Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries Recipe
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries are a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried potatoes. These fries are not only easy to make but also packed with flavor and nutrients. Using an air fryer, you can achieve that perfect crispy texture without the excess oil, making them a guilt-free snack or side dish.
You’ll love this recipe because it combines the natural sweetness of the potatoes with savory spices, creating a mouth-watering treat. Whether you’re serving them as a snack or alongside your favorite main course, these sweet potato fries are sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.
Ingredients
For this recipe, you will need the following ingredients: ½ teaspoon kosher salt, plus additional for serving; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; 1 large or 2 small/medium sweet potatoes, about 1 pound; 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil; ½ teaspoon paprika; ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper; and chopped fresh chives. Using fresh ingredients is crucial for the best results. Fresh sweet potatoes provide a better texture and flavor compared to their pre-packaged counterparts. Additionally, high-quality olive oil and fresh spices ensure that your fries are both delicious and aromatic.
Using fresh ingredients is crucial for the best results. Fresh sweet potatoes provide a better texture and flavor compared to their pre-packaged counterparts. Additionally, high-quality olive oil and fresh spices ensure that your fries are both delicious and aromatic.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Start by scrubbing your sweet potatoes thoroughly. If you prefer, you can peel them, but leaving the skins on adds extra texture and nutrients. Slice the sweet potatoes in half lengthwise. Place the halves flat-side down on your cutting board, then slice each half lengthwise into 1/4-inch-wide strips. A mandoline slicer can be very useful here for achieving uniform slices—just be careful!
Turn the strips onto their sides and cut each into 1/4-inch sticks. If the sticks are particularly long, cut them in half crosswise so they are roughly 3 to 4 inches in length. Place all the fries into a large mixing bowl.
To keep batches warm, preheat your oven to 200°F and have a baking sheet ready. This will help maintain the crispiness of the fries while you cook in batches.
Drizzle the sweet potato fries with the olive oil and sprinkle with salt, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper. Toss everything together, ensuring the fries are evenly coated with the spices and oil.
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F following the manufacturer’s guidelines. For my air fryer, this means a 3-minute preheat. Once preheated, cook the fries in a single layer for best results. Depending on your air fryer, you might need to cook them in batches.
Recipe Tips & Frequently Asked Questions
- Choosing the Best Sweet Potatoes: Opt for firm, unblemished sweet potatoes for the best texture and flavor.
- Tips for Evenly Coated Fries: Make sure to toss the fries well with the oil and spices to ensure every piece is coated.
- How to Achieve Extra Crispy Fries: Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket; cook in single layers and give the basket a shake halfway through cooking.
- Storage and Reheating Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer to regain crispiness.
- How to Prevent Soggy Fries?: Pat the sweet potatoes dry after washing to remove excess moisture before seasoning.
- Can I Make These Fries in Advance?: Yes, you can prep the sweet potatoes and keep them in cold water in the fridge until ready to air fry.
- What’s the Best Way to Reheat Leftovers?: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes to crisp them up.
- Can I Use Regular Potatoes Instead?: Absolutely! Adjust the seasoning to your preference and enjoy.
What to Serve With This Recipe
Sweet potato fries pair wonderfully with a variety of dips and sauces. Try serving them with a tangy garlic aioli, spicy sriracha mayo, or classic ketchup. They also complement many side dishes such as coleslaw, grilled vegetables, or a fresh garden salad.
For main courses, sweet potato fries are a versatile side that can accompany burgers, grilled chicken, or even a hearty steak. Their sweet and savory profile makes them an excellent choice for many dishes.
Variations and Substitutions
Feel free to get creative with your seasonings. Swap out the paprika for smoked paprika for a different flavor profile, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick. You can also experiment with alternative cooking methods like baking in the oven if you don’t have an air fryer.
For dietary preferences, substitute the olive oil with avocado oil or coconut oil. These alternatives can provide a different taste while maintaining the healthy aspect of the dish.
These Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries are a fantastic addition to any meal. Easy to prepare and full of flavor, they are sure to become a favorite in your household. Give this recipe a try and share your experiences—you’re bound to impress with this delightful dish!
Ingredients
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt, plus additional for serving
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 large or 2 small/medium sweet potatoes, about 1 pound
- 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil*
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- Chopped fresh chives
Instructions
Scrub your sweet potatoes thoroughly, and peel them if you prefer (I like to leave the skins on). Slice the sweet potatoes in half lengthwise. Place the halves flat-side down on your cutting board, then slice each half lengthwise into 1/4-inch-wide strips (a mandoline works wonders for even slices—just be careful!). Turn the strips onto their sides and cut each into 1/4-inch sticks. If the sticks are particularly long, cut them in half crosswise so they are roughly 3 to 4 inches in length. Place all the fries into a large mixing bowl.
To keep batches warm, preheat your oven to 200°F and have a baking sheet ready.
Drizzle the sweet potato fries with the olive oil, and sprinkle with salt, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper. Toss everything together, ensuring the fries are evenly coated with the spices and oil.
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F following the manufacturer’s guidelines. For my air fryer, this means a 3-minute preheat.
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt plus additional for serving
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 large or 2 small/medium sweet potatoes about 1 pound
- 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil*
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- Chopped fresh chives
Instructions
- Scrub your sweet potatoes thoroughly, and peel them if you prefer (I like to leave the skins on). Slice the sweet potatoes in half lengthwise. Place the halves flat-side down on your cutting board, then slice each half lengthwise into 1/4-inch-wide strips (a mandoline works wonders for even slices—just be careful!). Turn the strips onto their sides and cut each into 1/4-inch sticks. If the sticks are particularly long, cut them in half crosswise so they are roughly 3 to 4 inches in length. Place all the fries into a large mixing bowl.
- To keep batches warm, preheat your oven to 200°F and have a baking sheet ready.
- Drizzle the sweet potato fries with the olive oil, and sprinkle with salt, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper. Toss everything together, ensuring the fries are evenly coated with the spices and oil.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F following the manufacturer’s guidelines. For my air fryer, this means a 3-minute preheat.
Notes
- You can make the sweet potato fries without any oil if you prefer, but they won’t be as crispy. Make sure to thoroughly coat the fryer basket with nonstick spray. In the recipe video, I prepare a curry version using salt, black pepper, and 1 tablespoon of curry powder.
- To store: Keep leftover sweet potato fries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat: For optimal results, reheat the fries in the air fryer at 375°F or in a 400°F oven. I recommend preheating the pan in the oven first. Spread the fries in a single layer on the hot pan to recrisp. Air fryer fries reheat better than regular fries, as the minimal oil content prevents them from becoming soggy.
- To freeze: Freeze the fries in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid. Then transfer them to an airtight container or zip-top bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat directly from frozen.