Crispy Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries

Sweet potato fries have a reputation for coming out soft and limp, even when they are made in a hot oven. The sugar in the potatoes browns quickly, but the high moisture content keeps the insides wet and the outsides from getting crisp. An air fryer solves part of the problem by circulating hot air quickly, and a few simple tricks solve the rest.

The three steps to crispness

First, cut the potatoes into even sticks about half an inch thick. Thin shoestring fries cook fast but tend to burn at the tips, and thick wedges stay soft in the middle. Sticks that are the same size cook at the same speed, which matters in a basket where you cannot see every piece.

Second, soak the sticks in cold water for 20 minutes or longer. This pulls some surface starch from the potato and helps the outside dry out and firm up in the heat. It is an optional step, but it does make a noticeable difference. After soaking, dry the potatoes thoroughly. Patting them with a towel for a full minute is not too much.

Third, coat them in a thin layer of cornstarch along with the oil. The starch forms a light crust as it fries and gives you that crunchy bite. Use only a small amount, or the coating turns pasty.

Do not crowd the basket

The most important rule of air frying is to leave room around the food. If the sticks are piled on top of each other, the hot air cannot reach every surface and they steam. For a family of four, you will probably need to cook two batches. Keep the first batch warm on a baking sheet in a low oven while the second one cooks, or serve the first round to the hungriest child as the cook's reward.

Shake the basket or turn the fries with tongs several times during cooking. Because every air fryer is slightly different, check them at 12 minutes the first time you make the recipe, and note how long your own machine needs.

The recipe

• Prep 30 min, including soaking
• Cook 20 min
• Makes 4 servings

IngredientsTap to check off

• 2 large sweet potatoes (about 1 1/2 lb), scrubbed
• 1 1/2 tbsp neutral oil, such as canola or avocado
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp sweet paprika
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 tsp honey
• 1 tsp lemon juice

MethodTap a step when it is done

1. 1Step 1: Cut the sweet potatoes into sticks about 1/2 inch (1 cm) thick and as even as possible. Soak them in a bowl of cold water for 20 minutes.
2. 2Step 2: Drain the sticks and dry them very thoroughly with a clean kitchen towel. Any water left on them will make steam instead of crispness.
3. 3Step 3: Toss the dry sticks with the oil, then sprinkle with the cornstarch, salt and paprika and toss again until evenly coated.
4. 4Step 4: Heat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Cook in two batches, in a single loose layer, for 15 to 18 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes, until the edges are browned and crisp.
5. 5Step 5: Stir the yogurt, honey and lemon juice together for the dip. Serve the fries hot, straight from the basket.

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Seasoning and dips

Salt and paprika are a gentle base that suits most children. Older kids might like a pinch of garlic powder or a little cinnamon with the paprika for a sweet and savory mix. Serve the fries with the honey yogurt dip in the recipe, or with ketchup, guacamole or a simple mix of mayonnaise and a little lime juice. A sprinkle of finely grated Parmesan over the hot fries is another good option.

Why sweet potatoes are a good choice

Sweet potatoes are an easy way to add color and nutrition to a family meal. They contain fiber and are rich in beta carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A. Cooking them with a small amount of oil in the air fryer means the fries have much less fat than the deep-fried version, and the natural sweetness means they need little seasoning. They work nicely next to plain grilled chicken, a burger or a bean quesadilla.

Reheating

Fries are always best fresh. If you have leftovers, keep them in the refrigerator for up to two days and reheat them in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 3 to 4 minutes. The oven works as well, but the microwave will make them soggy.