Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries

When it comes to exploring the full potential of your air fryer, sweet potato fries reign supreme. Not only are they incredibly easy to make, but they also deliver a mouthwatering taste and texture that's hard to beat. Plus, the best part is that they cook in a fraction of the time compared to traditional oven baking.

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries

Air-fried sweet potato fries are a delightful and nutritious twist on classic potato fries. These crispy, golden delights are made from wholesome sweet potatoes, air-fried to perfection without excessive oil.

Sweet potato fries are unbelievably crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, but they also pack a nutritional punch that'll keep your taste buds dancing and your waistline happy. You won't miss the traditional deep-fried version once you've experienced the deliciousness of these healthy, homemade air fried sweet potato fries.

Check out these recipes:

• Yuca Fries – Easy 3 Ingredient Fries
• Air Fryer Pickles with Dill Dip

Ingredients needed:

• Large sweet potatoes: peeled and chopped into fries
• Olive oil
• Heavy cream

For the marshmallow dip sauce:

• Bag of mini marshmallows
• Cinnamon
• Brown sugar

How to cook sweet potato fries in the air fryer?

• Preparation: Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees for 2-3 minutes.
• Preparing the Sweet Potato Fries: In a large bowl, toss sweet potato fries in olive oil, ensuring they are evenly coated.
• Air Frying the Sweet Potato Fries: Cook the fries in the air fryer in 3 batches, making sure not to overfill the fryer. Air fry the sweet potato fries for 8-10 minutes, shaking the fryer basket at the halfway point to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
• Making the Marshmallow Dipping Sauce: Combine heavy cream and marshmallows in a small saucepan. Stir frequently until the mixture warms up and the marshmallows melt entirely.
• Adding Flavor to the Sauce: Once the mixture simmers, stir in cinnamon and brown sugar. Continue stirring while the mixture simmers for 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.
• Finishing Touches: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the marshmallow sauce cool slightly. Pour the warm marshmallow sauce into a small dipping bowl.
• Serving: Serve the freshly cooked sweet potato fries and the marshmallow dipping sauce immediately.

Enjoy this delightful sweet potato fries and marshmallow dipping sauce treat fresh from the air fryer!

What other dipping sauces go well with sweet potato fries?

Sweet potato fries are versatile and can be paired with delicious dipping sauces to suit your taste preferences. Some popular dipping sauce options go well with sweet potato fries.

1. Chipotle Mayo: Creamy and slightly spicy, chipotle mayo adds a delightful smoky flavor that complements the sweetness of the fries.
2. Garlic Aioli: A classic choice, garlic aioli provides a rich and garlicky taste that enhances the savory notes of sweet potato fries.
3. Spicy Ketchup: Elevate regular ketchup by adding a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to create a tangy dipping sauce.
4. Honey Mustard: The sweetness of honey combined with the tanginess of mustard creates a fantastic contrast to the sweet potato fries.
5. Barbecue Sauce: Pair your sweet potato fries with your favorite barbecue sauce for a smoky and slightly sweet twist.
6. Sriracha Mayo: For those who enjoy a spicy kick, mix sriracha sauce with mayo for a creamy and fiery dipping sauce.
7. Maple Dijon Dip: Combine maple syrup with Dijon mustard for a unique and delightful sweet-savory dipping sauce.
8. Yogurt-Cucumber Sauce: If you prefer a lighter option, mix Greek yogurt with grated cucumber, garlic, and a pinch of dill for a refreshing and tangy dip.
9. Tahini Sauce: For a Middle Eastern-inspired option, mix tahini paste with lemon juice, garlic, and water for a creamy and nutty dip.

Feel free to experiment and get creative with different flavor combinations to find the perfect dipping sauce that complements your sweet potato fries. Whether you prefer creamy, tangy, sweet, or spicy, a dipping sauce will take your sweet potato fries to the next level of deliciousness! 

Do I need to flip the sweet potato fries during cooking?

Flipping or shaking the sweet potato fries while cooking in the air fryer is a good idea. Flipping the fries helps ensure even cooking and browning on all sides, resulting in a crispy and delicious texture.

When air-frying sweet potato fries, it's recommended to shake the air fryer basket or flip the fries gently using tongs at the halfway point of the cooking time. This allows both sides of the fries to come into contact with the hot air, promoting even browning and preventing unevenly cooked spots.

