If you've ever struggled with making sweet potato fries in an oven only to get a slightly soggy result, let the air fryer come to your rescue. This kitchen game-changer delivers that coveted crunch without the need for deep-frying. The process is as effortless as cutting the sweet potato into even, uniform pieces, tossing them with some oil, salt, and pepper, and lettting the air fryer do its magic until you have crispy fries.

Don't hesitate to personalize these fries with your choice of seasonings; simply sprinkle them over the potatoes right before air-frying. Options range widely, from smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, to Old Bay seasoning, cinnamon-sugar or chopped herbs such as rosemary or thyme. The robustness of sweet potato fries allows them to accommodate any flavor you throw their way. Of course, serving them with generous amounts of ketchup, or better still, aioli, is a highly recommended culinary touch.

Air fryers operate by circulating air at high temperatures around the food to reproduce that fried texture. The trick to getting crispy sweet potato fries is to set them in a single layer, allowing the hot air to circulate evenly around each fry. Unlike traditional recipes, there's no need to soak the sweet potatoes to remove excess starch when using an air fryer. Depending on your personal preference, you can choose to keep the peel for a more rustic appeal and an extra fiber boost.

Savor the fries immediately for the best experience, although they can be stored in the refrigerator for upto a day. If opting for the latter, remember to re-crisp the leftover fries in the air fryer before indulging.

For those seeking guidance, here's an easy recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 large (12 to 14-ounce) sweet potato, peeled
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
• Cooking spray

Instructions:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F.
2. Cut the sweet potato lengthwise into thirds. Cut each piece into 1/4-inch sticks.
3. Toss the potato pieces with the olive oil and salt in a large bowl.
4. Generously coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray and place the potatoes in the tray.
5. Air-fry for 5 minutes. Using tongs, toss the fries, then continue air-frying them until the fries are browned in spots and crispy, about 10 minutes more.
6. Immediately season the fries with additional salt, if desired.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!