Sweet potato fries are a universally loved side dish – healthier than their traditional counterparts and packed with a unique, savory-sweet flavor. And let’s be honest, nothing makes them as perfectly crispy and delicious with less fuss than an air fryer! While everyone’s hunting for the “best air fryer for sweet potato fries,” the truth is, a good air fryer is only half the battle. The real secret to consistently amazing sweet potato fries often lies in the quality of the frozen fries you choose.
Whether you’re looking for crinkle-cut goodness, waffle-fry fun, or just a classic straight cut, picking the right frozen sweet potato fries can make all the difference. We’ve rounded up some top contenders that truly shine when cooked in an air fryer, plus a handy tool for all your fry-making adventures. Let’s dive in and find your next crispy obsession!
1. 365 by Whole Foods Market, Crinkle Cut Sweet Potato
If you’re after that delightful crinkle-cut texture that’s perfect for scooping up your favorite dips, the 365 by Whole Foods Market Crinkle Cut Sweet Potato fries are a fantastic choice. These fries embody the quality and care you expect from Whole Foods, ensuring a delicious and satisfying experience. They’re designed for convenience without compromising on taste, making them a go-to for a quick, healthy snack or side dish that truly gets crispy in the air fryer.
Key Features:
– Premium ingredients at accessible prices.
– Meets rigorous Whole Foods Market quality standards, prohibiting over 100 ingredients.
– Part of an extensive range of choices for conscious consumers.
– An Amazon brand, ensuring easy availability.
Pros:
– Reliable quality from a trusted brand.
– Crinkle cut offers a great crispy surface area.
– Convenient and easy to prepare.
– Excellent for a healthier alternative to regular fries.
Cons:
– Availability might be tied to Whole Foods Market or Amazon.
– May not be as heavily seasoned as some other options (can be a pro for customization!).
User Impressions: Customers love these fries for their consistent quality and fantastic texture when air-fried. Many appreciate the clean ingredient list and the fact that they don’t get soggy easily. They’re often praised as a family favorite for quick meals.
2. Alexia Sweet Potato Waffle Cut Fries Seasoned with Garlic, Onion & Pepper
Alexia truly elevates the frozen fry game, and their Sweet Potato Waffle Cut Fries are no exception. Seasoned with a delightful blend of garlic, onion, and pepper, these aren’t just any sweet potato fries; they’re a flavor explosion in a unique waffle shape that cooks up incredibly crispy in the air fryer. Every bite offers that perfect balance of savory seasoning and sweet potato goodness, making them an ideal companion for burgers, sandwiches, or even as a standalone snack.
Key Features:
– Chef-inspired seasoning blend: garlic, onion, and pepper.
– Unique waffle-cut shape for maximum crispiness.
– Made with high-quality, non-GMO ingredients.
– Quick and easy to prepare in an air fryer (14-16 minutes at 360°F).
Pros:
– Fantastic pre-seasoned flavor, saving you time.
– Waffle cut ensures a great crispy texture.
– Made with non-GMO ingredients.
– Specific air fryer instructions are a bonus for perfect results.
Cons:
– The seasoning might be too strong for those who prefer plain fries.
– Waffle cut might not be everyone’s preferred shape.
User Impressions: Reviewers rave about the delicious seasoning and how incredibly crispy these waffle fries get in an air fryer. They’re often highlighted as a favorite for their unique shape and ability to hold up well to dips. Many appreciate the convenience of them being pre-seasoned.
3. Strong Roots Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries, 15 oz., Vegan
Strong Roots is all about making “good made easy,” and their Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries deliver on that promise. These fries are coated in an all-natural rice flour batter, giving them an extra crispiness that truly shines in an air fryer. Beyond taste, they’re a conscientious choice: gluten-free, low in saturated fat, sugar, and salt, and 100% vegan. They’re a versatile and healthy option that pairs beautifully with almost any meal.
Key Features:
– Coated in all-natural rice flour batter for extra crispiness.
– Gluten-free, no trans fat, low in saturated fat, sugar, and salt.
– 100% vegan and non-GMO project verified.
– Made with nutrient-rich, whole plant foods.
– Designed for quick and easy preparation in an oven or air fryer.
Pros:
– Exceptional crispiness due to rice flour batter.
– Excellent choice for those with dietary restrictions (vegan, gluten-free).
– Clean, recognizable ingredients.
– Helps fight food waste as you only cook what you need.
Cons:
– “Oven Baked” in the name might mislead some, but they excel in an air fryer.
– May require slightly longer air frying than other brands to achieve peak crispiness.
User Impressions: Customers frequently praise Strong Roots for their crisp texture and delicious, wholesome flavor. Many appreciate the fact that they are vegan and gluten-free without compromising on taste. They are a popular choice for those seeking healthier frozen fry options.
4. Alexia Sweet Potato Fries with Sea Salt, 15 Ounce
Sometimes, simplicity is key, and Alexia’s Sweet Potato Fries with Sea Salt hit that mark perfectly. These classic straight-cut fries are seasoned simply with sea salt, allowing the natural sweetness of the sweet potato to truly shine. They’re an incredibly versatile option, perfect for pairing with any meal or customizing with your own seasonings, sauces, or dips. Like other Alexia products, you can expect high quality ingredients that crisp up beautifully in the air fryer, delivering that satisfying crunch and tender interior every time.
Key Features:
– Classic straight-cut sweet potato fries.
