Air Fryer Sweet Potato: Is It Possible?

Sweet potatoes are a great source of vitamins and minerals, and they can be cooked in an air fryer. The air fryer cooking method is healthier, quicker, and easier than baking them in an oven. It gives the potatoes a fluffy texture on the inside and a crispy skin on the outside.

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

Air-frying sweet potatoes is a great way to save time and get delicious, crispy results. The cooking time will depend on the size of your sweet potatoes and the temperature of your air fryer.

For whole sweet potatoes, cooking times range from 20 to 50 minutes. Smaller potatoes will take less time, while larger potatoes may need up to 50 minutes. Most sources recommend cooking whole sweet potatoes at 370°F (190°C) for 35–45 minutes or until soft. However, one source suggests a higher temperature of 390°F (200°C) for 30 minutes, flipping the potatoes halfway through.

If you're cooking diced or cubed sweet potatoes, the cooking time will be significantly shorter. Cubed sweet potatoes should be cooked at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes, while diced sweet potatoes will only take 7–12 minutes.

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, unwrinkled skins, free from soft spots, wrinkles, cracks, or bruises.
• Store the unwashed sweet potatoes in a cool, dry and dark, well-ventilated place for up to three to five weeks.

Preparing Sweet Potatoes for Air Frying:

• Wash and scrub the sweet potatoes under running water. You can peel them, but it's not necessary, as the skin provides additional nutrients and texture.
• Dry the sweet potatoes thoroughly, especially if you want crispy skin.
• Using a fork, pierce the sweet potatoes all over. This step is important as it allows steam to escape during cooking and prevents the potatoes from bursting.
• If desired, rub the sweet potatoes with a thin coat of olive oil or avocado oil. This step is optional but will help achieve a crispier crust.
• Sprinkle the sweet potatoes with salt and any other desired seasonings. You can use a variety of seasonings like garlic powder, cinnamon, paprika, or a spice blend.

Air Frying Sweet Potatoes:

• Preheat your air fryer according to the manufacturer's instructions. Some recipes suggest preheating to 400°F (204°C).
• Place the sweet potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches.
• Air fry the sweet potatoes at 370°F (188°C) to 390°F (199°C) for 30 to 50 minutes, depending on the size of the potatoes. Smaller or thinner sweet potatoes will cook faster, so adjust the timing accordingly.
• Shake or flip the sweet potatoes halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.
• The sweet potatoes are done when they are fork-tender and have a golden brown exterior.
• Remove the sweet potatoes from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before serving.

Serving Air-Fried Sweet Potatoes:

• Cut a slit in the top of each sweet potato and fluff the insides with a fork.
• Add your favourite toppings or fillings. Some popular options include butter, cinnamon, brown sugar, sour cream, Greek yoghurt, shredded cheese, bacon, chives, or chilli.
• Enjoy your delicious and healthy air-fried sweet potatoes!

What are the health benefits of sweet potatoes?

Yes, you can put sweet potatoes in an air fryer. They will have a crisp skin and a soft, fluffy centre. This method is also quicker than cooking them in the oven.

Now, here is some information on the health benefits of sweet potatoes:

Sweet potatoes are a great source of vitamins, minerals, and fibre. They are also rich in antioxidants, which can help protect your body from free radical damage.

• Gut health: The fibre and antioxidants in sweet potatoes can improve gut health. They contain two types of fibre: soluble and insoluble. Soluble fibre absorbs water and softens your stool, while insoluble fibre adds bulk. The antioxidants in purple sweet potatoes can also promote the growth of healthy gut bacteria.
• Cancer-fighting properties: Sweet potatoes contain various antioxidants, which may help protect against certain types of cancers. Anthocyanins, found in purple sweet potatoes, have been found to slow the growth of certain types of cancer cells in test-tube studies.
• Eye health: Sweet potatoes are rich in beta carotene, which is converted to vitamin A in the body. Vitamin A is important for maintaining healthy eyes and vision. Purple sweet potatoes also contain anthocyanins, which can protect eye cells from damage.
• Brain function: Consuming purple sweet potatoes may improve brain function by reducing inflammation and preventing free radical damage. Anthocyanin-rich sweet potato extract has been found to improve spatial working memory in mice.
• Immune system: Orange-fleshed sweet potatoes are a rich source of beta carotene, which is converted to vitamin A. Vitamin A is critical for a healthy immune system.
• Anti-inflammatory benefits: The antioxidants in sweet potatoes can help reduce inflammation in the body, which is linked to various health conditions such as autoimmune diseases, inflammatory bowel disease, and lung diseases.
• Heart health: The dietary fibre in sweet potatoes can help reduce the risk of heart disease by binding with bile acids and inhibiting cholesterol formation.
• Blood sugar control: Sweet potatoes have a medium glycemic index, which means they do not cause a rapid spike in blood sugar levels. Studies have shown that they can help improve blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes.

What are some good toppings for air-fried sweet potatoes?

There are endless options for toppings for air-fried sweet potatoes. Here are some ideas:

• Butter or a vegan butter alternative
• Sour cream, Greek yoghurt, or vegan sour cream
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Bacon or tempeh bacon
• Green onions or chives
• Chicken
• Black beans
• Chili
• Cinnamon and brown sugar
• Coconut oil
• Spices such as chilli powder, cumin, or pumpkin spice

You can also try stuffing your sweet potatoes with different fillings, such as:

• Slow cooker chicken enchilada
• Loaded vegetarian
• Italian stuffed
• Mexican stuffed
• Chili-stuffed
• Marshmallows

How to reheat sweet potatoes?

There are several ways to reheat sweet potatoes, depending on how they were cooked and what appliances you have available. Here is a guide on how to reheat sweet potatoes using different methods:

Reheating Whole Sweet Potatoes

If you have cooked a whole sweet potato and want to reheat it, there are a few options:

• Oven: Place the sweet potato on a baking sheet and rewarm in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
• Microwave: Place the sweet potato in the microwave and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes or until warmed throughout.
• Air Fryer: Place the sweet potato in the air fryer and reheat at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes.

Reheating Sweet Potato Cubes or Slices

If you have cooked sweet potato cubes or slices, you can also use the oven, microwave, or air fryer to reheat them:

• Oven: Spread the sweet potato cubes or slices on a baking sheet and reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place the sweet potato cubes or slices in a microwave-safe container and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until warmed throughout.
• Air Fryer: Place the sweet potato cubes or slices in the air fryer basket and reheat at 350°F for 3-5 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally, until warmed through.

Tips for Reheating Sweet Potatoes:

• To ensure even cooking, it is important not to overcrowd the baking sheet, air fryer basket, or microwave container. Cook in batches if necessary.
• When reheating in the oven or air fryer, it is recommended to flip or toss the sweet potatoes halfway through the cooking time to ensure even heating.
• The cooking time will depend on the size and thickness of the sweet potatoes, as well as the power of your appliance. Always check that the sweet potatoes are heated through before serving.

Frequently asked questions