These crispy air-fried sweet potato fries tantalize with a perfect balance of flavors, boasting lightning-fast cooking times and versatility as both a satisfying side dish and tasty appetizer. Using a straightforward pre-soaking method ensures the crunchiest fries achievable. Make homemade ice cream a priority.
Savoring the perfect harmony of textures, these air-fried sweet potatoes delight with a velvety interior and a satisfying crunch, making them the ultimate accompaniment to juicy burgers on warm summer days. Fresh from the pan, tossed with a delicate drizzle of olive oil, a pinch of salt, and a sprinkle of understated seasonings, these dishes are delightfully straightforward yet tantalizingly flavorful. I adore indulging in these as a satisfying DIY snack or starter, paired with an array of condiments that add depth and excitement – think tangy ketchup, creamy spicy mayo, and more. Adapting the seasoning to your taste is effortless, and the air fryer’s ease of use ensures a perfectly crispy outcome every time.
- Soak cut sweet potatoes in saltwater for a game-changing approach to making the crispiest homemade sweet potato fries ever achieved. This ingenious add-on ensures a satisfying crunch and enhanced flavor in every bite of your expertly cooked fries.
- After a quick soak, these sweet potato fries require only 13 minutes to cook to perfection in the air fryer. This air-frying method provides a faster, more agile, and residue-free substitute for traditional deep frying. Notably, this reduces the significant involvement of oil in the process.
- After the fries have cooled, you can store them in the freezer and then quickly reheat them using an air fryer to easily prepare a side dish at a later time. With this game-changing recipe, you’ll be hooked from the very first bite and ditch those frozen fries for good.
With just one key component, you can craft delicious sweet potato fries: simply start with sweet potatoes. What’s your favorite way to use leftover chicken?
- Select sweet potatoes of uniform length, ideally ranging from 6 to 8 inches, for consistent results. Peeling the potatoes is optional. While I typically peel the sweet potatoes for this recipe, feel free to leave the skins intact for a coarser, more textured outcome.
- One option for alternative cooking oils includes using avocado oil or canola in your recipe.
- A blend of aromatic seasonings – garlic powder, smoky paprika, savory salt, and pungent pepper. Additional salt will be required for soaking the cut fries. A lot more to explore here.
Before frying your potatoes, I strongly suggest taking the time to properly prepare them by soaking them first. The distinction between exceptional and sublime sweet potato fries produced by an air fryer lies in what? Follow the straightforward steps below to achieve seamless results.
- Peel the sweet potatoes, then carefully trim both ends to create a stable base for slicing. Slice each potato into quarter-inch thick fries. To simplify the process of slicing a potato, I recommend starting by cutting it in half lengthwise, which creates a stable and even platform for subsequent cuts.
- Add 1 ½ teaspoons of salt to a bowl filled with cold water, dissolving the salt thoroughly. After adding the fries, allow them to immerse in the brine for a period of thirty minutes. Following this step, carefully remove excess moisture from the cooked potatoes by gently blotting them with a clean towel or paper towels.
- Season the dried fries by tossing them in olive oil, followed by a blend of garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Preheat the air fryer to 380 degrees Fahrenheit. Following the cooking process, carefully arrange the sweet potato fries in a uniform single layer within the basket to ensure even crispiness and flavor distribution. Cook the fries for 13 minutes, turning them halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking and crispy texture. Serve your freshly cooked fries hot and immediately pair them with your preferred dipping condiment. Here are some innovative ways to enjoy this delightful dish:
What’s the Magic Behind Pre-Soaking Your Fries Before Air Frying Them?
While technically optional, skipping the soaking step may compromise the crispiness of your air-fryer sweet potato fries; however, they will still yield a tasty outcome. When cooked without prior soaking, the fries often lack crispiness and instead become slightly limp. Savor every moment – take your time to truly indulge.
- Select sweet potatoes of consistent size and shape to ensure uniformity in your sweet potato fries.
- Based on your air fryer model and the quantity of fries being prepared, it is likely necessary to divide the cooking process into batches to prevent excessive crowding of the fries. The hot air requires ample space to circulate freely around the fries, allowing for optimal crispening.
