The Best Way to Fry Fresh Sweet Potatoes in a Deep Fryer

Sweet potato fries are a sweet and crispy indulgence that anyone can enjoy. Yes, deep frying sweet potatoes adds calories and fat, but they're still high in vitamin A. And cooking them yourself means you control what kind of oil is used and how much salt is added.

Fried sweet potatoes aren't difficult to make, but they do take a bit of prep work. It's also a good idea not to skip the soaking stage, since removing a little of the starch makes them lighter and crispier.

1. Wash the sweet potatoes in cold water.
2. Cut off the ends and peel the potatoes with a vegetable peeler or a knife.
3. Slice the sweet potatoes lengthwise into French fry shapes or push them through a French fry cutter, if you want them to be more uniform.
4. Soak the sliced fries in ice water while you fill the deep fryer about halfway full of canola or vegetable oil and bring the heat up to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
5. Drain and dry the sweet potato slices completely. Any water left on them may splatter when you add them to the hot oil, so be thorough.
6. Place the sweet potatoes into the hot oil in small batches and let them fry until they start to turn a deeper golden brown, about 4 to 6 minutes.
7. Scoop the fries out and onto a plate lined with paper towels and sprinkle them with salt. You can add chili powder if you'd like a little extra bite.
8. Continue frying the sweet potatoes in small batches until they're all done.
9. Serve them immediately, because they're best when they're fresh and hot!