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Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries Recipe

Looking for something different to serve with hamburgers this weekend? Air fryer sweet potato fries are the answer. They give you a solid dose of nutrients, with a sweeter profile than regular potato fries. Cooking in the air fryer allows for a crispy texture without the saturated fat and calories of deep frying. 

air fryer sweet potato fries

Growing up, french fries were a staple with hamburgers, at least in my parents’ household. A pile of fries dipped in ketchup was a child’s dream. Deep frying was the standard way of cooking said fries, though I didn’t care when I was digging into when I was that age. 

Sweet potatoes were not a common ingredient in my parents’ kitchen. They only came out around the holidays in the form of sweet potato casserole. As I started cooking for myself, I got curious about other ways to cook sweet potatoes. I learned to love a simple baked sweet potato, topped with butter and brown sugar as a perfect side dish. Then I found sweet potato fries. 

To me, fries made from sweet potatoes have a more complex flavor than ones made from regular potatoes. I think that’s because the sweet potato has more fiber and more sugar, which gives the fries a different flavor profile and distinct texture. While they are tasty with ketchup, I like to pair them with a smoky BBQ sauce instead. 

Now, a bit of trivia for you. When were sweet potato fries first invented? You might think it was in the past few decades. However, there are mentions of fried sweet potatoes since at least the first couple of decades of the 19th century. Who knew the craving for the sweet flavor of a fried sweet potato would go back two centuries or more. 

air fryer sweet potato fries no oil

What Makes A Good Sweet Potato Fries Recipe 

Sweet potatoes are a tasty alternative to their regular potato counterparts. With a good dose of Vitamin A, fiber, and calcium, sweet potatoes are one of the better options among starchy vegetables. I like to pair this with my salmon recipe which is also cooked in an air fryer. But, what makes a good sweet potato fry recipe? 

You need to choose seasonings that make the natural taste of the sweet potato stand out. Salt is a natural flavor enhancer so it’s a perfect addition. Paprika is a flavor that matches perfectly with the natural sweetness of the sweet potato. You can go with regular paprika. However, the depth of flavor you get with smoked paprika takes sweet potato fries into another realm. 

How you cut your fries makes a difference. If you prefer crispier fries, cut the potatoes into 1/4-inch by 1/4-inch strips. The outside will gain a crisp texture, leaving a soft sweet core inside. If you prefer a softer fry, wedges are the answer. Cut 1/2-inch slices, then cut wedges. 

No matter the size of the fry, the key to gaining a crispy exterior texture is air circulation. Pack the basket or tray too tight with fries, and you will get soft fries. Always leave a bit of room for the fries to get the hot air. 

how to make sweet potato fries in air fryer

How To Make The Best Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries

The key to having crispy fries is high heat. This is what I love about air frying as you can crank up the heat to 400F in just a few minutes. Lower temps will result in a moist and tender sweet potato fries.

I’m using Power Air Fryer Oven which comes with a frying basket that rotates like a rotisserie. This helps to cook the fries evenly. If you don’t have this feature on your air fryer you might want to flip the fries halfway through cooking time.

 

sweet potato fries air fryer

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries

Healthy and delicious air fryer sweet potato fries.

Course Side Dish
Cook Time 12 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 pc Whole Sweet Potato (Peeled)
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1/2 tsp Paprika
  • 1/2 tsp Ground Black Pepper

Instructions

  1. Slice sweet potatoes into fries. 

  2. In a medium bowl, add the olive oil, salt, ground black pepper, and paprika.

  3. Add the sweet potato fries to the oil mixture and toss. Make sure the fries are thoroughly covered. 

  4. Preheat air fryer to 400°F. 

  5. Place fries in the air fryer basket or tray. 

  6. Cook fries for 12 minutes, turning them halfway through the cooking time.

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