Air-Fried Yam: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Yams are a versatile root vegetable that can be cooked in a variety of ways, and air frying is one of the most popular methods. Air-fried yams are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, making them a delicious and healthy snack or side dish. In this article, we will answer the question: can you make yam in an air fryer? We will also provide a step-by-step guide on how to make perfect air-fried yams, as well as some tips and tricks for getting the best results.

Yam preparation for air frying

Selecting the Right Yams

Firstly, choose yams that are firm, without any soft spots or blemishes. Medium to large-sized yams are best for even cooking and a satisfying texture. Smaller yams tend to cook more evenly in the air fryer.

Cleaning and Preparation

Thoroughly wash the yams under running water to remove any dirt or debris. Use a vegetable brush to gently scrub the skin. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.

You can choose to peel the yams or leave the skin on for added nutritional value and a rustic texture. If peeling, use a sharp vegetable peeler to avoid removing too much flesh. Trim the ends, then cut the yams into evenly-sized pieces, about 1/2-inch to 1-inch thick. Keeping the pieces similar in size ensures even cooking.

Seasoning and Coating

This is where you can get creative. In a large bowl, toss the yam pieces with your chosen seasonings and a light coating of oil. You can use a variety of seasonings such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, thyme, or cinnamon. For a simple option, brush the yams with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Arranging in the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes. Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper or use a non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Place the yam pieces in a single layer in the basket, ensuring there is space between each piece for proper air circulation. Overcrowding the basket will prevent even cooking.

Cooking

Cook the yams at 400°F (200°C) for approximately 12-20 minutes, depending on the size of your yam pieces. Shake the basket or flip the yams halfway through the cooking time to achieve an even crispiness. Keep an eye on the yams to ensure they don't burn, and adjust the cooking time as needed.

Checking for Doneness

Insert a fork or skewer into the thickest part of the yam. If it pierces the flesh easily, the yams are ready. The exterior should be golden and crispy, while the interior should be soft and tender.

Serving

Allow the yams to cool for a few minutes, then serve as a delicious side dish or snack. You can enjoy them as is or add toppings such as butter, sour cream, or chopped herbs.

With these steps, you can easily prepare and cook yams in your air fryer for a healthy and tasty treat.

Air fryer setup

Air fryers are a great way to cook yams, offering a quick, easy, and healthy method that results in a crispy, flavorful dish. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you set up your air fryer for cooking yams:

Step 1: Selecting the Yams

Choose yams that are firm, without any soft spots or blemishes. Medium to large-sized yams are ideal for air frying, as they ensure even cooking and a satisfying texture.

Step 2: Cleaning and Preparation

Thoroughly wash the yams under running water to remove any dirt or debris. Use a vegetable brush or a sharp knife to gently scrub and peel the yams. You can opt to keep the skin on for added nutritional value and a rustic texture. After peeling, trim the ends and cut the yams into evenly sized pieces, about 1/2-inch to 1-inch thick.

Step 3: Seasoning

In a large bowl, combine the yam pieces with a light coating of oil. You can use olive oil, canola oil, avocado oil, or any other cooking oil of your choice. Toss the yams until they are evenly coated. Then, season the yams according to your preference. Popular choices include salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cinnamon, chili powder, or cayenne pepper.

Step 4: Preheating the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 390-400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes. You can line the air fryer basket with parchment paper or use a non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Arranging the Yams in the Air Fryer

Place the seasoned yam pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring there is space between each piece for proper air circulation. Avoid overcrowding the basket to allow for even cooking.

Step 6: Cooking the Yams

Once your air fryer is preheated, it's time to cook the yams. Set the temperature to 400°F (200°C) and cook for approximately 12-20 minutes. Shake the basket or flip the yam pieces halfway through the cooking time to achieve even browning and crispiness. Keep an eye on the yams to ensure they don't burn, as cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the pieces. The yams are ready when they turn golden brown and can be easily pierced with a fork.

Step 7: Serving the Yams

Once the yams are cooked to your desired level of crispness, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. You can enjoy them as a delicious side dish or a nutritious snack. Feel free to experiment with different seasonings and toppings to find your perfect flavor combination.

Cooking times and temperatures

When cooking yams in an air fryer, there are several factors that can influence the cooking time and temperature. These include the size and variety of the yams, the desired level of doneness, and the specific model of the air fryer. Here is a detailed guide to help you achieve perfectly cooked yams every time.

