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# Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy Outside, Soft Inside

Sweet potato fries are a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional fries, and when cooked in an air fryer, they come out perfectly crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. If you’re looking for a quick, easy, and nutritious snack or side dish, air fryer sweet potato fries are the way to go. In this article, we’ll explore how to make the best air fryer sweet potato fries, share tips for achieving that perfect texture, and even suggest pairing ideas like air fryer chicken for a complete meal.

## Why Choose Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries?

Sweet potatoes are packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, making them a nutritious choice for any meal. When you cook them in an air fryer, you get the benefit of frying without the excess oil and calories. Air frying uses hot air circulation to cook food evenly, resulting in crispy fries that are much healthier than deep-fried versions.

### Benefits of Air Frying Sweet Potato Fries
– **Healthier Cooking:** Uses less oil than traditional frying methods.
– **Quick and Easy:** Cooks faster than baking in an oven.
– **Crispy Texture:** Achieves a perfect crunch without deep frying.
– **Versatile:** Can be seasoned with a variety of spices to suit your taste.

## How to Make Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries: Step-by-Step Guide

### Ingredients
– 2 large sweet potatoes
– 1-2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

### Instructions

#### Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
Wash and peel the sweet potatoes. Cut them into evenly sized fries, about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Uniform size helps them cook evenly and achieve the perfect crispy outside and soft inside.

#### Step 2: Soak the Fries
Soak the cut fries in cold water for at least 30 minutes. This step removes excess starch, which helps the fries crisp up better in the air fryer.

#### Step 3: Dry and Season
After soaking, pat the fries dry with a clean kitchen towel. Toss the fries in olive oil, salt, pepper, and your choice of spices like paprika or garlic powder.

#### Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. Preheating ensures the fries start cooking immediately, which helps with crispiness.

#### Step 5: Air Fry the Fries
Place the fries in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding to allow proper air circulation. Cook for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.

#### Step 6: Check and Serve
Check the fries at 15 minutes. They should be golden and crispy on the outside while soft inside. If needed, cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.

## Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries

### Use the Right Cut
Cutting your fries too thick can result in soggy fries, while cutting them too thin might cause them to burn. Aim for medium-thick fries for the best texture.

### Don’t Skip Soaking
Soaking removes starch and helps the fries crisp up. Even a quick 30-minute soak makes a big difference.

### Shake the Basket
Shaking the basket halfway through cooking ensures even browning and prevents fries from sticking together.

### Use a Light Oil Coating
Too much oil can make fries greasy, but a light coating helps achieve that perfect crispiness.

## Pairing Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries with Air Fryer Chicken

Sweet potato fries make a fantastic side dish for many meals, especially when paired with **air fryer chicken**. The crispy, flavorful chicken complements the natural sweetness and texture of the fries, creating a balanced and satisfying meal.

### Why Choose Air Fryer Chicken?
Air fryer chicken is juicy on the inside with a crispy exterior, similar to the fries. It’s a healthier alternative to fried chicken and cooks quickly, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.

### Simple Air Fryer Chicken Recipe
– Season chicken breasts or thighs with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
– Lightly spray with oil.
– Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
– Serve alongside your sweet potato fries for a delicious and wholesome meal.

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

### Can I use frozen sweet potato fries in the air fryer?
Yes, frozen sweet potato fries can be cooked in the air fryer. Follow the package instructions, usually cooking at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

### How do I keep sweet potato fries crispy after cooking?
Serve them immediately for the best crispiness. If you need to keep them warm, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet in a low oven (around 200°F) until ready to serve.

### Can I make sweet potato fries without oil in the air fryer?
While you can air fry without oil, a small amount of oil helps achieve the crispy texture. Using oil also enhances flavor and helps seasonings stick better.

### What dipping sauces go well with sweet potato fries?
Sweet potato fries pair well with a variety of dips like garlic aioli, chipotle mayo, honey mustard, or classic ketchup.

### Can I cook air fryer chicken and sweet potato fries together?
Yes, but cooking times and temperatures may vary depending on the size and type of chicken and fries. It’s usually best to cook them separately or start the chicken first and add the fries later.

## Conclusion

Air fryer sweet potato fries are an easy, healthy, and tasty snack or side dish that you can whip up in no time. With a crispy outside and soft inside, they satisfy that craving for crunchy fries without the guilt. Pair them with air fryer chicken for a quick, wholesome meal that everyone will love. Whether you’re a seasoned air fryer pro or just getting started, this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to enjoy delicious, crispy fries at home.

Try making these fries today and enjoy the perfect balance of crispy and soft textures that only an air fryer can deliver!

Keyword: air fryer chicken