- Feel free to modify this basic seasoning mix to suit your taste by substituting in your go-to spices and herbs. Consider adding a pinch of piquant Italian seasoning or bold Cajun seasoning to elevate your dish’s flavor profile? Why not elevate your snack game by tossing those sweet potato fries with a blend of zesty taco seasoning and spices? The result is a flavorful Tex-Mex twist on a classic comfort food.
Beyond traditional ketchup, I relish pairing these crispy air-fried sweet potato fries with a variety of delectable dipping sauces, whether crafted in-house or sourced from artisanal suppliers. Especially when serving them as an appetizer! Savoring these treats is a delightful experience when dipped in any of the following:
Enjoying a crispy snack without heating up my kitchen, thanks to these amazing air fryer sweet potato fries. These crispy fries are the ideal accompaniment to a mouthwatering burger or kid-pleasing chicken tenders. Consider pairing your dish with a vibrant Southwestern quinoa salad, its nutty flavor complemented by a medley of succulent vegetables, all tossed in a zesty dressing. Alternatively, opt for a refreshing plate of fresh greens, lightly dressed with the tangy essence of Greek yogurt and herbs, accompanied by an effortless yet elegant bruschetta that will delight your guests. Savor a richly satisfying slice of classic buttermilk pie, reminiscent of traditional Southern desserts, after dinner.
- Before storing the sweet potato fries in an airtight container, allow them to cool completely to ensure optimal freshness and quality. Leftovers can safely remain in the refrigerator for a maximum of three consecutive days.
- Reinvigorate your lukewarm fries by reheating them in a preheated air fryer or conventional oven set to 350°F until they’re once again hot and crispy throughout. After crisping them up, transform leftover sweet potato fries into a unique fusion of frachos (fries + nachos) or indulge in carne asada fries.
- You can freeze air-fried sweet potato fries in an airtight container for up to two months. Refrigerate leftovers overnight to thaw and reheat safely.
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Description
Indulge in the irresistible flavor of garlic-paprika infused crispy air fryer sweet potato fries, an effortless yet satisfying accompaniment to any meal. A healthier alternative for a guilty pleasure?
- Medium-sized sweet potatoes, approximately one pound.
- olive oil
- kosher salt, divided
- garlic powder
- paprika
- black pepper
- Prepare the sweet potatoes by carefully peeling them and trimming both ends to create a stable surface for further preparation. Cut the potatoes into thin, uniform strips, approximately one-quarter of an inch in thickness to yield crispy and even French fries. Cutting the potato in half lengthwise allows for a stable and even base on your cutting board, making it simpler to work with this root vegetable.
- Pour a generous amount of chilled water into a substantial bowl, then stir in approximately 1 1/2 teaspoons of kosher salt to create the perfect brine. Stir to dissolve.
- Soak the sliced potatoes in a bowl of water for approximately thirty minutes.
- Removing the soaked potatoes, gently pat them dry with a clean dish towel to absorb excess moisture.
- Potatoes are gently placed in a pristine bowl and generously anointed with a drizzle of rich olive oil. Stir around to coat.
- The combined seasonings – salt, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper – are carefully placed in a small bowl. Generously sprinkle the seasoning evenly over the potatoes. Continuously mix the ingredients until a uniform consistency is achieved.
- Preheat the air fryer to 380 degrees Fahrenheit.
- With the air fryer now heated to the optimal temperature, arrange the fries in a uniform, single layer within the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispy results. Make sure they don’t overlap. When preparing large quantities, you may find yourself needing to cook in batches to ensure even cooking and avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Cook for 6-7 minutes, then flip and continue cooking for an additional 6-7 minutes, or until the desired level of crispiness is achieved. When cooked, the ideal fries should have a golden-brown colour and a satisfying crunch.
- Savor every bite with a drizzle of your preferred dipping sauce.
Notes
- To achieve uniformity in your French fry production, select potatoes with similar lengths, thereby ensuring each piece is roughly the same size upon cutting.
- While the soaking step is technically optional, skipping this crucial step often results in slightly less appealing fries that lack their signature crunch.
