Description
These Air Fryer Crispy Sweet Potato Fries are a healthy and delicious snack or side dish, featuring perfectly crispy fries coated with a flavorful blend of garlic, paprika, and optional cayenne for a spicy kick. Using an air fryer ensures they are crispy without the need for deep frying, making them a lighter alternative to traditional fries.
Ingredients
Scale
Sweet Potato Fries
- 2 medium sweet potatoes (about 1 pound)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Seasonings
- 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 fries: Peel and cut the sweet potatoes into fries. Soak them in cold water for 30 minutes to remove excess starch, which helps to achieve a crispier texture when cooking.
- Dry the fries: Drain the soaked fries and pat them thoroughly dry using paper towels to ensure they crisp properly in the air fryer.
- Coat with cornstarch: Place the dried fries in a large bowl, sprinkle with cornstarch, and toss well until all fries are evenly coated for an extra crispy crust.
- Add oil and seasonings: Drizzle the olive or avocado oil over the fries, then add garlic powder, paprika, sea salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using. Toss thoroughly to ensure all fries are evenly coated with oil and spices.
- Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) and allow it to preheat for a few minutes for even cooking.
- Arrange fries in the air fryer basket: Place the fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding to allow hot air to circulate and crisp the fries.
- Cook the fries: Air fry for 15 to 20 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes to ensure even cooking and browning on all sides.
- Finish crisping: If the fries need extra crispiness, cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes while monitoring closely to prevent burning.
- Serve: Remove the fries from the air fryer, season with extra salt if desired while still hot, and serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Soaking the fries removes starch and helps them get crispier.
- Make sure fries are completely dry before coating with cornstarch and oil to prevent sogginess.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary for even crispness.
- Adjust the seasoning to your preference; add more cayenne for extra heat or different spices like smoked paprika for variation.
- Serve fries immediately after cooking for maximum crispiness as they tend to soften over time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