Selecting the Right Yams

The first step is to choose the right type of yams. Look for yams that are firm, without any soft spots or blemishes. Medium to large-sized yams are typically recommended for air frying, as they tend to cook more evenly and yield a desirable texture. However, smaller yams can also be used, especially if you want to cook them whole.

Preheating the Air Fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an important step that should not be skipped. It ensures that the cooking process starts immediately and helps to achieve a crispy exterior. Set your air fryer to a temperature between 390°F and 400°F (200°C). Allow it to preheat for about 3-5 minutes, or until it reaches the desired temperature. Some air fryers may have a preheat setting that automatically alerts you when it's ready.

Preparing the Yams

Wash the yams thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or debris. Use a sharp knife or vegetable peeler to peel the yams, removing the tough skin. If you prefer, you can leave the skin on for added nutritional value and a rustic texture. Cut the yams into uniform pieces, about 1/2-inch to 1-inch thick. This ensures even cooking.

Seasoning and Coating

In a large bowl, toss the yam pieces with a small amount of oil. You can use olive oil, canola oil, avocado oil, or any other cooking oil of your choice. This helps to create a crispy texture and prevents the yams from sticking to the air fryer basket. Add your desired seasonings to the bowl and toss until the yams are evenly coated. Popular seasonings include salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cinnamon, thyme, and red chili powder.

Arranging the Yams in the Air Fryer

Place the yam pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each piece for proper air circulation. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this can lead to uneven cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the yams in batches.

Cooking Time and Temperature

The cooking time for yams in an air fryer can vary depending on the size and thickness of the pieces, as well as your desired level of doneness. As a general guideline, cook the yams at 400°F (200°C) for 10-20 minutes. For smaller yam pieces or a softer texture, aim for the lower end of the time range. For larger pieces or a crispier texture, cook for a longer duration. Shake the basket or flip the yam pieces halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning.

Checking for Doneness

To check if your yams are done, insert a fork or skewer into the thickest part of the yam. If it pierces easily and the yam feels tender, they are ready. The exterior should be crispy, while the interior should be soft and cooked through. If the yams are not yet tender, return them to the air fryer and cook in 2-minute increments until they reach the desired doneness.

Serving the Air-Fried Yams

Once your yams are cooked to perfection, carefully remove them from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes. You can serve them as a side dish or a nutritious snack. Experiment with different toppings, such as butter, sour cream, or chopped herbs, to enhance the flavor. Air-fried yams are best enjoyed fresh, as they tend to soften as they cool.

Seasoning and flavouring

Before placing the yams in the air fryer, consider adding some seasoning or flavouring to enhance their taste. You can brush the yams with olive oil and sprinkle them with salt and pepper for a classic flavour. Alternatively, you can experiment with seasonings like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cinnamon, or red chilli powder.

• Use a combination of olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
• Try smoked paprika for a unique flavour.
• For a sweet and savoury treat, drizzle honey or maple syrup over the cooked yams and sprinkle with a pinch of salt and cinnamon.
• Toss the yam pieces with chopped fresh herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or sage before air frying for an aromatic twist.
• Add a kick of heat with chilli powder or cayenne pepper.
• For curry-roasted yams, use curry powder or add turmeric, cumin, and garam masala.
• Make them sweet by adding brown sugar, cinnamon, and honey.

Serving suggestions

Yams are a versatile root vegetable that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions to accompany your air-fried yams:

• As a snack: Enjoy your air-fried yams as a standalone snack, or pair them with a dip such as garlic aioli, ketchup, or honey mustard.
• As a side dish: Serve your yams alongside grilled chicken, beef, or fish for a complete and satisfying meal.
• In salads or bowls: Add your roasted yams to salads or grain bowls for a hearty and flavorful element. They go particularly well with avocado or olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
• Sweet and Savory: Drizzle your cooked yams with honey or maple syrup, and sprinkle with a pinch of salt and cinnamon for a sweet and savory treat.
• Herbed Yams: Toss the yam pieces with chopped fresh herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or sage before air frying for an aromatic twist.
• Spicy Kick: Add a sprinkle of chili powder or cayenne pepper to your yams before air frying for a spicy kick. Serve with a cooling dip to balance the heat.

Remember, yams are a delicious and nutritious root vegetable that can be enjoyed in many different ways. Experiment with different seasonings and serving suggestions to find your favorite combinations.

Frequently asked questions