As a cooking enthusiast, I’ve come to realize that sometimes the best meals are the ones that are quick, easy, and full of flavor. Frozen sweet potato fries in the air fryer are the perfect example of that. Not only do they come out crispy and golden, but the air fryer makes them healthier than traditional deep-fried versions, giving you all the crunch without the added oil. Whether you’re preparing a snack or side dish, these fries are the perfect addition to any meal.
I love how easy and versatile this recipe is. With just a few simple ingredients, you can have a batch of sweet potato fries that rival those from your favorite restaurant. The air fryer helps to cook them perfectly, ensuring they’re crispy on the outside while maintaining that soft, sweet interior. It’s one of those recipes that you’ll want to make over and over again.
What You Need To Make This Recipe
To make these crispy frozen sweet potato fries, you’ll need a few basic ingredients and kitchen tools. Here’s a rundown of everything you’ll need to get started:
Frozen Sweet Potato Fries: These are the base of the recipe. Using frozen fries makes this recipe super easy and convenient, saving you time while still delivering delicious results.
Olive Oil: A light drizzle of olive oil helps to achieve the crispy texture you want. It’s a healthy fat choice that enhances the flavor of the fries.
Salt: Just a pinch of salt is all you need to bring out the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes and balance the flavor.
Pepper: A dash of freshly ground black pepper adds a little heat and complements the sweetness of the fries.
Garlic Powder: This optional ingredient adds an extra layer of flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the potatoes.
Paprika: A pinch of paprika adds a smoky depth to the flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the fries.
Ingredients List
- 1 bag of frozen sweet potato fries
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon of pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon of paprika (optional)
How to Make Frozen Sweet Potato Fries in Air Fryer
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes. This ensures that your fries cook evenly and become crispy.
Step 2: Prepare the Fries
Place your frozen sweet potato fries in a bowl. Drizzle them with olive oil and sprinkle salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika on top. Toss the fries gently to ensure they are evenly coated with the seasoning and oil.
Step 3: Air Fry the Fries
Arrange the seasoned fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure they cook evenly. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes to make sure they reach your desired level of crispiness.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Once your fries are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the air fryer. Serve immediately and enjoy the crispy, tender fries on their own or with your favorite dipping sauce.
Tips for Making This Recipe
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket: For the crispiest fries, make sure not to overcrowd the basket. This allows the hot air to circulate around each fry, helping them cook evenly.
- Shake halfway through: Shaking the fries halfway through the cooking process ensures they cook evenly on all sides, giving you that perfect crispiness.
- Season to taste: Feel free to experiment with different seasonings. You can add cayenne pepper for some heat or a sprinkle of Parmesan for a cheesy twist.
- Use a light hand with the oil: You only need a little oil to get the fries crispy. Too much oil can make them greasy instead of crispy.
- Adjust the cooking time: Depending on the thickness of your fries and the model of your air fryer, cooking times may vary slightly. Keep an eye on them, especially during the last few minutes.
FAQs
Can I use fresh sweet potatoes instead of frozen fries?
Yes, you can. Simply peel and cut the sweet potatoes into fry shapes, toss them with olive oil and seasonings, and cook them in the air fryer at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes, shaking halfway through.
How do I make my fries extra crispy?
For extra crispy fries, make sure to toss them in oil and seasonings evenly. Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket, and consider increasing the cooking time by a few minutes until they reach your desired crispiness.
Can I add other seasonings to my fries?
Absolutely! Experiment with other spices like cinnamon for a sweet twist or chili powder for a smoky kick. You can also add fresh herbs like rosemary after cooking for a fragrant finish.
How do I store leftover fries?
Leftover fries can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop them back into the air fryer for 3-5 minutes to restore their crispiness.
Are these fries healthier than traditional fries?
Yes, because they’re cooked in an air fryer with minimal oil, they have less fat compared to deep-fried fries, making them a healthier option for your snack or side dish.