Quick Answer
Yes, you can absolutely put frozen sweet potato fries in an air fryer! Air fryers are designed to cook frozen foods like fries quickly and easily with crisp results. The circulating hot air will help the frozen fries come out tender on the inside and crispy on the outside. Air frying frozen sweet potato fries takes just a fraction of the time of baking them in the oven.
Instructions for Air Frying Frozen Sweet Potato Fries
Air frying frozen sweet potato fries is simple:
- Make sure fries are completely frozen when adding to air fryer basket.
- Spray air fryer basket with oil or use oil mister to lightly coat fries.
- Air fry at 400°F for 5-7 minutes, shaking basket halfway through.
- Increase time by 2-3 minutes for extra crispy fries.
- Toss fries with seasoning or dipping sauce right after air frying.
The exact air fry time can vary based on the amount of fries and your specific air fryer model, so keep an eye on them and shake the basket periodically for even cooking. But frozen sweet potato fries will cook up crispy in just minutes!
Benefits of Air Frying Frozen Sweet Potato Fries
Air frying frozen sweet potato fries has many benefits over oven baking them:
- Much faster cooking time – fries are done in 5-10 minutes versus 30-60 minutes in the oven.
- Uses less oil for crispy results.
- Doesn’t heat up kitchen as much as turning on the oven.
- Easy cleanup with removable air fryer basket.
- Can customize cook times for preferred level of crispness.
The quick cooking time makes air frying ideal for weeknight dinners. You can cook the fries while prepping the rest of the meal versus waiting for the oven.
Tips for Best Results
Here are some tips for getting the best results when air frying frozen sweet potato fries:
- Don’t overcrowd – Leave space between fries for air circulation.
- Brush with oil – Lightly coat fries with oil for flavor and crispness.
- Preheat air fryer – Preheating ensures fries start cooking immediately.
- Set timer and shake – Set timer for halfway point to shake basket for even cooking.
- Pat dry before seasoning – Dry fries will absorb seasoning better.
- Adjust time as needed – Add or reduce time based on preferred level of crispness.
Starting with completely frozen sweet potato fries also helps prevent them from cooking unevenly or becoming too soft.
How Long Do Frozen Sweet Potato Fries Last in the Freezer?
Properly stored, frozen sweet potato fries can last 8-12 months in the freezer before quality starts to decline. To maximize freshness:
- Use freezer bags or airtight containers.
- Exclude as much air as possible.
- Store at a constant 0°F temperature.
- Avoid freezer burn by using up within 8-12 months.
Freezer burn can cause frozen fries to dry out, take on a rancid flavor, and become limp instead of crispy when cooked. Storing in an airtight package prevents exposure to air and moisture.
Can You Refreeze Thawed Sweet Potato Fries?
It’s best to avoid refreezing previously frozen sweet potato fries. Partially or fully thawed fries will have a soggy, mushy texture when cooked. The cell walls in the sweet potatoes break down as they thaw, releasing moisture.
Refreezing will damage the cell structure further. The fries will turn out limp instead of crispy. If you end up with thawed fries, your best bet is cooking them immediately.
What’s the Best Temperature to Cook Frozen Fries?
The ideal air fryer temperature for cooking frozen fries is:
- 400°F for frozen sweet potato fries.
- 380-400°F for oven-style frozen fries.
- 400°F for thin shoestring fries.
Higher heat helps the outsides get crispy faster before the inside starts to thaw. Adjust time as needed based on the style of fry and your preferred level of crispness.
How Can You Make Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries Extra Crispy?
To get your frozen sweet potato fries ultra crispy in the air fryer, try these tricks:
- Air fry at 400°F.
- Spray or brush fries with oil before air frying.
- Cut fries evenly for even cooking.
- Cook in a single layer without overcrowding.
- Extend cook time by 2-3 minutes.
- Let fries cool for 5 minutes before eating.
The residual heat will continue crisping them up after air frying. Cooling for a few minutes also helps excess moisture evaporate for a crisper fry.
