Description
These crispy air fryer sweet potato fries are beginner-proof, requiring only cornstarch and patience to achieve a shatteringly crisp exterior and tender interior without the hassle of deep frying.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large sweet potatoes (approx. 1.5 lbs / 680g)
- 2 tbsp cornstarch (15g)
- 1.5 tbsp avocado oil or olive oil (22ml)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (2g)
- 1 tsp garlic powder (2g)
- 1/2 tsp salt (3g)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper (0.5g)
- 3 tbsp honey (45ml)
- 1–2 tsp hot sauce (5-10ml)
- 1 tsp lemon juice (5ml)
Instructions
- Wash sweet potatoes thoroughly (do not peel). Cut into 1/4-inch thick uniform strips.
- Place cut fries in a large bowl of cold water and soak for 5-10 minutes to draw out excess starch.
- Drain the water and pat the fries completely dry using paper towels.
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch, smoked paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and half the salt.
- Place dried fries in a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle spice mixture over fries and drizzle with oil.
- Toss with hands until every fry is coated in a thin, dusty layer of oil and spices.
- Preheat air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.
- Arrange fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring no overcrowding. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Cook for 8 minutes, then shake basket vigorously or toss with tongs to turn fries.
- Continue cooking for another 7-10 minutes, checking every 2 minutes after the 7-minute mark, until golden brown and crisp.
- Remove fries immediately and transfer to a plate or wire rack. Sprinkle with remaining salt while hot.
- While fries cook, whisk together honey, hot sauce, and lemon juice to make the spicy honey dip.
- Serve fries immediately with the dip on the side.
Notes
Do not skip the soaking and drying steps; wet fries will steam instead of crisp. Cook in a single layer to ensure air circulation. Serve immediately as they lose crunch quickly. Leftovers can be reheated in the air fryer at 380°F for 3-4 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approx. 1 cup fries
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 18
- Sodium: 250
- Fat: 4
- Saturated Fat: 0.5
- Carbohydrates: 32
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 2
Keywords: air fryer, sweet potato fries, crispy fries, healthy snacks, beginner recipes, gluten-free, vegan options, spicy honey dip