Preheat Your Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 200°C (180°C fan) and let it preheat for at least 3-5 minutes. This is a crucial step for getting the fries crispy from the moment they go in.

Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: While the air fryer is preheating, peel your sweet potatoes. Cut them into long, even-sized batons, about 1cm thick. Try to make them as uniform as possible – this ensures they all cook at the same rate.

Soak and Dry (Optional but Recommended): For extra crispiness, place the cut fries into a large bowl of cold water and let them soak for at least 30 minutes. This removes excess starch. Afterwards, it's absolutely vital to dry them thoroughly. I lay them on a clean tea towel and pat them completely dry with another. Any moisture left will cause them to steam instead of fry.

Season the Fries: Place the dry sweet potato fries into a large, dry bowl. In a separate small bowl, mix together the cornflour, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

Coat the Fries: First, drizzle the olive oil over the fries and toss well to coat them evenly. Then, sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the oiled fries. Toss again until every fry is lightly and evenly coated. I find using my hands is the best way to ensure everything is well-distributed.

Air Fry in Batches: Place the seasoned fries in the preheated air fryer basket in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the basket! You may need to cook in two batches depending on the size of your air fryer. Overcrowding will steam the fries and they won't get crispy.

Cook to Perfection: Air fry for 12-15 minutes, giving the basket a good shake halfway through the cooking time (around the 7-minute mark). This helps them cook and brown evenly.

Check for Doneness: The fries are ready when they are golden brown, slightly crisped at the edges, and tender on the inside. Cooking time may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model and the thickness of your fries, so keep an eye on them during the last few minutes.

Serve Immediately: Transfer the hot fries to a serving bowl, sprinkle with a little extra flaky sea salt and some fresh parsley if you wish, and serve straight away with your favourite dipping sauce.