Save It A playful spin on classic sweet potato fries these air-fryer jack-o'-lantern fries are my go-to for Halloween gatherings and sneaky weeknight fun. The crispy edges and smoky seasoning make them a festive treat that never fails to get a smile. I love how easy these are to carve and cook transforming a simple vegetable into a crowd-pleasing side.
Every time I make these fries for my kids their excitement over the spooky faces absolutely makes my night. The sweet potatoes crisp up perfectly in the air fryer and the smoky paprika brings a touch of warmth that feels just right for autumn.
Ingredients
- Sweet potatoes: the star ingredient look for deep orange ones that feel firm and heavy in your hand for best flavor and texture
- Olive oil: helps create that golden crisp and carries the spices be sure it smells fresh and fruity
- Smoked paprika: adds a subtle smokiness opt for Spanish or Hungarian varieties for depth
- Garlic powder: gives gentle savory flavor a fine powder blends best
- Onion powder: sweet and aromatic helps round out the spices
- Salt: enhances every flavor
- Black pepper: for gentle heat freshly cracked is best
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): for bright color and a fresh finish
Instructions
- Slice and Prep Sweet Potatoes:
- Carefully peel sweet potatoes and slice into rounds about a quarter inch thick uniform slices help everything cook evenly
- Carve the Jack-o-Lantern Faces:
- Use a small sharp paring knife or a mini cookie cutter to carve fun jack-o-lantern expressions into each sweet potato round take your time and keep the knife pointed away from your fingers
- Season the Fries:
- Place all rounds in a big mixing bowl drizzle with olive oil and toss until every slice is lightly coated add smoked paprika garlic powder onion powder salt and black pepper then toss again so the seasoning hugs every carved edge
- Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Set your air fryer to four hundred degrees fahrenheit or two hundred degrees celsius and let it warm up for three minutes this helps jumpstart the crispiness
- Air Fry to Perfection:
- Lay sweet potato rounds in a single layer inside the air fryer basket avoid stacking for even cooking you may need to work in batches depending on basket size fry for twelve to fifteen minutes flipping halfway through so both sides get that golden edge
- Serve Hot and Garnish:
- Transfer fries straight from the basket onto a serving plate sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley if you want and enjoy right away for maximum crunch
Save It The sweet potatoes are always my favorite part especially when the faces turn out extra spooky. Last Halloween my niece and I had a contest to see who could carve the funniest fry and we were giggling the whole night. When I sprinkle parsley over the top the fries look extra festive and bright.
Storage Tips
Store leftover fries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for two days reheat in the air fryer or oven for best crispiness. To keep texture avoid stacking fries until fully cooled. Freeze after air-frying and quick cooling then reheat directly from frozen at four hundred degrees for ten minutes.
Ingredient Substitutions
Try using Japanese sweet potatoes for a firmer sweeter bite. Avocado oil works well instead of olive oil if you want a more neutral flavor. Cumin powder or chili powder can replace smoked paprika for a twist in seasoning.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with chipotle mayo barbecue ranch or garlic aioli for dipping. Pile alongside burgers sandwiches or as a fun appetizer at holiday parties. Scatter with pomegranate seeds or crumbled vegan feta for a pop of color.
Save It These fries are a hit with every age group. Easy to double or triple the batch for parties. Shapes hold well with a little extra chilling before frying.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I carve jack-o'-lantern faces in sweet potatoes?
Use a sharp paring knife or a mini cookie cutter to carefully cut jack-o'-lantern shapes into sliced sweet potato rounds.
- → What makes air frying better for these sweet potato fries?
Air frying uses less oil and cooks the fries quickly, resulting in crispy edges and tender centers with less mess.
- → Can I prepare the sweet potatoes ahead of time?
Yes, you can slice and carve the sweet potatoes in advance. Store them in cold water to prevent browning until ready to cook.
- → Are these fries suitable for vegan and gluten-free diets?
Absolutely. They contain only plant-based ingredients and no gluten, making them ideal for vegan and gluten-free guests.
- → What dips pair well with these fries?
Try chipotle mayo, garlic aioli, or a simple ketchup for dipping to complement the smoky flavor of the fries.
- → How can I make the fries extra crispy?
Soak the sweet potato rounds in cold water for 30 minutes, then dry thoroughly before tossing with oil and seasonings.