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Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries

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Crispy, caramelized sweet potato fries made in the air fryer using a cornstarch coating technique that produces a golden exterior and tender interior with minimal oil.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium sweet potatoes (about 1.5 lbs total)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1½ tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika recommended)
  • Pinch of cayenne (optional)

Instructions

  1. Peel the sweet potatoes and cut into ¼-inch thick fries, discarding the tapered ends. Slice lengthwise into planks, then stack and cut lengthwise again into uniform strips.
  2. Place cut fries in a bowl of cold water and soak for 30 minutes. Drain and spread on a clean kitchen towel or paper towels; pat completely dry before proceeding.
  3. Place dried fries in a large bowl. Sprinkle cornstarch over the fries and toss until every fry has a thin, even coating. Drizzle oil over the coated fries and toss again. Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika; toss once more to distribute evenly.
  4. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (204°C) for 3 minutes. Arrange fries in a single layer in the basket without overlapping; cook in batches as needed. Air fry for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy at the edges.

Notes

Cornstarch is the single most impactful ingredient — do not skip it. Add cornstarch before oil so it coats each fry individually rather than clumping.

Never overcrowd the basket. Cook in two or more batches in a single layer for best crispiness.

If short on time, skip the soak but press fries firmly between paper towels to remove as much surface moisture as possible.

Some air fryers run up to 67°F below their set temperature. If fries seem to cook slowly, add 2–3 extra minutes.

Find it online: https://airfrycentral.com/air-fryer-sweet-potato-fries/