Air-Fryer Sweet Potatoes: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious!

Air fryers are a great alternative to ovens when it comes to baking sweet potatoes. Not only do they produce a similar fluffy inside and crisp skin, but they also cut down on cooking time by almost half. This is because air fryers cook with convection, and their size and design differ from that of a regular convection oven.

How to prepare sweet potatoes for air frying

Preparing sweet potatoes for air frying is a simple process. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Selecting and Storing Sweet Potatoes:

• Choose sweet potatoes with firm skin and minimal wrinkles, bruises, cracks, or soft spots.
• Store the sweet potatoes in a cool, dry, dark, and well-ventilated place for up to five weeks before use.

Pre-Cooking Preparation:

• Wash and scrub the sweet potatoes thoroughly under running water until the water runs clear.
• Pat the sweet potatoes dry with a clean cloth or paper towel.
• Using a fork, pierce the sweet potatoes all over. This step is crucial to allow steam to escape during the cooking process.
• Drizzle or brush olive oil, avocado oil, or any other oil of your choice over the sweet potatoes. This will help with crisping the skin and enhancing the flavour.
• Season the sweet potatoes with salt and pepper, or any other desired seasonings. You can also get creative with spices like cinnamon, curry powder, or paprika.

Air Frying:

• Preheat your air fryer according to the manufacturer's instructions. Some recipes suggest that preheating is not necessary, but it may add a couple of minutes to the cooking time.
• Place the sweet potatoes in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer and not overcrowded. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches.
• Set the air fryer temperature to between 370°F and 400°F. The ideal temperature may vary slightly depending on your air fryer and the size of the sweet potatoes.
• Cook the sweet potatoes for 10 to 20 minutes for cubes or diced potatoes, and 20 to 50 minutes for whole potatoes. Shake the air fryer basket or turn the potatoes halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking.
• Check the doneness of the sweet potatoes with a fork. They are ready when tender and easily pierced with a fork.
• Once cooked, remove the sweet potatoes from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before handling.

Serving:

• Cut the sweet potatoes open lengthwise and fluff the inside with a fork.
• Add a pat of butter or your favourite toppings. Get creative with toppings like cinnamon, maple syrup, sour cream, cheese, black beans, salsa, chives, or even marshmallows!
• Enjoy your perfectly air-fried sweet potatoes as a side dish, snack, or part of a larger meal.

Air fryer temperature and timing

The ideal temperature to bake sweet potatoes in an air fryer is 200C/400F. However, some sources suggest cooking at 390ºF or 370F.

The cooking time will depend on the size of the sweet potatoes and whether they are diced, cubed, or left whole. Whole sweet potatoes will take the longest to cook, with a range of 20 to 50 minutes. Cubed sweet potatoes will take 12 to 15 minutes, and diced sweet potatoes will take 7 to 12 minutes. For medium to large-sized potatoes, increase the cooking time.

It is important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the air fryer model and the size and shape of the sweet potatoes. It is recommended to buy potatoes that are similar in size and shape to ensure even cooking. Additionally, do not overcrowd the air fryer; cook the potatoes in batches if necessary.

To achieve the perfect texture, shake the air fryer basket a few times during the cooking process to ensure even cooking on all sides of the potatoes. For crispier potatoes, add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.

When preparing the sweet potatoes, it is crucial to poke holes in them with a fork to allow steam to escape and prevent them from bursting during cooking. Season the potatoes with oil, salt, and pepper, or other spices of your choice, and place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket.

How to serve air-fried sweet potatoes

Air-fried sweet potatoes are a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas on how to serve them:

Simple Toppings

For a simple yet delicious option, serve the air-fried sweet potatoes with a pat of butter or a drizzle of coconut oil on top. You can also sprinkle on some chili powder, cumin, cinnamon, or pumpkin spice for added flavour.

Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Get creative and stuff your air-fried sweet potatoes with different fillings. Some tasty options include chicken enchilada, loaded vegetarian, or Italian-style fillings.

Side Dish

Air-fried sweet potatoes make a great side dish. You can serve them as-is or with a dip like cilantro chutney or sweet tamarind chutney. They go well with various main courses, such as grilled chicken or fish.

Salads and Wraps

Slice or cube your air-fried sweet potatoes and add them to a salad or wrap. They pair well with ingredients like quinoa, veggies, rice, beans, and corn.

Tacos and Burrito Bowls

Another tasty option is to use your air-fried sweet potatoes in tacos or burrito bowls. Combine them with ingredients like chickpeas, black beans, salsa, avocado slices, and vegan sour cream for a flavourful Mexican-inspired dish.

Snacks and Appetizers

Air-fried sweet potatoes also make a great snack or appetizer. You can serve them as-is or with a dip like hummus or tzatziki. They're a healthy and tasty option for your next gathering.

