Air Fryer Magic: Candied Yams, A Sweet Treat

Air fryers are a fantastic, healthier alternative to deep frying, using less oil and producing less unhealthy saturated fat. They are also faster than traditional ovens, making them perfect for time-saving cooks. Air-fried candied yams are a delicious, sweet, and buttery side dish with a modern twist. This recipe takes the classic candied yams and makes them quicker and easier to cook, with a crispy and tender texture.

Selecting the right yams

Garnet yams are another popular choice. They are similar to traditional yams in texture and taste but have a deeper red colour and a slightly sweeter flavour. Regardless of the variety, choose yams that are similar in size to ensure even cooking.

When selecting yams, it is important to look for ones that are firm and free of any visible blemishes or soft spots. Avoid yams that are overly wrinkled or have sprouts, as these are signs of inferior quality. It is also important to note that yams should be stored in a cool, dry place, as refrigerating them can cause them to lose their flavour and become mushy.

In the United States, what are commonly referred to as yams are actually sweet potatoes. True yams have a different texture and flavour, but sweet potatoes work perfectly for this recipe as their natural sweetness and smooth texture create that classic candied effect.

When preparing the yams, be sure to wash them thoroughly, peel them, and cut them into evenly sized chunks to ensure even cooking.

Preparing the ingredients

Cleaning the Air Fryer Basket: Start by cleaning your air fryer basket with warm soapy water. This step is crucial to prevent any unwanted flavours or smoke during the cooking process. Make sure the basket is free from any grease or residue.

Selecting and Preparing the Yams: For this recipe, you can use either fresh yams or canned yams. If using fresh yams, choose ones that are firm and not too soft. Peel the yams and cut them into uniform slices or wedges, aiming for a thickness of about 1-inch. This ensures even cooking and a consistent texture throughout. If using canned yams, open the can and drain the liquid. Rinse the yams with cold water to remove any excess syrup or juice that may affect the final dish.

Creating the Sugar Mixture: In a bowl, combine brown sugar, melted butter, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Mix these ingredients well to create a luscious coating for your yam slices. The butter will add richness, the brown sugar and maple syrup will provide sweetness, and the cinnamon and nutmeg will contribute warm, aromatic flavours.

Coating the Yams: Once you have prepared the sugar mixture, it's time to coat the yam slices. Toss each yam piece in the mixture, ensuring every slice is well-coated. This step will infuse the yams with a rich, sweet flavour that will caramelize beautifully in the air fryer.

Arranging the Yams in the Air Fryer Basket: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F to 400°F (depending on your preference and the model of your air fryer). Place the coated yam slices in the air fryer basket, arranging them in a single layer with enough space between each piece. This arrangement ensures proper air circulation and even cooking. Avoid overcrowding the basket to achieve the best results.

By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to creating delicious air fryer candied yams. Remember to refer to specific recipes for additional tips and cooking instructions to perfect your candied yams.

Cooking methods and timings

Air fryer candied yams are a delicious and convenient way to prepare this classic dish, offering quick cooking times and a modern twist on traditional cooking methods. Here is a comprehensive guide to the cooking methods and timings for making mouth-watering candied yams in your air fryer.

Selecting the Right Yams

When choosing yams for this recipe, it is important to note that in the US, what are commonly referred to as yams are actually sweet potatoes. True yams have a different flavour and texture. For this recipe, sweet potatoes are the perfect choice, as their natural sweetness and smooth texture create that classic candied effect.

Preparing the Yams

Start by peeling and slicing your yams into even rounds or wedges. This uniform size is important to ensure that your yams cook evenly. Next, coat them generously in a mixture of melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. This combination infuses the yams with a rich, sweet flavour that will caramelise beautifully in the air fryer.

Air Frying to Perfection

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) to 375°F (190°C). Place the coated yam slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they have enough space to cook evenly. Cook your candied yams for 15 to 20 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking process. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning and adjust the cooking time as needed, depending on your air fryer model.

Serving Tips

Once your yams are tender and caramelised, it's time to serve them! Transfer them to a serving dish and, if desired, sprinkle with a bit of extra cinnamon for added flavour and visual appeal. These candied yams are best enjoyed warm, so serve them immediately and watch them disappear!

Creative Twists

Feel free to add your own creative touches to this recipe. For a crunchy element, toss in some chopped pecans or walnuts before air frying. For a classic holiday touch, add mini marshmallows on top during the last few minutes of cooking until they turn golden brown. A sprinkle of fresh orange zest will also enhance the flavour profile with a burst of citrus.

Serving suggestions

Air fryer candied yams are a delicious and versatile side dish that can complement a variety of main courses. Here are some serving suggestions to make the most of this sweet and savoury treat:

Holiday Feasts

The sweet and buttery flavour of candied yams makes them an excellent addition to your holiday spread. They pair exceptionally well with roast turkey or chicken, bringing a delightful contrast of flavours to the table. For a festive touch, serve them alongside a glazed ham or a pork roast. The natural sweetness of the yams will beautifully balance the savoury notes of the meat.

Vegetarian Options

For a vegetarian feast, candied yams can be a wonderful side dish. Pair them with vegetarian centrepieces like stuffed acorn squash or vegetable Wellington for a satisfying and flavourful meal. The sweetness of the yams will add an interesting dimension to the vegetarian dishes.

Savoury Dishes

While candied yams are inherently sweet, they can also be served with savoury dishes to create a unique flavour profile. Try serving them with dishes that feature savoury herbs like rosemary, thyme, or sage. The combination of sweet yams and earthy herbs will surprise your taste buds in the best possible way.

Spicy and Tangy Notes

If you're feeling adventurous, add a twist to your candied yams by serving them with spicy and tangy dishes. Incorporate orange zest and ground ginger to give them a citrusy kick. This combination will elevate your candied yams and leave your taste buds wanting more.

Toppings and Add-ons

Feel free to get creative with toppings and add-ons to enhance the flavour and texture of your candied yams. Chopped pecans or walnuts will add a satisfying crunch, while a drizzle of maple syrup will take the sweetness up a notch. For a classic holiday touch, you can't go wrong with mini marshmallows—golden and gooey, they're the perfect finishing touch.

Storage and reheating

Candied yams can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. If you wish to keep them longer, you can store them in the freezer for up to a month. However, make sure they have cooled down to room temperature before placing them in the freezer to avoid altering the temperature and potentially ruining the shelf life of other foods. Use freezer bags and remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.

When reheating candied yams, there are several methods you can use:

• Reheating in the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place the yams in a baking dish and cover with aluminium foil to trap the heat. Reheat for about 25 minutes, or until completely warmed through.
• Reheating in the microwave: Place the yams in a microwave-safe bowl and cover with a wet paper towel or wet cloth. Reheat in 30-second intervals until they are completely warmed through, checking after each interval to avoid overheating.
• Reheating on the stove: Place a skillet on medium heat and add the candied yams. Gently stir them while they reheat to ensure even circulation of heat.

Alternatively, if you have an air fryer, you can reheat candied yams by placing them in the air fryer basket at 375°F for a few minutes until they regain their texture.

Frequently asked questions