1. PREP THE SWEET POTATOES:
Begin by washing the sweet potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt. Pat them dry with a kitchen towel.
Leave the skin on for extra nutrients and texture. Cut the sweet potatoes into even sticks, about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick, ensuring they are of uniform size for even cooking.
2. SOAK FOR CRISPINESS:
Soak the sweet potato sticks in cold water for at least 30 minutes or up to an hour. This step is crucial as it removes excess starch, allowing for a crispier finish.
3. SEASONING MIX:
While the fries are soaking, mix the olive oil, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. The cornstarch is the ingredient that will give your fries that desirable crispy coating.
4. DRY AND COAT:
After soaking, drain the sweet potatoes and pat them completely dry with a towel. Any moisture left on the fries will prevent them from getting crispy.
Toss the dry sweet potato fries in the seasoning mix until they are evenly coated.
5. AIR FRY TO PERFECTION:
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C). This step is essential for achieving that immediate sizzle when the fries hit the basket.
Arrange the sweet potato fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook in batches if necessary.
Air fry for about 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. The fries are done when they are golden brown and crispy.
6. FINISHING TOUCHES:
Once cooked, sprinkle the fries with a little more salt to taste and garnish with finely chopped parsley if desired. This not only adds color but a fresh flavor contrast to the sweet and smoky fries.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve your extra crispy sweet potato fries immediately for the best texture, alongside your favorite dipping sauce. They make a fantastic side dish to burgers, grilled meats, or as a delicious snack on their own.
Tips for Success:
Continued on next page
