Craving a delicious and wholesome side dish? These Seasoned Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries are perfectly crispy, flavorful, and a fantastic addition to any meal. You’ll love how easy it is to make this healthy air fryer recipe.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Sweet Potatoes: Choose firm, blemish-free sweet potatoes. You can also use regular potatoes for a different flavor profile.
- Olive Oil: Avocado oil or grapeseed oil work well too.
- Cornstarch: This is your secret to extra crispy fries! Arrowroot powder can be used as a substitute.
- Smoked Paprika: Regular paprika or chili powder can be used if you prefer.
- Garlic Powder: Onion powder is a good alternative.
- Cumin: Adds a warm, earthy note.
- Salt & Black Pepper: To taste.
Ingredients:
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into ¼-inch thick fries
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 2-3
- Calories per serving: Approximately 180-220 (varies based on sweet potato size)
- Tools: Air fryer, large mixing bowl, sharp knife, cutting board
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Sweet Potatoes
First, peel your sweet potatoes and carefully cut them into even, ¼-inch thick fries. Aim for consistent size so they cook evenly in your air fryer.
2. Soak for Crispiness (Optional but Recommended)
For extra crispiness, place the cut sweet potato fries in a bowl of cold water for 15-20 minutes. This helps remove excess starch. After soaking, drain thoroughly and pat them very dry with a clean towel. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect crispness in your healthy air fryer recipe.
3. Season the Fries
In a large mixing bowl, toss the dried sweet potato fries with olive oil until they are lightly coated. Then, sprinkle with cornstarch, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Toss well to ensure all the fries are evenly seasoned.
4. Preheat Your Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes. Preheating helps your fries start cooking immediately and get crispier.
5. Air Fry in Batches
Place the seasoned sweet potato fries in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd the basket, as this will steam the fries instead of making them crispy. You will likely need to cook them in two or more batches for the best results.
6. Cook Until Golden and Crispy
Air fry for 12-18 minutes, shaking the basket every 5-7 minutes to ensure even cooking and browning. Your fries are ready when they are golden brown and deliciously crispy. Enjoy this simple and healthy air fryer recipe!
Variation Ideas:
- Sweet & Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the seasoning.
- Herby: Mix in dried rosemary or thyme with your spices.
- Parmesan Garlic: After air frying, toss with a sprinkle of grated vegetarian Parmesan cheese and a dash of extra garlic powder.
- Maple Cinnamon: For a sweeter treat, omit the savory spices and toss with a drizzle of maple syrup and a sprinkle of cinnamon before air frying.
Storage Instructions:
Store any leftover Seasoned Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes, or until crispy again.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
- Why are my sweet potato fries not crispy? Ensure you pat your sweet potatoes very dry after washing and avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Cooking in batches is key for a crispy result.
- Can I make these without oil? While you can, a small amount of oil helps with browning and crispiness. For a healthy air fryer recipe, the amount used is minimal.
- What if I don’t have cornstarch? Cornstarch is highly recommended for crispiness. You can try skipping it, but your fries might be less crisp.
- Can I bake these in the oven instead? Yes, you can. Spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-30 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy.
- How do I cut sweet potato fries evenly? First, slice the sweet potato into rounds, then stack a few rounds and cut them into strips. A mandoline slicer can also help for very even cuts.
- Are sweet potato fries healthier than regular fries? Sweet potatoes are often higher in vitamins A and C and fiber compared to regular potatoes, making them a nutritious choice for a healthy air fryer recipe.