What Oil Should You Use to Air Fry Sweet Potato Fries?
The best oils for air frying sweet potato fries are:
- Avocado oil – High smoke point and neutral flavor.
- Grapeseed oil – Another high temperature oil.
- Olive oil – Adds delicious flavor.
- Coconut oil – Ideal for sweet potato fries.
- Peanut oil – Popular frying oil with nutty flavor.
Oils with high smoke points can withstand the 400°F air fryer temperature. Spray or brush a thin layer over the fries to promote browning and add flavor.
Do You Have to Soak Sweet Potatoes Before Air Frying?
Soaking raw sweet potato fries before air frying is optional, but has some benefits:
- Crisps surface and seals in moisture.
- Prevents oxidation that causes browning.
- Removes excess starch for crispier fries.
- Enhances sweet potato flavor.
To soak, place raw sweet potato fries in cold water for 30 minutes up to overnight. Pat very dry before air frying.
Soaking isn’t necessary for frozen fries since they are already cooked. Focus on oiling, spacing and getting the timing right.
What to Serve with Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet potato fries go great with all kinds of dips, seasonings and sauces:
- Honey mustard
- Chipotle ranch
- Spicy mayo
- Ketchup
- BBQ sauce
- Malt vinegar
- Cajun seasoning
- Parmesan
- Ranch dressing
Pair your piping hot sweet potato fries with cooled, creamy dips for the perfect sweet and salty, hot and cold combo.
Are Sweet Potato Fries Healthier Than Regular Fries?
Yes, sweet potato fries are healthier than regular potato fries for a few reasons:
- More nutrients – Sweet potatoes have more fiber, vitamins A and C.
- Less fat – Sweet potatoes have a lower fat content.
- Fewer carbs – Sweet potatoes have a lower glycemic index.
- Natural sugars – The sugars in sweet potatoes are natural.
Of course, frying increases fat and calories, so enjoy air fried sweet potato fries in moderation as part of an overall healthy diet.
Can You Air Fry Sweet Potato Fries Without Oil?
It’s best not to air fry sweet potato fries without any oil. A small amount of oil helps:
- Promotes browning and caramelization.
- Aids in moisture evaporation for a crispy texture.
- Allows any seasoning to stick better.
- Enhances the flavor.
- Prevents fries from drying out.
Brush or mist fries with just 1/2 to 1 teaspoon oil before air frying. The circulating hot air and nonstick basket mean you need very little.
Troubleshooting Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
Having trouble getting your frozen sweet potato fries crispy in the air fryer? Check out these troubleshooting tips:
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Not crispy | Increase temperature to 400°F. Add 2-3 minutes to cook time. |
| Unevenly cooked | Cut fries to similar size. Shake basket halfway through. |
| Too soft | Make sure fries are fully frozen. Don’t overload basket. |
| Burned | Brush with oil before cooking. Reduce temp 25°F. Cook less time. |
| Bland flavor | Toss fries in a little oil and seasoning before air frying. |
Adjusting cook time, oiling, and batch size as needed will help you nail crispy sweet potato fries every time.
Freezing Cooked Sweet Potato Fries
To freeze cooked sweet potato fries for later:
- Allow fresh cooked fries to cool completely.
- Spread in single layer on baking sheet to freeze solid.
- Transfer to airtight bags or containers.
- Press out as much air as possible.
- Label bag with contents and date.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
Frozen cooked fries retain their texture better than freezing raw fries. Air fry straight from the freezer whenever you want crisp, homemade fries in minutes!
Conclusion
Air frying frozen sweet potato fries is fast, easy, and delivers crispy, delicious results every time. Thanks to the circulating hot air, frozen fries cook up browned and tender in only minutes. Brushing the fries with oil, cooking at 400°F, and adjusting time for your preferred crispness are the keys to success. Enjoy your piping hot air fried sweet potato fries tossed in your favorite seasonings and dips for a quick and tasty meal!