Do you love crispy, delicious sweet potato fries but don't want to spend time cooking them in a deep-fat fryer? An air fryer is the perfect solution for those looking for an easier and healthier way to make classic sweet potato fries. With just a few simple steps, you can whip up some delicious homemade fries that everyone in your household will enjoy! In this blog post, I'm going to share how to make sweet potato fries in air fryer.
You'll be able to quickly prepare tasty snacks with little effort and no mess; plus, you can customize your recipe by adding herbs, garlic powder or even chili flakes depending on what flavors you like best! Read on if your mouth is watering at the thought of homemade sweet potato fries cooked in minutes using an air fryer.
What is Sweet Potato?
Sweet potatoes are an edible tuber derived from the Ipomoea batatas plant. Their flesh comes in a variety of colors, including white, yellow, orange, and even purple, making them a visually interesting addition to any meal.
In addition to being a great side dish, sweet potatoes can also be incorporated into pies, casseroles, and breads. They provide complex carbohydrates that give your body energy throughout the day, making them an ideal mid-afternoon snack.
If stored correctly, unprocessed sweet potatoes can last up to 10 days in a cool, dry place. Once processed into flour or other products, they should be refrigerated.
Check out sweet potato nutrition facts before incorporating them into your diet to see how this versatile and tasty food can benefit your body.
What are Sweet Potatoes made of?
Sweet potatoes are mainly composed of carbohydrates (90%), with a moderate amount of protein (3%) and low levels of fat (less than 6%). They are rich in potent antioxidants known as A-type proanthocyanidins (OPC), which have been linked to cancer prevention. Sweet potatoes are also a good source of alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, vitamins C and E, manganese, dietary fiber, and potassium. Additionally, they contain essential vitamins like Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) and folic acid, as well as vital minerals including calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc.
Are Sweet Potatoes Healthy?
Sweet potatoes are a nutrient-dense food that provides several health benefits. Here are some of the key advantages:
Improved Vision
Sweet potatoes are a great source of Vitamin A, which is essential for good vision. Consuming adequate Vitamin A from whole foods, like sweet potatoes, can reduce the risk of age-related eye diseases such as macular degeneration.
Lower Cholesterol
Adding sweet potatoes to your diet may help lower cholesterol levels. The fiber content in sweet potatoes has been linked to reduced levels of LDL “bad” cholesterol while increasing HDL “good” cholesterol.
Antioxidant Properties
Sweet potatoes are naturally rich in beta-carotene, an antioxidant that strengthens the immune system and may help reduce the risk of cancer.
High in Fiber
Sweet potatoes are high in fiber content, which can help prevent several health issues, including heart disease, diabetes, constipation, hemorrhoids, and obesity.
Vitamin B6
Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of Vitamin B6. This nutrient helps lower homocysteine levels in the body, which has been linked to several health issues, including atherosclerosis, osteoporosis, and Alzheimer's disease.
Enjoy the many benefits of sweet potatoes by adding them to your diet today.
Sweet Potato Nutrition:
Did you know that sweet potatoes offer almost twice as much dietary fiber as other common vegetables? Plus, they're nutrient-dense and packed with vitamins such as A, C, E, B6, thiamin, niacin, and folate, as well as minerals like calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, and copper.
But that's not all – sweet potatoes can also help lower cholesterol thanks to their high soluble fiber content, which aids in removing LDL or “bad” cholesterol from the body. Plus, they can help control blood sugar levels.
Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of energy, containing up to 5 times the amount of starch found in cereals like oats. They're also rich in beta-carotene, which the liver converts to vitamin A. Vitamin A is known for its ability to combat chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease.
If you're watching your fat and sodium intake, sweet potatoes are a great choice. They're naturally fat-free, low in calories, cholesterol-free, gluten-free, vegan, and kosher. Plus, they contain antioxidants that protect cells from damage by free radicals, which can lead to cancer and heart disease.
Consider adding sweet potatoes to your diet as a nutritious and delicious option.
How to make sweet potato fries in air fryer?
Is it true to say air fryer sweet potato fries are better than regular oven-baked sweet potato fries? The answer is – yes. Sweet potatoes cook quickly in an air fryer. The texture of a fried food cooked in this appliance is also superior to that produced by other methods.
Furthermore, apart from being healthier, they're also crispier. You can make your own sweet potato fries in an air fryer using these steps:
Ingredients:
- Sweet potatoes: 2 medium-sized ones
- Paprika powder: 1 tablespoon
- Chili powder: ½ teaspoon
- Tumeric: ½ teaspoon
- Salt: to taste
- Oil (for sprinkling): for optional garnishing
Instructions:
Step 1:
Wash all the vegetables and get rid of any dirt or pesticides.
