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:
- Uniformity is Key: Cutting the sweet potatoes into even sizes ensures they cook at the same rate.
- Don’t Skip the Soaking: Soaking removes starch, which is crucial for achieving that crispy texture.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Cooking the fries in a single layer with space between them allows for air circulation, leading to a crispier outcome.
- Shake Halfway: Shaking the basket halfway through cooking ensures all sides get crispy.
By following this detailed guide, you’re not just making sweet potato fries; you’re creating a culinary experience that’s sure to impress anyone who tries them. The combination of a crispy exterior with a soft, sweet interior makes these fries irresistible. So, preheat that air fryer and get ready to enjoy the ultimate comfort food that’s as nutritious as it is delicious. Happy cooking!