– Seasoned simply with natural sea salt.
– Made with high-quality ingredients (typical of Alexia brand).
– Ideal for quick preparation in your air fryer.
Pros:
– Pure sweet potato flavor, not overwhelmed by seasonings.
– Versatile; great for adding your own spices.
– Reliable crispy texture when air-fried.
– A staple from a well-regarded brand.
Cons:
– May be too plain for those who prefer more complex flavors.
– Requires you to add your own seasoning if you want more zest.
User Impressions: Users love these fries for their clean taste and how well they air fry, achieving a perfectly crisp exterior. Many find them to be a fantastic base for creating their own seasoned sweet potato fries, appreciating the simple sea salt seasoning. They are a go-to for those who enjoy the natural flavor of sweet potatoes.
5. POP AirFry Mate, Commercial Grade Stainless Steel French Fries Cutter
While our primary focus has been on the best air fryer for sweet potato fries and the delicious frozen options available, the POP AirFry Mate offers a different kind of support for your fry-making endeavors. This commercial-grade stainless steel cutter is a game-changer if you’re making fries from scratch – particularly for regular potatoes. Its robust design and interchangeable blades allow you to quickly and consistently cut perfect 1/2″ or 3/8″ fries, ensuring even cooking every time.
Important Note: It’s crucial to acknowledge that while this cutter is excellent for a variety of vegetables, the manufacturer explicitly states it is NOT RECOMMENDED FOR SWEET POTATOES. Sweet potatoes are denser and tougher, which can strain the mechanism or dull the blades. However, if you’re also a fan of homemade regular potato fries, or need to prep other veggies like onions and cucumbers, this tool is an absolute powerhouse for your kitchen.
Key Features:
– Comes with two interchangeable blades (1/2″ and 3/8″ cuts).
– Heavy-duty pulldown lever for effortless cutting.
– Sturdy legs and suction cup base for optimal leverage and stability.
– Compact, durable, and easy to clean (dishwasher safe).
– Designed to perfectly prep fries for deep fryers and air fryers.
Pros:
– Effortlessly cuts uniform fries, leading to even cooking.
– Durable commercial-grade stainless steel construction.
– Easy to use and clean.
– Excellent for regular potatoes and other vegetables.
Cons:
– NOT RECOMMENDED FOR SWEET POTATOES (a significant limitation for this specific article’s focus).
– Takes up some counter space when in use.
User Impressions: Users highly praise this cutter for its sturdy build and its ability to quickly produce perfectly uniform potato fries. They love how much time it saves and how easy it is to clean. The suction cup base is a frequently mentioned positive, providing great stability. However, users reiterate the manufacturer’s warning about sweet potatoes, confirming it’s best for regular spuds.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What makes an air fryer the best for sweet potato fries?
A: The best air fryer for sweet potato fries excels in circulating hot air evenly, leading to a consistently crispy exterior and a tender interior. Look for models with good capacity for single-layer cooking, powerful heating elements, and intuitive controls for temperature and time. Proper airflow is key to avoiding soggy fries.
Q2: How do I get my sweet potato fries extra crispy in an air fryer?
A: A few tricks:
* Don’t overcrowd the basket: Cook in a single layer, in batches if necessary, to ensure proper airflow.
* Light oil coating: A very light spray of olive oil or avocado oil helps with crisping.
* Preheat: Always preheat your air fryer for a few minutes.
* Shake often: Shake the basket every 5-7 minutes to ensure even browning.
* Higher temp, shorter time: Sometimes a slightly higher temperature (like 400°F) for a shorter period can yield better crispiness.
Q3: Can I make homemade sweet potato fries in an air fryer?
A: Absolutely! For homemade sweet potato fries, cut them into uniform sticks, soak them in cold water for 30 minutes to remove excess starch (then dry thoroughly!), toss with a bit of oil and seasonings, and air fry at around 375-400°F for 15-20 minutes, shaking frequently.
Q4: What’s the ideal temperature and cooking time for frozen sweet potato fries in an air fryer?
A: Most frozen sweet potato fries do well at 360-400°F (180-200°C) for 12-20 minutes. Always check the package instructions first, as brands vary. Remember to shake the basket several times during cooking.
Q5: Are sweet potato fries healthier than regular fries?
A: Sweet potato fries generally have more vitamins (especially Vitamin A) and fiber than regular potato fries. When air-fried, they also use significantly less oil than deep-fried versions, making them a healthier alternative overall.
Q6: Why do my sweet potato fries turn out soggy in the air fryer?
A: Soggy fries are usually due to overcrowding the air fryer basket, insufficient cooking time, or not enough oil (or too much, making them greasy). Ensure fries are in a single layer, cook in batches if needed, and give them enough time to crisp up, shaking periodically.
Q7: Can I air fry sweet potato tots or waffle fries?
A: Yes! Sweet potato tots and waffle fries perform exceptionally well in an air fryer due to their shape, which provides more surface area for crisping. Follow package instructions, shake frequently, and enjoy!
Conclusion
Finding the “best air fryer for sweet potato fries” isn’t just about the appliance itself; it’s about the entire experience, from the quality of the frozen fries you choose to the technique you use. The options we’ve explored, from the classic Alexia to the wholesome Strong Roots, offer fantastic starting points for your next air-fried sweet potato adventure. Remember to give your fries space in the basket, shake them often, and get ready to enjoy perfectly crispy, flavorful sweet potato fries every time. Happy air frying!