Crispy Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
You love sweet potato fries, but they’re always lacking in crunch? Don’t worry! I’m sharing my secrets for golden, tasty and perfectly crispy Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries.
4 tips for super crispy sweet potato fries
After testing every method for crispy sweet potato fries, I’ve found THE method that really works! Here are my 4 tips to keep in mind:
1. Cutting
If they’re too large, they tend to soften. Try to cut homogeneous fries about 0.3 inches (1 cm) thick.
2. Blanch the fries
Blanching sweet potato fries in boiling water for 3 to 4 minutes is a real revelation. This step reduces excess moisture in the core, make the super crispy after baking.
3. Cornstarch, the secret ingredient
After blanching and drying your fries in a clean cloth, coat them generously with cornstarch. This is what creates a film around the fries and makes them crisp.
If, like me, you use spices to season your sweet potato fries (smoked paprika, garlic powder, Cayenne pepper), add them directly to the cornstarch.
4. Air Fryer cooking
After testing sweet potato fries in the oven and in the Air Fryer, I could really see a difference, and the Air Fryer is much better in the oven for nice crispy fries. Be careful, however, with these three points:
- Don’t overload your basket: Fries should not overlap and should be spaced slightly apart to allow air to circulate. Cook your fries in batches.
- Use only a drizzle of olive oil: Too much oil softens the fries, whereas a small amount is enough to give them a nice golden color.
- Mixing halfway through cooking: Shake the basket or gently turn the fries to ensure even cooking.
Ingredients
Just a few ingredients are all you need for stunning results! Here’s what you’ll need:
- Sweet potatoes: Choose firm sweet potatoes for well-structured fries. A medium size is ideal for even sticks.
- Cornstarch: This is the secret ingredient for creating a thin, crispy crust on your fries.
- Spices : Smoked paprika, garlic powder, Espelette or Cayenne pepper
- A drizzle of olive oil: You don’t need much, just enough to lightly coat the fries and help them turn golden.
You can find the exact quantities in the recipe card at the end of this article!
Preparing Sweet Potato Fries in the Air Fryer: Step by step
Start by cutting and preparing your fries: Peel your sweet potatoes and cut them into regular sticks about 0.3 inches (1 cm) thick. This ensures even baking.
Next, you’ll blanch the fries: Plunge them into a large pot of boiling water for 3 to 4 minutes. Drain them immediately and dry them carefully in a clean cloth. The fries must be thoroughly dry to guarantee their crispiness.
Then you can season your sweet potato fries: In a large bowl, mix the cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, Cayenne pepper, salt and pepper. Add your blanched fried and toss gently to coat evenly. Then add a drizzle of olive oil.
Now you can preheat your Air Fryer to 400°F (200 °C), and then arrange your fries in the basket in a single layer (proceed in several batches if necessary).
Cook for 12 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking. Your fries are ready when golden and crispy!
Tip: Serve with a crème fraîche, lemon and chive dip. The acidity of the lemon blends perfectly with the sweet potatoes.
What to serve your sweet potato fries with?
Here are the dishes I like to serve with these crispy sweet potato fries:
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, after blanching and drying them, you can freeze them in a single layer. Just pop them straight into the Air Fryer without defrosting.
They keep for 3 to 4 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat them in the Air Fryer to restore their crispness.
Yes, you can use rice flour or potato starch for a gluten-free version.
Don’t hesitate to leave me a comment, it always makes me happy!
You can also find me on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok to see behind the scenes of my blog
Recipe Card
Crispy Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
Click on the stars to rate!
Ingredients
- 1 sweet potato about 1.2 lb or 600 g
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 pinch Cayenne pepper optional
- A drizzle Olive oil
Instructions
- Peel the sweet potatoes and cut into sticks about 0.3 inches (1 cm) thick for even cooking.
- Bring a large pot of water to the boil and blanch the fries for 3-4 minutes. Drain immediately and dry carefully with a clean kitchen towel to remove any moisture.
- In a bowl, mix the cornstarch with the smoked paprika, garlic powder and Cayenne pepper, if using. Add the sweet potato sticks and toss gently to coat evenly. Finish with a drizzle of olive oil and toss again.
- Preheat the Air Fryer to 400 °F (200°C).
- Arrange the fries in the basket in a single layer to allow good air circulation.
- Cook for 12 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket or turning the fries halfway through cooking.
- Remove the fries from the Air Fryer, replace the next batch and serve immediately.
Amazing,I just love
Thank you Anelise !
It worked!
Perfect!