Air Fryer Sweet Potato Sticks
The Perfect Crispy & Chewy Sweet Potato Sticks for Kids’ Snacks!
Introducing the ultimate healthy and delicious snack for your kids’ winter break: Air Fryer Sweet Potato Sticks! While plain boiled sweet potatoes might not always be a hit, these crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside sweet potato sticks are perfect for little hands to grab while playing. Skip the deep-frying fuss and easily make these nutritious treats with your air fryer.
Main Ingredients- 2 sweet potatoes
- 2-3 Tbsp cooking oil
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of parsley flakes
For Browning Prevention & Flavor- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp sugar
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Thoroughly wash the sweet potatoes under running water to remove any dirt. Peel them neatly using a vegetable peeler.
Step 2
Trim off about 1cm from both ends of each sweet potato to make them easier to handle and eat.
Step 3
Cut the sweet potatoes into sticks about 0.7-1cm thick. Cutting them too thinly can result in them becoming hard when cooked, so aim for a moderate thickness.
Step 4
Place the sweet potato sticks in a bowl and cover them with water. Let them soak for about 30 minutes to remove excess starch.
Step 5
*Tip: Adding 1 tablespoon of sugar to the soaking water at this stage helps prevent the sweet potatoes from browning excessively.
Step 6
After 30 minutes, you’ll notice a white, starchy sediment at the bottom of the bowl. Drain the sweet potato sticks, rinse them under clean water, and then drain them well.
Step 7
It’s crucial to remove as much moisture as possible from the rinsed sweet potato sticks. First, let them drain in a colander.
Step 8
Use paper towels to gently pat and press the sweet potato sticks to absorb any remaining moisture. Thoroughly drying ingredients before air frying not only saves cooking time but also ensures a crispier result. This tip applies to other ingredients as well.
Step 9
Before placing the sweet potato sticks in the air fryer, it’s important to coat them evenly with cooking oil.
Step 10
There are several ways to oil them. You can use an oil spray, or for a cleaner method, place the dried sweet potato sticks in a resealable plastic bag with 2-3 tablespoons of oil and shake well to coat. This method ensures even coverage and makes cleanup easy.
Step 11
Adding a pinch of salt at this stage enhances the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes, making them taste even better. It also seasons the sticks, so don’t skip it! Adjust the amount of salt based on the quantity of sweet potatoes you are using.
Step 12
For an even more appealing presentation, sprinkle some parsley flakes over the coated sweet potato sticks.
Step 13
If using the plastic bag method, close the bag securely and shake it well, or gently toss the sticks with your hands to ensure the oil is evenly distributed on all sides.
Step 14
Line your air fryer basket with parchment paper and arrange the seasoned sweet potato sticks in a single layer, ensuring they don’t overlap. Place them in a preheated air fryer set at 180°C (350°F) and cook for 8 minutes.
Step 15
After 8 minutes, carefully open the air fryer and check the sweet potato sticks. If they are still a bit undercooked and have a crisp texture, flip them over and cook for an additional 7 minutes.
Step 16
After the additional 7 minutes, they should be nicely golden brown. For an extra crispy finish, you can increase the temperature to 190°C (375°F) and cook for another 3-4 minutes. Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model, so it’s always best to check on them periodically and adjust the time as needed.
