Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries: Healthy and Crispy Snack Recipe
How to Make Healthy and Delicious Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries at Home
Learn how to make healthy sweet potato fries using an air fryer, a delightful and guilt-free snack without deep frying. These are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and a favorite for all ages!
Main Ingredients
- Sweet potatoes (medium-sized) 2 pcs
- Cooking oil spray (or olive oil)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
The first step to making delicious sweet potato fries! Start by thoroughly washing the sweet potatoes. You can peel them or leave the skin on; leaving the skin on adds more nutrients and a nutty flavor. Considering the desired shape for frying, slice the sweet potatoes evenly to about 0.5 cm thickness. Slices that are too thick will take longer to cook through, while slices that are too thin might burn, so achieving the right thickness is key.
Step 2
To make the sliced sweet potatoes extra crispy, use a mandoline slicer or a knife to cut them into thin matchsticks. Aim for fries about the thickness of thick potato wedges. Cutting them into strips increases the surface area, allowing the heat from the air fryer to reach evenly, resulting in a crispier texture even without a batter.
Step 3
This step involves soaking the julienned sweet potatoes in cold water to remove excess starch. Place the cut sweet potato strips in a bowl and cover generously with cold water. Let them soak for about 10 minutes. You’ll notice the starchy, sticky coating on the sweet potatoes dissolving into the water, making it cloudy. This process helps the fries become crispier and prevents them from sticking together.
Step 4
After soaking to remove starch, it’s crucial to dry the sweet potato strips thoroughly. Drain the sweet potatoes using a colander, then lay them out on paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. Gently press down with more towels to absorb as much moisture as possible. Any remaining water can cause splattering during cooking or lead to soggy fries, so drying them well is essential.
Step 5
This stage involves a slight drying of the sweet potato strips after removing excess moisture. Place them on a rack to air dry in a well-ventilated area, or spread them out on paper towels to let the surface moisture evaporate naturally. This pre-drying helps the sweet potato fries achieve a crispier finish in the air fryer. Let them dry for about 10-15 minutes.
Step 6
Now it’s time to start the cooking process using your air fryer. Arrange the dried sweet potato strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t overlap too much. Lightly spray the sweet potato strips with cooking oil spray. If you don’t have spray oil, you can brush them lightly with olive oil or vegetable oil. A light coating of oil helps them turn golden brown and crispy.
Step 7
Set your air fryer to the desired temperature and time. A good starting point is 180°C (350°F) for 20 minutes. However, it’s crucial to check halfway through (around 10 minutes). Open the air fryer, shake the basket, or flip the fries to ensure even cooking and prevent burning. Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your sweet potato cuts and your specific air fryer model. Keep an eye on them and adjust the time until they are golden and crispy.
Step 8
Your delicious air fryer sweet potato fries are ready! Serve them immediately while they are still hot for the best crispy texture and sweet potato flavor.
Step 9
These sweet potato fries are wonderfully delicious even without sugar or batter, making them a perfect healthy snack option. They’re ideal for kids’ snacks or when you need a satisfying treat without feeling guilty. Give this recipe a try today!
