Get ready to experience sweet potato fry perfection, right from your air fryer, and believe it or not – with absolutely no oil! Imagine biting into a batch of wonderfully golden, perfectly crispy fries with that classic sweet and savory flavor you adore, all while keeping things light and healthy. What makes these fries truly special is their incredible texture, achieved without a drop of added oil, making them a guilt-free indulgence. Perfect as a delicious side dish, a satisfying snack, or even a healthy treat for the kids, these air fryer sweet potato fries are so easy to make, they’re sure to become a new go-to in your kitchen. You won’t believe how crispy they get!
Prep Time: 15 mins (plus optional 30 mins soaking time)
Total Time: 30-35 mins (excluding optional soaking time)
Servings: 2-4
Ingredients:
For the Crispy Sweet Potato Fries:
▢ 2 medium Sweet Potatoes (about 1 to 1.5 lbs total), scrubbed
▢ 1 tbsp Cornstarch (key for crispiness!)
▢ ½ tsp Smoked Paprika
▢ ½ tsp Garlic Powder
▢ ¼ tsp Salt (or to taste)
▢ ¼ tsp Black Pepper (or to taste)
▢ Optional seasonings: a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat, dried oregano, or onion powder
Instructions:
- Prepare Sweet Potatoes: Wash and scrub your sweet potatoes well. You can peel them if you prefer, but the skin adds extra nutrients and crispness! Cut the sweet potatoes into uniform ¼-inch thick fry shapes. Try to make them as even as possible for consistent cooking.
- Soak (Optional but Recommended): For extra crispy fries, place the cut sweet potato fries in a large bowl and cover them with cold water. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes, or up to a few hours in the fridge. This helps remove excess starch.
- Dry Thoroughly: Whether you soaked them or not, it’s crucial to drain and dry the sweet potato fries very well. Pat them thoroughly with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness!
- Season: In a large bowl, add the dried sweet potato fries. Sprinkle evenly with the cornstarch, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper (and any other optional seasonings you’re using). Toss everything together until the fries are lightly and evenly coated.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes.
- Air Fry in Batches: Arrange the seasoned sweet potato fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd the basket; cook in batches if necessary for the crispiest results.
- Cook: Air fry for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket or flipping the fries halfway through the cooking time. Cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of your fries and your specific air fryer model.
- Check for Doneness: Fries are done when they are golden brown, crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside. Taste one (carefully, it’s hot!) and add more salt if needed.
- Serve Immediately: Serve your perfectly crispy air fryer sweet potato fries hot with your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy your healthy and delicious creation!
Recipe Notes:
- Uniform Cuts are Key: Cutting your fries into similar sizes ensures they cook evenly. ¼-inch thickness is a good target for crispiness.
- The Soaking Secret: Soaking helps remove excess starch, which contributes to a crispier fry. If you’re short on time, you can skip it, but they might be slightly less crispy.
- Dry, Dry, Dry!: We can’t stress this enough – make sure those fries are thoroughly dried after washing/soaking. Any excess moisture will steam them instead of crisping them.
- Cornstarch for Crunch: The light coating of cornstarch is a game-changer for achieving that crispy exterior without oil. Don’t skip it!
- Don’t Overcrowd: Air fryers work by circulating hot air. If you overcrowd the basket, the fries will steam and won’t get crispy. Cook in batches for best results.
- Shake it Up: Shaking the basket or flipping the fries halfway through ensures all sides get exposed to the hot air for even crisping.
- Know Your Air Fryer: Cooking times can vary between air fryer models and brands. Keep an eye on your fries during the first batch to gauge the perfect timing for your machine.
- Seasoning Fun: Feel free to get creative with your seasonings! Italian seasoning, chili powder, or even a little cinnamon for a sweeter twist can be delicious.
- Reheating: If you have leftovers (though they’re so good, you might not!), reheat them in the air fryer at 375°F for 3-5 minutes to bring back their crispiness.
There you have it – a super simple way to make unbelievably crispy and flavorful sweet potato fries without a drop of oil! This recipe proves that healthy can be absolutely delicious and satisfying. We hope you enjoy every single crispy bite of these guilt-free fries! Happy air frying!
