I love discovering new ways to make sweet potato fries that feel indulgent but are actually simple to prepare. Using the air fryer has completely changed how I approach this snack. The fries come out perfectly crisp on the outside, tender on the inside, and coated with just the right amount of sweetness from cinnamon and sugar. Every bite is a little bit of comfort and nostalgia, reminding me of cozy afternoons spent baking with family.
What excites me most about this recipe is how quick and versatile it is. In less than 30 minutes, you can have a tray of golden, fragrant fries ready to enjoy, whether as a side dish for dinner or a sweet snack on their own. Adding cinnamon and sugar elevates the flavor, creating a perfect balance between savory and sweet. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll never go back to oven-baked fries.
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Sweet Potatoes: Choose firm, medium-sized sweet potatoes with smooth skin. They’re naturally sweet and have a creamy texture that works beautifully when air-fried. Their vibrant orange color makes the dish visually appealing, too.
Coconut Oil: This oil gives the fries a subtle richness and helps them crisp up nicely in the air fryer. You can also use olive oil if you prefer, but coconut oil adds a hint of warmth that pairs perfectly with cinnamon.
Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon adds depth and a touch of warmth to the fries. It enhances the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes and gives a comforting, aromatic flavor.
Granulated Sugar: A light sprinkle of sugar caramelizes slightly during cooking, creating a delicate sweet crust. You can also use brown sugar for a richer flavor.
Salt: Just a pinch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors, making the fries irresistible.
Ingredients List
- 2 medium sweet potatoes
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
How to Make Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries with Cinnamon and Sugar
Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into evenly sized sticks. Uniform pieces ensure that all the fries cook at the same rate and achieve that perfect crispiness.
Step 2: Season the Fries
In a large bowl, toss the sweet potato sticks with melted coconut oil until each piece is lightly coated. Sprinkle with cinnamon, sugar, and salt, then toss again to evenly distribute the seasoning.
Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for about 5 minutes. Preheating helps the fries crisp up faster and more evenly.
Step 4: Air Fry the Sweet Potato Fries
Place the fries in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd them. Cook for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once golden brown and crispy, remove the fries from the air fryer. Let them cool slightly, then serve immediately for the best texture. Sprinkle extra cinnamon sugar on top if desired.
Tips for Making this Recipe
- Cut the fries into uniform sizes for even cooking.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if needed.
- For extra crispiness, soak the sweet potato sticks in water for 30 minutes before cooking, then dry thoroughly.
- Adjust the amount of cinnamon and sugar to your taste preference.
- Serve immediately; sweet potato fries tend to soften if left to sit too long.
FAQs
Can I use frozen sweet potato fries instead of fresh?
Yes, but reduce the cooking time slightly and shake the basket more frequently to avoid soggy fries.
Can I substitute the sugar with a sugar alternative?
Absolutely! Maple syrup, honey, or a sugar substitute can work, but adjust quantities since liquid sweeteners may affect crispiness.
What if I don’t have a coconut oil?
Olive oil or avocado oil are great alternatives and still help achieve a crispy texture.
How long do the fries last?
They’re best enjoyed immediately, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days and reheat in the air fryer.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! This recipe is naturally vegan as long as you use a plant-based oil.