If you recently acquired an air fryer and are looking for recipes to try, Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries are an excellent starting point. Other good options for beginners include Air Fryer Potatoes or Air Fryer Chicken. These potatoes are versatile and tasty, pairing well with main dishes for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The final result is crispy chips.

Compared to deep frying or baking, preparing sweet potato fries in an air fryer requires significantly less oil. This method reduces the amount of fat and calories consumed. The result is fries with a crisp exterior and a tender interior.

Steps to cut sweet potato fries

Step 1: Select two medium-sized sweet potatoes, avoiding overly long ones. Choosing potatoes where the natural length matches your desired fry size works best, as the full vegetable will be used. Keep in mind that air fryer sweet potato fries shrink during cooking, so selecting potatoes slightly longer than your target fry length compensates for this.

Step 2: After selecting them, peel the sweet potatoes and trim off the tapered ends. Set those pieces aside for another dish. Next, slice each sweet potato in half lengthwise. This step creates a flat surface, making it easier to lay them securely on the cutting board to cut into long, even strips.

Fry crispness depends on thickness; thinner cuts produce more crunch. Aim for slices between 1/4-inch and 1/2-inch thick. Additional sweet potato cutting techniques are available here.

How to cook air fryer sweet potato fries

Step 3: After slicing the sweet potatoes, the next step is cooking them in the air fryer. For optimal texture, most air fryer models benefit from preheating. While the unit heats up, you can prepare the seasoning mix for the sweet potato fries.

A simple approach works best. Toss the slices with one teaspoon of olive oil, then add garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Using your hands ensures each fry is evenly coated with the oil and spices.

Step 4: Once seasoned, load the sweet potatoes into the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to guarantee proper air circulation. Halfway through the cooking cycle, shake the basket vigorously to promote even browning, then resume cooking. Since cooking times vary by appliance, monitor the first batch closely to confirm the temperature and duration produce the desired crispness.

Tips

Cut the potatoes evenly To guarantee uniform cooking, you must cut the potatoes into even pieces. Selecting sweet potatoes that are roughly the same size helps achieve this consistency. Use a well-sharpened knife and position the potato halves flat against the cutting board for precise cuts, which prevents some pieces from overcooking while others remain underdone.
Don’t forget to preheat. Preheating the air fryer is a step you should not skip. Although not every model requires it, the majority of manufacturers recommend preheating. Even if your specific air fryer does not call for it, taking this action is essential to ensure the cooking temperature is accurate from the start.
Avoid packing the basket too full. It might be tempting to cook all the sweet potatoes at once, but overcrowding leads to overlapping pieces. When the fries are stacked, the appliance traps steam, which prevents the desired crispy texture from forming.
Turn the sweet potatoes half way through cooking. You need to flip the sweet potatoes halfway through the process. Either shake the basket vigorously or use tongs to turn each piece. Even though the air circulates around the food, the heating element at the bottom generates stronger heat than the top, making this rotation necessary for even browning.

For preparing sweet potato fries in an air fryer, nearly any cooking oil will work. Oils with a high smoke point, such as avocado oil or canola oil, are frequently suggested for this purpose. However, olive oil delivers excellent results and adds a pleasant flavor profile; it is a perfectly viable option. A cooking spray can also be used as an alternative application method.

The required cooking duration for sweet potato fries depends on the selected temperature and the specific air fryer model. In my experience using the Instant Pot Vortex 4-in-1 Air Fryer, an effective starting point is 10 minutes at 380°F. After this initial period, continue cooking in one-minute increments until the desired crispness is achieved.

If you are using frozen sweet potato fries, this same recipe and temperature setting remain applicable. Be aware that the frozen product will typically require approximately five additional minutes of cooking time in the air fryer to reach the proper texture.

Preparing sweet potato fries in an air fryer provides a healthier alternative to traditional deep frying. This cooking method delivers a satisfying crisp texture and robust flavor while significantly reducing overall calories and fat content. These fries function well as a versatile side dish for numerous entrees or serve as an excellent snack when paired with ketchup or a preferred dipping sauce.

If you prepare this Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries recipe from love and lemons, please consider rating it and adding a comment below. Feedback regarding your cooking results is always appreciated. When taking photos of your dish, share them on Instagram for a chance to be featured in the stories.

See more healthy recipes

Lee harsh