Cooking sweet potatoes in an air fryer is a game changer! You get crispy outsides, soft insides, and a side dish that’s ready in less time than using the oven. Plus, it won’t heat up your kitchen! If you’re looking for an easy, healthy side, these air fryer sweet potatoes are perfect.
Why Use the Air Fryer for Sweet Potatoes?
I love sweet potatoes in all forms, but baking them in the oven takes time. With an air fryer, I get the same delicious texture inside while making the outside even crispier! The best part? No need to turn on the oven and heat up the house. Air fryer sweet potato fries are faster, too. So why not make this your new favorite way to cook them?
Top them with cinnamon honey butter for an extra treat—it’s the perfect sweet touch!
How to Cut Sweet Potatoes for Fries
Start with two medium sweet potatoes. It’s best to choose ones that aren’t too long. This way, you can cut fries that won’t shrink too much while cooking. First, peel the potatoes and cut off the skinny ends (save them for another recipe!). Then, cut the sweet potatoes in half lengthwise to make flat surfaces. This makes it easier to slice them into long fries.
For the crispiest results, aim for fries that are ¼ to ½ inch thick. The thinner they are, the crispier they’ll get! You can check out other ways to cut sweet potatoes too.
Cooking Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
Once your fries are sliced, it’s time to cook. Preheat your air fryer if needed, as this helps ensure even cooking. While it preheats, toss the sweet potato fries with a teaspoon of olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Be sure each fry is well coated with seasoning.
Place the fries in the air fryer basket, but don’t overcrowd them—this allows the air to circulate and get them crispy. Halfway through cooking, shake the basket to ensure they cook evenly. Keep an eye on the first batch to adjust the time and temperature to your air fryer’s specifics.
Pro Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes
- Even cuts matter: Cutting the fries evenly ensures they cook at the same rate. Use a sharp knife for better control.
- Preheat the air fryer: Most air fryers work best when preheated. Even if yours doesn’t require it, this step guarantees even crisping.
- Don’t crowd the basket: Give the fries space to cook. If they overlap, they’ll steam instead of crisping up.
- Turn halfway through: Flip or shake the fries halfway through the cooking process to achieve even crisping.
This recipe makes a delicious side dish or snack that’s quick and easy. Whether you’re making air fryer whole sweet potatoes or crispy sweet potato fries, this is a healthy, tasty option you’ll love. Try it with your favorite dipping sauces, or top it off with cinnamon honey butter for a sweet finish.