Remember to be careful when flipping the fries, as they can be hot. Using tongs or a spatula can make the process easier and safer. Flipping the fries is a simple step that goes a long way toward achieving perfectly crispy and evenly cooked sweet potato fries in the air fryer. Enjoy your delightful and evenly-cooked fries!

Frequently asked questions:

Why do my sweet potato fries turn out soggy in an air fryer?

Due to several factors, sweet potato fries may turn out soggy in the air fryer. One common culprit is excess moisture on the surface of sweet potato fries. The retained water can hinder the crisping process if the fries are not patted dry before tossing them in oil. 

Additionally, overcrowding the air fryer basket can lead to poor air circulation, resulting in uneven cooking and sogginess. Preheating the air fryer is essential to achieving the desired crispiness, as it allows the fries to start cooking immediately upon insertion. 

Moreover, not flipping or shaking the fries during cooking can lead to uneven browning. It's crucial to follow the recommended cooking time and temperature for the specific model of your air fryer and ensure that the sweet potato fries are evenly coated with oil to promote crispiness.

Selecting high-quality sweet potatoes and maintaining a single layer of fries in the basket are essential to achieving perfectly crispy and delightful sweet potato fries in the air fryer.

Why do you soak sweet potatoes in water before air frying?

Soaking sweet potatoes in water before air frying is a technique used to remove excess starch and moisture from the surface of the fries. Removing the starch helps prevent the fries from sticking together and promotes better browning and crispiness during cooking.

When sweet potatoes are cut into fries, they release starch, which can cause them to become gummy or soggy if not properly removed. Soaking the fries in water helps to draw out some of this starch, resulting in crispier and more evenly cooked sweet potato fries.

To soak sweet potatoes, place the cut fries in a bowl of cold water and let them sit for about 30 minutes. After soaking, drain the water, and pat the sweet potato fries dry with a paper towel before tossing them in oil and air frying. This simple step can significantly improve the texture and taste of your air-fried sweet potato fries, making them even more enjoyable.

How long to soak sweet potatoes in water?

To achieve the best results, it is recommended to soak sweet potato fries in water for at least 30 minutes. Soaking for this duration allows enough time for the excess starch on the surface of the fries to be drawn out, which helps improve the crispiness during cooking.

However, if you have the time and want to maximize the benefits, you can soak the sweet potato fries for up to 2 hours. Longer soaking times can further enhance the texture and reduce the chances of the fries becoming soggy during air frying.

Remember that the exact soaking time may vary depending on the thickness of the fries and personal preference. The goal is to reduce the starch without causing the fries to become too soft.

After soaking, remember to drain the water and pat the fries dry with a paper towel before proceeding with the air frying process. This can make a significant difference in achieving perfectly crispy and delicious sweet potato fries.

How do I store leftover sweet potato fries?

To store leftover sweet potato fries, follow these steps:

• Let the Fries Cool: Allow the sweet potato fries to cool to room temperature before storing them. Avoid storing hot fries in an airtight container, as the trapped steam can create excess moisture and make the fries soggy.
• Use an Airtight Container: Transfer the cooled sweet potato fries into an airtight container. Ensure that the container is large enough to hold the fries without overcrowding.
• Avoid Overlapping: Arrange the fries in a single layer inside the container, if possible. Overlapping the fries can cause them to stick together and lose their crispiness.
• Refrigerate Promptly: Place the airtight container with the sweet potato fries in the refrigerator immediately after storing. Store them in the main part of the refrigerator, not the door, as the door can experience temperature fluctuations.
• Keep Away from Moisture: Avoid placing additional moisture in the container, such as paper towels or condensation. Excess moisture can lead to sogginess.
• Label and Date: If you anticipate keeping the sweet potato fries for more than a day, it's a good idea to label the container with the date. This way, you can keep track of their freshness.
• Reheat Carefully: When ready to enjoy the leftover sweet potato fries, reheat them in an air fryer or oven. Please avoid using the microwave, as it can make the fries mushy.

While reheated sweet potato fries won't be as crispy as when freshly made, using an air fryer or oven can help revive some of their initial crispiness. Consume the leftovers within 2–3 days for the best quality and taste. Consume your delicious sweet potato fries, even the next day!