Begin by washing and peeling the sweet potatoes. Cut them into even-sized fries, about ¼ inch thick, to ensure they cook evenly.
Soak the cut fries in cold water for at least 30 minutes. This step helps to remove excess starch, resulting in crispier fries.
After soaking, thoroughly pat the fries dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Removing as much moisture as possible is key to getting them crispy.
In a large bowl, toss the dried sweet potato fries with a small amount of olive oil, ensuring they are lightly and evenly coated.
Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. If you’re using cornstarch for extra crispiness, sprinkle it over the fries and toss them until they’re well coated.
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C). This helps the fries start cooking immediately and become crispy.
Arrange the fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking.
Cook for about 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket or flipping the fries halfway through the cooking time, until they are golden brown and crispy.
Once cooked, serve the sweet potato fries hot. They are best enjoyed fresh from the air fryer.
Serve with your favorite dips like ketchup, aioli, or a spicy mayo. Sprinkling fresh herbs or grated Parmesan cheese right after cooking can add an extra layer of flavor.