Air-Fryer Sweet Potato: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Sweet potatoes are a great snack and can be cooked in an air fryer in a variety of ways. They are a good source of vitamins and fiber and can be cooked faster in an air fryer than in an oven. The cooking time depends on the size of the potato and the capacity of the air fryer. They can be cooked whole or cut into cubes and seasoned with a variety of spices and oils.

How long does it take to cook sweet potatoes in an air fryer?

Air-frying sweet potatoes is a great way to cook them in less time than it would take in an oven. The time it takes to cook sweet potatoes in an air fryer depends on the size of the potato and the capacity of the air fryer. A medium-sized whole sweet potato will take 30 to 55 minutes to cook at 375°F to 400°F. Smaller potatoes may be done in as little as 35 minutes, while larger potatoes may take 50 minutes or more.

To prepare the sweet potatoes for air frying, start by rinsing and scrubbing them, leaving them a bit damp so that salt or seasonings will stick. Poke 4 to 8 holes in each potato with a fork to allow steam to escape during cooking, then sprinkle with salt and drizzle with olive oil or avocado oil. You can also add seasonings like garlic powder, cayenne pepper, ginger, or sugar.

When cooking sweet potatoes in an air fryer, it's important to arrange them in a single layer and not overcrowd the basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the potatoes in batches. Place the potatoes in the air fryer and cook at 370°F to 400°F for 30 to 55 minutes, or until they are fork-tender. Flip or shake the potatoes about halfway through the cooking time.

Once the sweet potatoes are done, remove them from the air fryer and cut them open. Top with butter, coconut oil, or your favorite toppings. Enjoy!

What temperature should the air fryer be set to?

The temperature you should set your air fryer to depends on the type of sweet potato you are cooking. For example, if you are cooking sweet potato chunks, you should preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). If you are cooking whole sweet potatoes, you should set your air fryer to between 370 and 390 degrees Fahrenheit.

If you are cooking sweet potato cubes, you should set your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes, shaking the sweet potatoes once in between. If you are cooking medium-sized whole sweet potatoes, you should set your air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 40-45 minutes. For a whole medium-sized sweet potato, you should set your air fryer to 390 degrees Fahrenheit for about 30 minutes.

If you are cooking small sweet potatoes, you should start checking them after 35 minutes. If you are cooking large sweet potatoes, you should set your air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for 50 minutes or more. If you are cooking small sweet potato cubes, your second batch might take less time than the first because the air fryer will already be very hot.

It is important to note that every air fryer is different, so you may need to adjust the temperature and time accordingly.

How to prepare sweet potatoes for air frying?

Yes, you can cook sweet potatoes in an air fryer! Here's how to prepare them:

Firstly, select sweet potatoes that are firm, without bruises or discolourations, and store them in a cool, dry, dark, but well-ventilated place.

When you're ready to cook, start by peeling the sweet potatoes and cutting them into even-sized cubes or chunks. It's important to keep the sizes similar so that they cook at the same rate. Aim for chunks of around 0.5 inches.

Next, transfer the cubed sweet potatoes to a bowl and add your chosen oil and seasonings. You can use olive oil, avocado oil, or melted butter, and season with salt and pepper, garlic powder, harissa, or a spice blend like curry powder, cumin, cinnamon, or chilli powder. Toss the potatoes well to ensure they're evenly coated.

Preheat your air fryer according to the manufacturer's instructions. Some sources suggest preheating to 400°F, while others note that preheating is not necessary. If you choose not to preheat, your potatoes may take a couple of minutes longer to cook.

Place the seasoned sweet potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking process. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer, and cook in batches if necessary.

For sweet potato chunks, air fry for around 10-12 minutes at 400°F, or until they reach your desired level of doneness. Smaller pieces may cook faster, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Once they're cooked to your liking, remove the sweet potatoes from the air fryer and serve immediately. They will soften as they cool, so it's best to enjoy them right away.

Air-fried sweet potatoes are a quick, easy, and delicious side dish or snack, and you can customise the seasonings to suit your taste!

How to serve air-fried sweet potatoes?

Air-fried sweet potatoes can be served in a variety of ways. They can be enjoyed as a snack on their own or as a side dish. You can top them with butter, olive oil, coconut oil, salt, pepper, or your favourite seasoning. For an extra pop of flavour, you can sprinkle on chilli powder, cumin, cinnamon, or pumpkin spice.

You can also add them to wraps, salads, rice bowls, tacos, burrito bowls, or quinoa bowls. For a sweet potato chaat, drizzle them with cilantro chutney or sweet tamarind chutney. You can also combine them with chickpeas to make sweet potato tacos or add them to a burrito bowl with rice, beans, and corn.

If you want to make sweet potato tikkis, mash the roasted sweet potatoes and then mix them with oats and spices. You can also stuff them with different fillings to make them a main dish. Some ideas include chicken enchilada stuffed sweet potatoes, loaded vegetarian baked sweet potatoes, or Italian stuffed sweet potatoes. For a breakfast option, top your sweet potato with Greek yoghurt, a drizzle of maple syrup, and a dusting of cinnamon.

What are the benefits of cooking sweet potatoes in an air fryer?

There are several benefits to cooking sweet potatoes in an air fryer. One of the most significant advantages is the reduced cooking time compared to a conventional oven. Air fryers eliminate the need for preheating, which can take over ten minutes in an oven. Additionally, sweet potatoes cooked in an air fryer typically take around 35 to 55 minutes, while oven-baked potatoes can require up to 30 minutes or more.

Air fryers also offer convenience and versatility in cooking. They are perfect for preparing small batches or single servings without heating up your entire oven. You can easily adjust the cooking time and temperature to suit your preferences, resulting in sweet potatoes with a crispy exterior and fluffy or tender interior, depending on your desired texture.

Another benefit of using an air fryer is the ability to experiment with various seasonings and flavours. You can coat sweet potato cubes with olive oil, avocado oil, or melted butter, and then add spices like cayenne pepper, ginger, sugar, salt, or pepper to create your own unique combinations.

Lastly, air fryers are an excellent option for vegetarians or those looking to increase their vegetable intake. They can be used to cook a variety of vegetables, including sweet potatoes, regular potatoes, cauliflower, and onions, making them a versatile tool for creating healthy and delicious meals.

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