We're thrilled to share our air fryer sweet potato fries recipe - the secret to our crispy sweet potato chips. It's about choosing the right ingredients and the correct cooking method.
There are a few steps to this recipe. They will take a bit longer than some recipes, but it is the difference between mediocre limp fries and perfectly seasoned sweet potato fries in the air fryer, which are crispy on the outside and fluffy inside.
What's more impressive is they have the same crunch and taste but are healthier than the deep-frying restaurant-style sweet potato fries. Perfect served with air fryer chicken drumsticks.
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How to make Crispy Sweet Potato Fries in the Air Fryer
Let's dive into our easy-to-follow air fryer sweet potato recipe by watching the video to see the steps involved.
Or continue to read on for all the ingredients and suitable substitutions.
We also have advice on how to cook a whole sweet potato - jacket sweet potato in the air fryer.
Ingredients
Let us start with the ingredients needed to make these air-fried sweet potato fries a healthier alternative to their deep-fried counterparts.
Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are the star of this recipe. They provide a naturally sweet, earthy flavour when cooked. Plus, they're packed with beneficial nutrients like fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
We have used one large sweet potato here, which, once cut, fits nicely into one drawer of the Ninja dual air fryer. We remove the skin, but you can leave the skin on if desired.
Depending on the size of your air fryer drawer, you can use two medium sweet potatoes or three smaller sweet potatoes. You must cut the fries to a similar size to ensure they all cook evenly.
Sweet potatoes are rich in fibre, vitamins and minerals and have numerous nutrional benefits.
If using regular potatoes, use our air fryer chips recipe cut thinner instead to make regular fries.
Cornflour
Cornflour plays a vital role in achieving the desired crispiness for our sweet potato fries.
When mixed with equal measure of cold water, it creates a thin coating that crisps up beautifully in the air fryer. If you don't have cornflour, you can substitute it with cornstarch or all-purpose flour, although the result might not be as crispy.
Seasoning Ideas
Salt and black pepper are the basic seasonings that enhance the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes. Making sweet potato fries taste just right. Feel free to adjust the quantities to suit your taste.
You could use garlic powder or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
Or try using a pre-mixed seasoning blend, such as:
- Cajun Seasoning (as seen in image below)
- Piri Piri Seasoning
- Chicken Seasoning
- Curry Powder
- BBQ Seasoning
Olive Oil
Olive oil is used to coat the fries before air frying. You can use spray oil to minimise the amount used. It promotes even cooking and helps achieve that golden-brown colour and crispy texture.
If you don't have olive oil, you can use other oils like canola oil, sunflower oil, or avocado oil. Just make sure to choose an oil with a high smoke point, as the sweet potato fries air fry at high temperatures.
Fresh Herbs (optional)
Fresh parsley adds a pop of colour and a hint of freshness to the air fried sweet potato fries. It's a simple way to make your fries look more appealing and restaurant-worthy.
If you don't have parsley, you can substitute it with other fresh herbs like cilantro or chives. Or, you can skip this ingredient if you prefer.
Equipment
To whip up these crispy air fryer sweet potato fries, you'll need a few key pieces of kitchen equipment.
First up is a sharp knife and cutting board. Obviously, an air fryer is the secret weapon for achieving that perfect crunch. We use the Ninja dual air fryer, and you can fit one large sweet potato sliced into fries (enough for two portions) into each air fryer basket.
We'll need a colander to drain the boiled sweet potatoes. No colander? No problem. Just carefully drain the water from your pot while holding back the fries with the lid.
Next, grab a large mixing bowl - this is where we'll toss our fries with the cornflour slurry and seasoning to ensure every piece is well-coated. Alternatively, a large container or even a zip-top bag can do the trick.
Instructions
Ready to make delicious, crisp, sweet potato fries in your air fryer? Follow these simple, step-by-step instructions, and you'll enjoy this healthy snack in no time!
Preparing Sweet Potatoes
The first step in creating your air fryer sweet potato fries is to wash and peel your sweet potatoes (you can leave skin on if wanted). Once they're clean, slice them into even-sized fries.
This is crucial because even pieces mean even cooking. Don't worry if they're not perfect - homemade is always better!
Parboil Fries
Parboiling your sweet potato fries is a crucial step in this recipe. Ensuring the inside of your sweet potato fries are partially cooked allows the outside to get nice and crispy in the air fryer. It also helps to bring out the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes, enhancing their flavour and making them even more delicious.
Don't worry if you're new to parboiling. It's as simple as bringing a pot of water to a boil, adding your cut sweet potatoes, and letting them cook for a few minutes. Easy peasy!
Making the Cornflour Slurry
Next, you'll want to create a cornflour slurry. Combine the cornflour with water in a large bowl. Mix it well until you have a smooth mixture.
Add your chosen seasoning now, too.
This slurry will help our seasonings stick to the fries and contribute to that irresistible crisp we're after.
Coating the Fries
Now, add your slightly cooled and dried, parboiled sweet potatoes into the bowl with the slurry. Toss them until they're fully coated.
Cooking Time
It's time to bring out your trusty air fryer. Arrange your sweet potato fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
This ensures all sides of the fries will get that golden crisp. Set your air fryer to 200°C (or 400°F) and let them cook for approximately 25 minutes.
To get the best results, flip your fries halfway through the cooking time.
