Ingredients
- Sweet Potatoes: 2 large sweet potatoes (about 1.5 pounds), choose firm sweet potatoes for best results. These are the star of the show, providing natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons, extra virgin olive oil is preferred for its flavor and health benefits. It helps the fries crisp up beautifully in the air fryer and adds a touch of richness.
- Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon, this is the secret ingredient for extra crispy fries! Cornstarch helps to absorb moisture and creates a light coating for optimal crispiness.
- Salt: 1 teaspoon, or to taste. Salt enhances the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes and balances the flavors. Sea salt or kosher salt are great options.
- Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon, freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle warmth and depth of flavor.
- Paprika: 1 teaspoon, smoked paprika adds a smoky depth and beautiful color, while regular paprika offers a milder, slightly sweet flavor.
- Garlic Powder: ½ teaspoon, garlic powder provides a savory note that complements the sweetness of the sweet potatoes and adds another layer of flavor.
- Optional Spices: (Choose any combination to taste)
- Cayenne Pepper: A pinch, for a touch of heat.
- Onion Powder: ½ teaspoon, for a deeper savory flavor.
- Dried Rosemary: ½ teaspoon, for an herbaceous and earthy note.
- Cumin: ½ teaspoon, for a warm and earthy flavor.
- Chili Powder: ½ teaspoon, for a smoky and slightly spicy kick.
Instructions
- Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Begin by thoroughly washing the sweet potatoes under cool running water. There’s no need to peel them if you prefer the added nutrients and rustic texture of the skin. However, if you prefer peeled fries, go ahead and peel them using a vegetable peeler. Once washed (and peeled, if desired), pat the sweet potatoes completely dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. This is a crucial step! Excess moisture will prevent the fries from getting crispy.
- Cut into Fries: Now, it’s time to cut the sweet potatoes into fries. For uniform cooking and best results, aim for fries that are approximately ½ inch thick. There are a few ways to achieve this:
- Method 1 (Simple Slices): Cut each sweet potato in half lengthwise. Place the flat side down and slice into ½ inch thick planks. Then, cut each plank lengthwise into ½ inch thick fries.
- Method 2 (Rounds then Fries): Cut the sweet potato crosswise into ½ inch thick rounds. Stack a few rounds together and cut them into ½ inch thick fries.
- Method 3 (Using a Mandoline or French Fry Cutter): If you have a mandoline with a julienne blade or a french fry cutter, these tools can make the process faster and ensure uniform fries. Always use caution and safety guards when using these tools.
Regardless of the method you choose, try to keep the fries roughly the same size for even cooking. Place the cut fries in a large bowl.
- Rinse and Soak (Optional but Recommended for Extra Crispiness): For truly exceptional crispy fries, consider this optional step: Rinse the cut sweet potato fries under cold water in the bowl for a few minutes until the water runs clear. This helps to remove excess starch, which contributes to sogginess. After rinsing, fill the bowl with cold water and let the fries soak for at least 30 minutes, or even up to an hour. Soaking further removes starch and results in even crispier fries. If you are short on time, you can skip this step, but soaking does make a noticeable difference.
- Dry Thoroughly (Again!): Whether you soaked the fries or not, this step is absolutely essential. Drain the fries completely and pat them very dry with clean kitchen towels or paper towels. Seriously, the drier the fries, the crispier they will be. Don’t rush this step! You might need to use several towels to absorb all the moisture.
- Toss with Oil and Seasonings: In the bowl with the dried sweet potato fries, drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Toss the fries to ensure they are evenly coated with oil. Then, add the cornstarch, salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder (and any other optional spices you are using). Toss everything together again until the fries are uniformly coated with the seasonings and cornstarch. Make sure every fry gets a good coating for maximum flavor and crispiness.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Preheating is important for even cooking and crisping. Some air fryers preheat automatically, while others require you to set a preheating cycle. Refer to your air fryer’s manual for specific instructions.
- Air Fry in Batches: Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket! Overcrowding will steam the fries instead of frying them, resulting in soggy fries. Work in batches to ensure the fries cook properly and crisp up beautifully. Arrange the sweet potato fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You may need to cook in 2-3 batches depending on the size of your air fryer and the amount of fries you are making.
- Cook and Flip: Air fry for 15-20 minutes, flipping the fries halfway through, around the 10-minute mark. Flipping ensures even cooking and browning on all sides. The exact cooking time may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model and the thickness of your fries.
- Check for Doneness: After 15 minutes, check the fries for doneness. They should be golden brown and crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. If they are not quite crispy enough, continue to air fry for another 2-5 minutes, checking every couple of minutes to prevent burning.
- Serve Immediately: Once the sweet potato fries are cooked to golden perfection, remove them from the air fryer and immediately season with a little extra salt, if desired, while they are still hot. Serve them right away while they are at their crispiest and most delicious! They are fantastic on their own or with your favorite dipping sauces.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: one normal portion
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 7g