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

Sweet potatoes are a great snack, side dish, or ingredient to add to a meal. They are packed with nutrients and natural sweetness, and can be cooked in an air fryer in less than half the time it takes to roast them in an oven.

Air-fried sweet potatoes are a healthier alternative to deep-fried potatoes, with less fat and fewer calories. They are also quicker to cook than oven-baked potatoes, as you don't need to preheat an air fryer.

You can cook sweet potatoes in an air fryer in a variety of ways, including as fries, wedges, cubes, or even whole. The cooking time will depend on the size and thickness of the potato pieces, as well as the temperature and specific type of air fryer being used.

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

Yes, you can cook sweet potatoes in an air fryer! The cooking time will depend on the size of the sweet potatoes and how you cut them.

For example, if you cut your sweet potatoes into cubes or fries, they will take less time to cook than if you leave them whole. Cubed or diced sweet potatoes will take 7-15 minutes to cook in the air fryer, while whole sweet potatoes will take 20-50 minutes. If you cut your sweet potatoes into wedges, they will take 15-20 minutes to cook.

It's important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size of your sweet potatoes and the power of your air fryer, so it's always a good idea to keep an eye on them while they're cooking. Additionally, make sure to poke holes in the sweet potatoes before air frying to prevent them from bursting.

• Wash and peel the sweet potatoes.
• Cut the sweet potatoes into the desired shape (cubes, wedges, or leave them whole).
• Transfer the sweet potatoes to a bowl and add your desired seasonings. Toss to combine.
• Preheat the air fryer according to the manufacturer's instructions.
• Arrange the sweet potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded.
• Air fry at 370-400 degrees Fahrenheit for the recommended time, shaking the basket or turning the sweet potatoes once or twice during cooking to ensure even browning.
• Once the sweet potatoes are soft and golden, they are ready to be served!

How to cut sweet potatoes for air frying?

Air-frying sweet potatoes is a great way to enjoy this nutritious vegetable as a snack or a side dish. Here's a guide on how to cut sweet potatoes for air frying:

First, select the right sweet potatoes. Look for firm potatoes without bruises or discolourations. For air frying, it is preferable to choose sweet potatoes that are not too long, as you want to use the full length of the potato as the length of the fry.

Next, wash the sweet potatoes and peel them. You can skip peeling if you are using organic sweet potatoes. Use a sharp chef's knife or a peeler to remove the skin.

After peeling, cut the sweet potato into halves or thirds, depending on its length. Then, place one portion vertically on the cutting board and cut it into slices about 1/2-inch thick. Repeat this process for the remaining portions.

Now, lay each slice flat on the cutting board and cut them into 1/2-inch cubes. Try to keep the cubes a similar size so that they cook evenly.

If you prefer fries or wedges, cut the sweet potato into sticks or wedges instead of cubes. The thinner you cut them, the crispier they will be. Just remember that the cooking time will vary depending on the thickness and size of the cuts.

What oil is best for air-fried sweet potatoes?

Yes, you can cook sweet potatoes in an air fryer. They can be cooked as fries, cubes, or wedges, and are a great snack or side dish.

Best Oils for Air-Fried Sweet Potatoes

You can use a variety of oils to cook sweet potatoes in an air fryer, and the choice of oil will depend on your personal preference and the desired taste. Here are some of the best oils to use:

• Avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point, making it suitable for air frying. It is a healthy option and adds a subtle flavour to the sweet potatoes.
• Olive oil: Olive oil is a popular choice for air frying due to its flavour and health benefits. It has a lower smoke point than avocado oil but still works well for air-fried sweet potatoes.
• Canola oil: Canola oil is another option with a high smoke point, making it suitable for high-temperature cooking methods like air frying.
• Cooking spray: You can also use a cooking spray to coat the sweet potatoes before air frying.

When using oil for air frying, it is important to use just a small amount, as air fryers use less oil than traditional frying methods. For sweet potatoes, you can toss them with the oil and your choice of seasonings before placing them in the air fryer.

What temperature should I cook sweet potatoes at in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook sweet potatoes in an air fryer!

The ideal temperature to cook sweet potatoes in an air fryer is between 370F and 400F. The cooking time will depend on the size of the sweet potatoes and how you cut them. Here is a general guide:

• Diced sweet potatoes – 7 to 12 minutes
• Cubed sweet potatoes – 12 to 15 minutes
• Whole sweet potatoes – 20 to 50 minutes

For example, one source recommends cooking cubed sweet potatoes at 400F for 10-12 minutes, while another suggests cooking whole sweet potatoes at 370F for 35-45 minutes.

It's important to note that every air fryer is different, so you should keep an eye on your sweet potatoes as they cook and adjust the timing as needed. Additionally, make sure to shake the basket or turn the sweet potatoes at least once during cooking to ensure even cooking.

When preparing sweet potatoes for the air fryer, start by washing and peeling them. Then, cut them into the desired size and shape. You can cut them into 1/2-inch cubes, 1/2-inch rounds, or leave them whole. It's important to ensure that the pieces are of similar size so that they cook evenly.

Next, toss the sweet potato pieces in a bowl with your desired seasonings and oil. You can use olive oil, avocado oil, or another oil of your choice. For seasonings, you can keep it simple with just salt and pepper, or get creative with garlic powder, chili powder, paprika, cinnamon, or any other spices you like.

Once your sweet potatoes are prepared and seasoned, it's time to cook them in the air fryer! Preheat your air fryer according to the manufacturer's instructions. Then, place the sweet potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, being careful not to overcrowd them. If needed, cook the sweet potatoes in batches.

Finally, enjoy your delicious, crispy and tender air-fried sweet potatoes! They make a great side dish or snack and can be served with a variety of toppings or added to salads, tacos, rice bowls, and more.

What toppings go well with air-fried sweet potatoes?

Air-fried sweet potatoes are a versatile dish that can be served as a snack, side, or main. They can be seasoned in a variety of ways and served with a range of toppings. Here are some ideas for toppings that go well with air-fried sweet potatoes:

Savoury Toppings

• Sour cream
• Cheese
• Black beans
• Salsa
• Chives
• Pecans
• Mini marshmallows
• Brown sugar
• Butter
• Salt and pepper
• Olive oil
• Avocado oil
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Cumin
• Coriander
• Curry powder
• Cinnamon
• Berbere spice
• Garam masala
• Turmeric
• Red chilli powder

Sweet Toppings

• Cinnamon
• Honey
• Maple syrup
• Brown sugar
• Butter
• Coconut oil
• Pumpkin spice
• Cinnamon and honey

Stuffing

You can also stuff sweet potatoes with different fillings, such as:

• Chicken
• Vegetarian chilli
• Black beans
• Cheese
• Salsa
• Sour cream
• Chives

Frequently asked questions