About 10 minutes in, give those fries a good shake or turn them over with some tongs. Then, continue air frying for another 10- 15 minutes minutes or so.
Checking for Doneness
After the total cook time of around 25 minutes, check your air fryer sweet potato fries. They should be golden brown and crisp.
If they're not quite there yet, give them a few more minutes. Remember, every air fryer is slightly different, and how you cut them can make a difference, so adjust the cooking time as needed.
For an extra dash of flavour, why not sprinkle some fresh parsley or your favourite herb over the top once they're done? It's a simple twist that can really elevate your sweet potato fries.
And there you have it! Your very own batch of delicious, crispy air fryer sweet potato fries. Enjoy them while they're hot, and don't forget to share!
Serving Suggestions
We love pairing seasoned sweet potato fries with savoury lamb Barnsley chops, flavorful air fryer garlic mushrooms, and a smooth pea puree. This combination creates a symphony of flavours that will delight your taste buds!
Our air fryer sweet potato fries also make a fantastic side dish for our air fryer whole chicken recipe. For a balanced and fulfilling meal, halve the chicken and serve it with fresh coleslaw or homemade bbq sauce. Trust us, it's absolutely delicious and so simple to make.
Here are a few more serving suggestions.
📖 Step by Step Recipe
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 Large Sweet Potatoes
- 2 tablespoon Water
- 2 tablespoon Cornflour
- ½ tsp each Salt and Pepper - see notes below for more seasoning ideas
- Olive Oil
- Fresh Parsley - Optional
Instructions
- Bring a large pan of water to a boil. Peel the skin off 1 Large Sweet Potatoes, or wash and scrub them if cooking with skin on.Chop sweet potatoes lengthways into 4-5 1cm strips (depending on the size of the potato!)
- Then chop each slice into 1cm fries.
- Add fries to the boiling water and cook for 3-4 minutes.2 tablespoon Water
- Use a colander to drain the fries.
- Mix 2 tablespoon Water and 2 tablespoon Cornflour together in a small bowl and add the seasoning of your choice. Just ½ teaspoon each Salt and Pepper, or see notes below for more seasoning ideas.2 tablespoon Cornflour, Olive Oil, ½ teaspoon each Salt and Pepper
- Add the fries to a large bowl. Pour over the cornflour mixture. Shake to mix and coat all fries with the cornflour mixture.
- OPTIONAL If making ahead, place them in the fridge or freeze until needed.
- When ready to cook. Pour or spray Olive Oil over the fries and shake to coat with oil.Spray the air fryer with oil to prevent sticking.
- Place sweet potato fries into the air fryer basket. For the best results do not overload the basket. They should be in one layer NOT on top of each other. Cook for 10 minutes at 200℃ / 400℉.
- Shake the tray or use fork/tongs to turn the fries and cook for 10 more minutes.
- Cook for longer if needed. Serve with some chopped Fresh Parsley and season with more salt and pepper to taste.
Video
Notes
Sweet Potato Seasoning Ideas
½ a teaspoon to 2 teaspoons of any of the following will work to season one large sweet potato cut into fries.- Salt and Pepper
- Cajun Seasoning
- Piri Piri Seasoning
- Chicken Seasoning
- Curry Powder
- BBQ Seasoning
Nutrition
Storage Advice
Leftover cooked sweet potato fries should be cooled to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. Keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat them in the oven or air fryer until warmed through.
More Air Fryer Potato Recipes
If you loved our air fryer sweet potato fries, get ready to try our other mouth-watering air fryer potato recipes.
Mahy says
These are good. Like... really good. Glad that I've stumbled upon this recipe.
Luke and Kay says
Thank you for trying our Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries recipe, Mahy! We're so happy to hear that you enjoyed them. Keep coming back for more easy and delicious recipes. 🍠😃
Sky says
Crispy and delicious! My new favorite way to make sweet potato fries!
Luke and Kay says
Thank you for trying our Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries, Sky! We're glad to hear that you enjoyed them and they have become your new favorite method for making fries. Keep enjoying that crispy and delicious taste! Happy cooking!
Dannii says
The BEST way to cook sweet potato fries. The texture is just incredible.
Luke and Kay says
We're thrilled to hear that you love our Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries, Dannii! Thank you for your positive review. Our goal is to provide easy-to-follow recipes that produce delicious results, and we're glad we could achieve that with this dish. Happy cooking!
Kechi says
Okay, these sweet potato fries look perfectly ah-mazing! Bookmarked to try!
Luke and Kay says
Thank you so much for bookmarking our Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries recipe, Kechi! We're glad you think they look amazing and hope they turn out just as delicious when you try them. Happy cooking! 🍠✨
Harriet Young says
These fries were perfect! Crispy, fluffy and delicious
Luke and Kay says
Thank you so much for your review, Harriet! We're thrilled that you loved our air fryer sweet potato fries. We designed this recipe to be easy and foolproof, so we're glad it turned out perfectly for you. Keep enjoying those crispy, fluffy fries! 😊
Nic says
Love sweet potato fries and these ones were perfect, nice and crisp on the outside. Now my family ask for these instead of regular fries!
Luke and Kay says
Thank you for your review, Nic! We're happy to hear that our Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries were a hit with your family. We strive to make simple and delicious recipes that everyone can enjoy. Happy cooking!