Sweet Treats

For a sweeter option, you can top your air-fried sweet potatoes with cinnamon and honey, brown sugar, or maple syrup. You can even add a sprinkle of mini marshmallows for an indulgent treat.

Health benefits of sweet potatoes

Yes, you can bake sweet potatoes in an air fryer. Here's a simple recipe:

Air Fryer Baked Sweet Potato

Ingredients:

• 2 medium sweet potatoes, about 6 ounces
• Olive oil or avocado oil (optional)
• Salt and pepper (optional)
• Butter or coconut oil (optional)
• Toppings of your choice (optional)

Instructions:

• Poke holes all over the sweet potatoes with a fork.
• (Optional) Toss them in olive oil, salt, and pepper before air frying.
• Place the sweet potatoes in the air fryer basket and air fry at 370°F for 35-45 minutes, or until soft.
• Let the sweet potatoes sit for a few minutes, then slice and serve.
• Top with butter or coconut oil, or sprinkle on chili powder, cumin, cinnamon, or pumpkin spice. You can also stuff them with various fillings.

Now, here are 4-6 paragraphs on the health benefits of sweet potatoes:

Sweet potatoes are a nutritious root vegetable with multiple health benefits. They are a good source of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber. One cup of baked sweet potato provides a significant amount of vitamin A, vitamin C, manganese, copper, pantothenic acid, vitamin B6, and potassium.

Sweet potatoes promote gut health due to their fiber and antioxidant content. The fiber in sweet potatoes acts as a prebiotic, stimulating the growth of healthy gut bacteria and improving digestion. They also benefit the intestinal barrier, which is responsible for nutrient absorption and blocking harmful substances. Additionally, the antioxidants in purple sweet potatoes promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.

Sweet potatoes have potential anticancer properties. Anthocyanins, found in purple sweet potatoes, have been shown to slow the growth of certain types of cancer cells in test-tube studies. Phytochemicals in sweet potatoes also exhibit antioxidant activity, reducing free radical damage to cells, which is linked to cancer development.

Sweet potatoes are beneficial for eye health. They are rich in beta carotene, which is converted into vitamin A in the body. Vitamin A is essential for forming light-detecting receptors in the eyes. Consuming sweet potatoes can help prevent xerophthalmia, a type of blindness caused by vitamin A deficiency. Additionally, anthocyanins in sweet potatoes may protect eye cells from damage and reduce the risk of eye diseases like dry eye syndrome.

Sweet potatoes may also enhance brain function. Animal studies suggest that the anthocyanins in purple sweet potatoes can protect the brain by reducing inflammation and preventing free radical damage. Consuming sweet potatoes may improve spatial learning and memory, although more human studies are needed to confirm these effects.

In addition to the benefits mentioned above, sweet potatoes have anti-inflammatory properties, support a healthy immune system, and promote heart health by reducing cholesterol levels. They are a versatile and nutritious addition to any diet, offering a range of health benefits.

Other ways to cook sweet potatoes

Yes, you can bake sweet potatoes in an air fryer. Here's a simple recipe:

Wash and scrub the sweet potatoes, then poke holes in them with a fork. Rub them with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Place them in the air fryer basket and cook at 200C/400F for 18-20 minutes, or until soft.

Now, here are some other ways to cook sweet potatoes:

In the Oven

Oven-baked sweet potatoes are a great option if you don't have an air fryer. Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminium foil. Poke holes in the sweet potatoes with a fork and place them on the baking sheet. Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the skin is puffed up and you can easily pierce them with a fork.

You can also bake sweet potato halves. Cut the potatoes in half lengthwise, rub them with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake cut-side up for 30 minutes, or until lightly browned and tender.

Roasted

Roasting sweet potatoes is another popular option. Preheat your oven to 425°F and cut the sweet potatoes into 1/2-inch cubes. You can also cut them into fries or wedges, but the cooking time will vary. Toss the cubes with avocado or olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast for 10-12 minutes, shaking the tray halfway through.

Microwaved

If you're short on time, you can also cook sweet potatoes in the microwave. Simply wash and scrub the sweet potatoes, poke holes in them, and place them in the microwave. The cooking time will depend on the size of the potatoes.

Mashed

Mashed sweet potatoes are a delicious and versatile option. You can boil or steam the sweet potatoes until tender, then mash them with butter, milk, salt, and pepper. Try adding some cinnamon or nutmeg for a sweet twist.

Stuffed

Stuffed sweet potatoes are a great option for a hearty meal. Bake or microwave your sweet potatoes until tender, then slice them open and stuff them with your favourite fillings. Try chilli and cheese, veggie fillings, or even marshmallows for a sweet treat.

There are endless ways to cook and enjoy sweet potatoes, so feel free to experiment with different spices, herbs, and cooking methods to find your favourite combinations!

Frequently asked questions