Step 2:
The first step is to cut the sweet into thin sticks that are about the length of the sweet potato. We cut them this way to ensure that they will cook evenly and that none of the fries will be undercooked! Sweet potatoes are very easy to cut as long as you use a sharp knife.
Step 3:
Take a bowl and add Sweet Potatoes, salt, chili powder, turmeric powder, and paprika into it. Mix well with your hands.
The second step is to place all of your fries into a large bowl and add salt, chili powder, turmeric powder, and paprika into it – mix this around. So, each fry gets coated with the seasoning. Ensure each fry has been tossed around in the seasoned mixture. So, every fry has been lightly coated with spices and seasoning – not too much, just enough for it to stick onto the sweet potato fry!
Step 4:
Preheat your Air Fryer for 2-3 minutes at 200 degrees C. Place all sweet potato fries into an air fryer basket evenly and give it a good toss with the air fryer tongs. You want to ensure that none of the sweet potato fries are overlapping so every single one has access to the hot air within the air fryer. Now, add sweet potato fries and cook them in the air fryer for 7-10 minutes or until you get a crispy texture. Check after every 3 minutes, so they don't get burnt.
Step 5:
Then remove from oven and serve as a delicious side dish! Remember, as long as you don't burn your sweet potatoes. They're not overcooked! That means they still crunch on the inside and are delicious. Sweet potato fries in the air fryer are ready to be served. You can garnish it with any herb of your choice.
How long to cook sweet potato fries in air fryer?
Sweet potatoes are a nutritious addition to any meal, and sweet potato fries are a tasty and easy-to-make side dish. But how long do you cook sweet potato fries in an air fryer?
Cooking Time:
Sweet potato fries take about 20 minutes in the air fryer, depending on the size of your batch. Since sweet potatoes contain a lot of starch, they need a longer cooking time than white potatoes. It's best to go by temperature rather than color, as sweet potatoes may not change color when cooked.
Cooking Tips:
If you're unsure of your air fryer's wattage or the number of potatoes you're cooking, check your fries after 7-10 minutes and ensure that they are cooked throughout before pulling them out of the oven. Sweet potato fries are usually served crispy, so be sure to achieve a crispy texture before serving.
Yams vs. Sweet Potatoes:
In the United States, sweet potatoes are sometimes referred to as yams, but they are actually two different vegetables. Sweet potatoes have thin, light orange skin and are firmer than the dark orange or even brownish-purple color of regular yams. Sweet potatoes are grown in tropical regions, while yams are grown in Africa.
Availability:
Sweet potatoes are available year-round, with a peak season during the fall and winter months.
In summary, sweet potato fries are a delicious and nutritious choice for any meal. Follow these tips to cook them perfectly in your air fryer!
Experimenting with Different Seasonings and Spices
Sweet potatoes are a great base for adding different flavors and spices. You can experiment with different seasonings and spices to create unique flavor combinations. For example, you might try sprinkling the sweet potato fries with garlic powder, smoked paprika, or cumin. To add a bit of sweetness, try tossing them in a mix of sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
For an Italian-inspired flavor profile, try adding Italian herbs like oregano or basil. The possibilities are endless! Additionally, you could consider adding other ingredients such as cheese, bacon bits, chives, bell peppers or jalapenos for added crunch and flavor. Feel free to experiment and get creative when it comes to seasoning your air fried sweet potato fries!
Serving Suggestions for Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet potato fries are a delicious and healthy snack that can be served as an appetizer, side dish, or even as a main course. They pair perfectly with ketchup, ranch dressing, honey mustard, mayonnaise, barbecue sauce, and more. Alternatively, you can also enjoy them plain or topped with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro.
For a heartier meal, serve the sweet potato fries alongside signature dishes such as beef burgers and grilled chicken. This combination is sure to be a crowd-pleaser! Finally, you can use the air fryer to make other types of fries such as regular potato fries, butternut squash fries or veggie-based “fries” made from carrots and zucchini. Enjoy your air fried sweet potato fries however you like – the possibilities are endless!
Conclusion: How To Make Sweet Potato Fries In Air Fryer
Making sweet potato fries in an air fryer is a great way to make a delicious snack or side dish. Air frying takes nearly half the time of baking and tastes better than oven-baked fries. With just a couple of minutes of prep time, your fries can be ready to enjoy in under 20 minutes! Plus, air fryers are incredibly easy to use and clean. All it takes is a touch of oil and some seasonings, and you’ll have delicious crispy fries. We hope this guide has been helpful for making tasty sweet potato fries in the air fryer. Bon appétit!
