Step 1: Prepare Your Sweet Potatoes. Thoroughly wash your sweet potatoes. If desired, peel them. Using a sharp knife or a mandoline, cut the sweet potatoes into uniform sticks, approximately ¼ to ½ inch thick and 3-4 inches long. Consistency in size is paramount for even cooking. For extra crispiness, you can soak the cut fries in cold water for 30 minutes to an hour to remove excess starch, then drain and pat them completely dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
Step 2: Season the Fries. In a large bowl, toss the dried sweet potato fries with your chosen high smoke point oil (like avocado or light olive oil). Ensure each fry is lightly coated. Add your seasonings – salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and any other spices you love. Toss again until all the fries are evenly seasoned.
Step 3: Preheat Your Air Fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes. Preheating is crucial for immediately starting the crisping process and preventing the fries from steaming.
Step 4: Air Fry in Batches. Place a single layer of seasoned sweet potato fries in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd the basket; air circulation is key to crispiness. Overcrowding will result in steamed, soggy fries. You may need to cook these in 2-3 batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
Step 5: Cook and Shake. Cook the Air-Fried Sweet Potato Fries for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket vigorously every 5-7 minutes to ensure even cooking and browning. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the cooking time, as air fryer models can vary, and they can go from perfectly golden to burnt quickly. Your fries are done when they are tender on the inside and beautifully crispy and golden brown on the outside.
Step 6: Serve Immediately. Transfer the crispy Air-Fried Sweet Potato Fries to a serving platter. If desired, sprinkle with a little extra salt right out of the air fryer. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces.