These air fryer loaded fries are incredibly easy to make and absolutely delicious! Sweet potato fries are not only a tasty alternative to regular fries, but they also offer health benefits. They contain less fat and are packed with more vitamins and antioxidants compared to traditional potato fries, making them a much healthier option. Additionally, cooking sweet potato fries in an air-fryer is a great way to make them crispy and golden without using as much oil, making it a more energy-efficient and healthier cooking method.
What I love most about these fries is how customizable they are. You can easily adjust the toppings to suit everyone’s preferences, which makes them an ideal choice for a family meal or a casual gathering. Whether you enjoy a spicy kick with some jalapeños and hot sauce, or prefer a milder version topped with creamy cheese and savoury meats, these air fryer loaded fries are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Here’s my go-to recipe for Air Fryer Loaded Sweet Potato Fries. These fries are perfectly crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and bursting with flavour. I love topping mine with a generous amount of grated mozzarella and ham hock, which adds a savoury and slightly smoky flavour. But feel free to get creative! Pulled pork, crispy bacon, or grilled chicken are all fantastic options that pair wonderfully with the fries. If you’re a cheese lover, you can experiment with different types of cheese such as cheddar, red Leicester, or even a blend of your favourites for an extra cheesy kick. No matter how you top them, these loaded sweet potato fries are sure to satisfy your cravings and impress your guests!
PREP 5 minutes
COOK 15 minutes
SERVES 2 people
KIT you will need an air fryer and oven proof dish.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Loaded Fries
2 small sweet potatoes peeled and sliced
1 tsp of chili powder (adjust for spice preference)
1 tsp of onion powder
A teaspoon of garlic powder
1 tsp of smoked paprika (for a deeper flavour)
1 tsp of ground coriander
110g of shredded ham hock (or substitute with pulled pork, bacon, or grilled chicken)
A handful of grated mozzarella (or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella for extra cheesiness)
Olive oil spray
To serve:
Fresh red chilli, thinly sliced
Method
So start by thoroughly washing your sweet potatoes. You can peel them if you prefer a smoother texture, or leave the skin on for added fibre and a bit of rustic crunch. So once cleaned, slice the sweet potatoes into evenly sized fries – about 1cm thick is ideal. Keeping them uniform in size ensures they cook evenly and crisp up nicely.
Then place the sweet potato fries into a large mixing bowl and give them a light spray with olive oil. This helps the seasoning stick and also encourages a crispy finish.
Then in a small bowl, mix together your spices: a teaspoon each of chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and ground coriander. This combination adds a smoky, slightly spicy flavour that pairs perfectly with the natural sweetness of the potatoes.
Sprinkle the seasoning mix over the fries and toss or shake the bowl to coat them thoroughly. So make sure each piece is well-seasoned.
Preheat your air fryer to 200°C. This step helps get that crispy outer texture right from the start. Once preheated, transfer the seasoned fries into an oven-proof dish that fits inside your air fryer. Spread them out so they cook evenly, then place the dish in the air fryer basket and cook for around 15 minutes. Be sure to shake or stir them halfway through.
After 15 minutes, check for doneness – the edges should be golden and crisp. Once they’re ready, sprinkle shredded ham hock and grated mozzarella over the top. Return to the air fryer and cook for another 3-4 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove the dish carefully, and top with any extras you like – chopped chives, sour cream, or jalapeños. Serve hot and enjoy your loaded sweet potato fries!
Tips for Air fryer Loaded Fries
1. Use the right fries
Thicker-cut chips or skin-on fries hold up best under toppings. You can use frozen or homemade fries, just make sure they’re evenly cut for consistent cooking.
2. Don’t overcrowd the basket
Cook fries in a single layer for best results. Overcrowding prevents crisping, so work in batches if needed.
3. Shake or toss halfway
Give the basket a good shake or stir halfway through air frying to help the fries crisp up on all sides.
4. Add toppings after cooking the fries
Air fry your fries until crisp before adding cheese, bacon, or other toppings. This stops the fries from going soggy.
5. Use melty cheese
Grated cheddar, mozzarella, or a cheese blend melts well in the air fryer. After topping, return the loaded fries to the air fryer for 1–2 minutes to melt.
6. Pre-cook any proteins
If you’re adding bacon, pulled pork, or other meats, cook them fully before topping your fries. The air fryer will just reheat them and melt the cheese.
7. Line the basket if needed
To avoid mess and make clean-up easier, line the basket with foil or parchment after the initial fry when adding toppings.
8. Get creative with toppings
Try sour cream, jalapeños, spring onions, BBQ sauce, or even guacamole. It’s a great way to use up leftovers too!
9. Serve immediately
Loaded fries are best enjoyed hot and fresh – crispy, cheesy, and full of flavour!
Similar recipes
If you’re loving the crispy, cheesy goodness of your Air Fryer Loaded Fries, you’ll want to try these other tasty air fryer recipes from the site. They’re perfect for sharing, snacking, or adding extra flavour and variety to your meal.
Air Fryer Sausages
Juicy, perfectly cooked sausages are a total game-changer when made in the air fryer. They come out crispy on the outside, tender and bursting with flavour inside. All without any greasy mess.
Air Fryer Halloumi
If you love a little salty, crispy cheese, air fryer halloumi is your new best friend. With a golden crust and soft, chewy centre, it’s an amazing addition to any snack board or meal. Pop these halloumi bites alongside your loaded fries for a flavour-packed combo that’s perfect for sharing or enjoying on your own.
Air Fryer Potato Skins
Crispy, cheesy, and loaded with delicious toppings, these potato skins are an ideal companion for fries or a great snack on their own.
Air Fryer Onion Rings
Crunchy, golden onion rings with minimal oil. A classic side that pairs brilliantly with loaded fries for a full flavour experience.
These recipes are all about making your air fryer work overtime to create irresistible snacks and sides. Perfect for casual get-togethers, game days, or when you just want to treat yourself!
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