How to Perfect the Art of Deep-Fried Sweet Potato Fries
If you’re looking for a unique and flavorful twist on classic French fries, our Deep-fried sweet Potato Fries recipe is just what you need! They’re not only crispy on the outside and irresistibly soft on the inside, but they also have a natural sweetness that pairs perfectly with a variety of dipping sauces.
Whether you’re looking for a snack or a side dish, these sweet potato fries are sure to satisfy your cravings.
Deep Fried Sweet Potato Fries
Equipment
- Deep fryer or Dutch oven
- Paper Towels
Ingredients
- 3 sweet potatoes scrubbed clean and peeled
- 1 quart peanut oil for frying
- salt
- paprika
Instructions
- Prep the potatoes. Using a sharp knife or French fry cutter, cut the sweet potatoes into 1/4 square strips.
- Ice bath. Put the sliced sweet potatoes in a large bowl of ice-cold water. Add more ice if required to cover them completely. You can also put the soaked sweet potatoes in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours to make sure they are chilled well. This will help in making them crispy while frying.
- The first fry. Follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer to prepare the deep fryer. Then, fill it with peanut oil and heat it to 325℉. Next, drain the sweet potatoes and dry them thoroughly using a paper towel. Eliminating any excess moisture is important, as it can cause oil to splatter. Put the sweet potatoes in the fryer basket without worrying about them being slightly crowded. Fry them for 5-7 minutes until they soften and turn light golden. Finally, remove the fries and place them on a baking sheet lined with paper towels to drain.
- The second fry. Set the heat to 375℉ and fry them again in smaller batches. Make sure they don't touch each other while frying to make sure even cooking and crispiness. Fry them for 2-4 minutes until they turn golden brown and crispy. After frying, place them on fresh paper towels to remove excess oil. While they are hot, add salt and paprika for flavor.
Notes
More Tips:
Cut the sweet potatoes into evenly sized strips for consistent cooking and crispiness. Uneven sizes may result in some fries being overcooked or undercooked.
Don’t skip soaking the sweet potato strips in ice water, as this helps to remove excess starch and results in crispier fries. The longer you soak the potatoes, the better the texture, up to 12 hours.
After soaking and before frying, use paper towels to pat the sweet potatoes as dry as possible. Excess moisture can cause the oil to splatter and prevent the fries from becoming crispy.
Use a deep-fry thermometer to make sure the oil is at the correct temperature during both frying stages. Proper oil temperature is crucial for achieving crispy and perfectly cooked sweet potato fries.
You can also cook it using an air fryer, but they’ll still be good. Cooking time may vary depending on the air fryer model, so adjust as needed.
About the Ingredients
Here are some substitutions you can try:
- Peanut Oil: Use canola oil or vegetable oil instead for frying.
- Sweet Potatoes: Regular russet potatoes or yams are a great alternative. Instead of deep-frying sweet potatoes, you can make old-fashioned candied sweet potatoes in a cast iron skillet.
- Paprika: Swap for cayenne pepper for more heat or chili powder for a smokier flavor.
- Salt: Try sea salt flakes or smoked salt for a different twist.
However, remember that these substitutions may change the taste and texture of your fries. But it’s worth trying them out to see which one you like the best!
Give these Deep Fried Sweet Potato Fries a try! Just a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, and you’ll be making perfectly crispy fries. Trust me, they’re sure to be a hit at any gathering.
By Katie Shaw
Katie lives in Virginia with her husband, three daughters, a chocolate lab, and over thirty chickens. She loves creating simple tutorials for sourdough, bread, and soap. Her recipes, articles, and YouTube videos reach millions of people per year.