Air-Fryer Sweet Potato Fries

Air-Fryer Sweet Potato Fries

Like air-fryer <a href="https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1020124-air-fryer-french-fries">French fries</a>, air-fryer sweet potatoes achieve similar success, utilizing less oil and requiring less time than deep-fried versions. While sweet potato fries won’t crisp up as much as their potato counterparts, that’s part of the appeal, offering textural contrast of creamy centers and charred tips. Oomph from any of your favorite spices would work well here, along with the paprika. Sumac could add a punch of brightness or a dash of cayenne can impart some heat.  If your air fryer basket is larger, try a bigger sweet potato for a higher serving — but don’t overfill it with sweet potatoes, or they’ll steam rather than crisping in spots.

Ingredients

  • 1 small sweet potato

    peeled, about 8 ounces

  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons ground paprika
  • Salt
  • Ketchup or mustard

    for serving, optional

Directions

  1. 1

    Heat air fryer to 400 degrees, if preheating is recommended for your air fryer. 

  2. 2

    Cut the sweet potato in half lengthwise then set each half on its flat surface and slice into ¼-inch planks. Cut the planks lengthwise into ¼-inch thick strips. In a large bowl, toss the sweet potato fries with the olive oil and paprika until well-coated; season generously with salt.

  3. 3

    Transfer the sweet potatoes to the air fryer, piling them haphazardly to create height. (This will help with airflow, which helps the sweet potatoes cook evenly and crisp in spots. If you stack them too tightly, they will steam and soften.)

  4. 4

    Cook for 5 minutes.  Use tongs to give them a quick toss, then continue cooking until the sweet potato fries are tender on the inside and crisped and darkened in some spots toward the tips, 10 to 12  minutes, tossing again halfway through. 

  5. 5

    Transfer sweet potatoes to a serving dish and season with more salt if desired. Serve with ketchup or mustard.

Air-Fryer Sweet Potato Fries

Air-Fryer Sweet Potato Fries

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About this Recipe

Craving delicious sweet potato fries that are healthier and quicker than deep-fried versions? This air-fryer sweet potato recipe delivers all the authentic flavor you love with significantly less oil and in less time.

Much like their potato counterparts, air-fryer sweet potato fries offer a fantastic way to enjoy this beloved side, utilizing far less oil and cooking faster than traditional deep-frying. The magic here lies in achieving that perfect textural balance: creamy, tender centers giving way to wonderfully charred tips, providing a delightful contrast that sets them apart from soggy takeout versions.

You're in for a treat that marries comforting sweetness with savory depth. Expect sweet potato fries that are naturally soft and creamy inside, with edges that get beautifully caramelized and slightly charred rather than uniformly crisp like classic potato fries—and that's exactly what makes them so good. Seasoned simply with extra-virgin olive oil and ground paprika, they have a warm, earthy base that complements the inherent sweetness of the potato.

Customization & Variations

Don't hesitate to make these fries your own with a sprinkle of your favorite spices. To add a bright, tangy kick, consider sumac, or for those who enjoy a little warmth, a dash of cayenne pepper would be fantastic. If your air fryer basket allows for more space, opt for a larger sweet potato to increase your serving, but remember the golden rule: do not overfill the basket, as this will steam the fries instead of allowing them to develop those desirable charred spots.

These Air-Fryer Sweet Potato Fries make an excellent side for almost any meal. Serve them hot with a classic dip like ketchup or mustard for a satisfying and easy addition to weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

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