to Serve with Sweet Potato Fries in the Air Fryer?
Sweet potato fries made in the air fryer can pair wonderfully with a variety of dishes and dipping sauces. Here are some delicious ideas to complement your crispy fries:
- Grilled Chicken: Serve with seasoned or marinated grilled chicken breasts or thighs for a balanced and flavorful meal.
- Veggie Burgers: Pair with a hearty veggie burger topped with your favorite fixings for a satisfying vegetarian option.
- Guacamole: Dip your sweet potato fries in creamy guacamole for a refreshing and healthy snack.
- Chili: Enjoy your fries alongside a bowl of hearty chili, whether it’s beef, turkey, or a vegetarian version.
- Greek Yogurt Dip: Mix Greek yogurt with herbs, garlic, and a squeeze of lemon juice for a light and tangy dip.
- Steak: Complement a juicy, grilled steak with a side of sweet potato fries for a classic steakhouse feel at home.
- Hummus: Pair your fries with a variety of hummus flavors, such as roasted red pepper, garlic, or spicy.
Tips for Best Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
Here are some tips for making the best sweet potato fries when you use an air fryer:- Uniform Cutting: Cut the sweet potatoes into evenly sized fries to ensure consistent cooking.
- Soak in Water: Soak the fries in cold water for at least 30 minutes to remove excess starch and achieve crispier results.
- Choose the Right Air Fryer: Choosing a high-power air fryer produces satisfactory results at rapid speed. SCHWUA Air Fryer Oven has a powerful 1350W heating element ensuring rapid and efficient cooking, reducing overall preparation time.
- Dry Thoroughly: Pat the sweet potato fries dry after soaking to prevent steaming and ensure they become crispy.
- Use Cornstarch: Toss the fries with a little cornstarch before air frying to add extra crunch.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Arrange the fries in a single layer in the basket to allow hot air to circulate freely.
- Shake or Flip: Shake the basket or flip the fries halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
Conclusion
In conclusion, making sweet potato fries in an air fryer is not hard and can achieve a delicious, crispy, and healthier alternative to traditional frying methods. With the right ingredients and simple techniques, you can enjoy perfectly seasoned fries that pair well with a variety of dishes. Try out this recipe today, and don't forget to share your tasty creations with friends and family!
