Roasting Sweet Potatoes In An Air Fryer: Quick, Easy, Delicious!

Air fryers are a fun and tasty way to cook sweet potatoes. They are a great side dish for any meal and are healthier than baking them in an oven. The natural sweetness of the potatoes is enhanced by roasting them, and they come out perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. You can cut them into cubes, fries, or wedges, and season them with anything from salt and pepper to cinnamon and honey.

How to cut sweet potatoes for roasting

To cut sweet potatoes for roasting, you should first wash and peel the sweet potatoes. You can skip peeling them if they are organic. Use a sharp chef's knife to cut the sweet potatoes, as they can be firm and hard to cut.

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

Seasoning options

• Avocado or olive oil, garlic powder, salt and pepper.
• Red chilli powder or paprika for a spicy kick.
• Curry powder, turmeric, cumin, and garam masala for an Indian-inspired dish.
• Cinnamon and honey for a sweet, holiday-themed treat.
• Brown sugar or maple syrup to enhance the natural sweetness of the potatoes.
• Cayenne pepper, ground ginger and white sugar for a unique blend of sweet and spicy.
• Vegetable seasoning blend, garlic salt, cumin, paprika, oregano and celery seed.
• Canola or vegetable oil instead of olive oil.
• Smoked paprika or hot Hungarian paprika for an extra spicy kick.
• Butter (or coconut oil) for a simple, yet delicious option.
• Chili powder, cumin, cinnamon or pumpkin spice for a calorie-free sprinkle.

Whether to peel sweet potatoes

Whether or not to peel sweet potatoes is a matter of personal preference. Leaving the peel on can add a little extra flavour to the dish, but peeling them can make them easier to cut and may be preferred by some family members.

If you are buying non-organic sweet potatoes, it is recommended that you peel them before roasting. However, if you are using organic sweet potatoes, you can leave the peel on if you prefer.

If you do decide to peel your sweet potatoes, it is easier to do so with a vegetable peeler. After peeling, cut the sweet potatoes into cubes of roughly equal size, as this will ensure even cooking.

Once your sweet potatoes are peeled and cut into cubes, you can season and cook them in your air fryer.

Air fryer temperature and cooking time

For sweet potato cubes, a temperature between 380°F and 400°F is recommended. The cooking time will vary depending on the desired texture, but on average, it takes about 10-12 minutes for the perfect texture. If you like them crunchier, you can add a couple of extra minutes. It is important to shake the basket at about the halfway point to ensure even cooking.

For baked sweet potatoes, a lower temperature of 370°F is used, and the cooking time is longer, ranging from 35-45 minutes.

It is worth noting that different air fryers may vary in capacity and performance, so you may need to adjust the time or temperature accordingly. Additionally, it is recommended to preheat the air fryer for best results, although some recipes suggest that this is not necessary.

How to store sweet potatoes

Yes, you can roast sweet potatoes in an air fryer! Here's a method for making air fryer roasted sweet potatoes:

Wash and peel the sweet potatoes. Cut them into 1/2-inch cubes. Transfer the sweet potatoes to a bowl and add avocado or olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss them well so they are all coated with the seasoning. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Add the seasoned sweet potatoes to the air fryer in a single layer. Air fry for 10-12 minutes for the perfect texture, shaking the basket at about 6 minutes.

Now, here's how to store sweet potatoes:

When storing sweet potatoes, it's important to keep them in a cool, dry, dark place with good ventilation. The ideal temperature for storing sweet potatoes is between 50 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit. They should be kept away from heat sources and sunlight, as this will cause them to sprout. Sweet potatoes should not be stored in the refrigerator, as this can affect their taste, texture, and cell structure. Instead, store them in a paper bag or basket in a kitchen cabinet, pantry, or basement. Additionally, avoid storing sweet potatoes with produce such as onions or garlic, as these can give off ethylene gas, which may cause your sweet potatoes to sprout faster.

It's best to avoid rinsing sweet potatoes before storing them, as the moisture can lead to rot and mould. Instead, use a dry cloth to brush off any dirt. With proper storage, sweet potatoes should last for about a month.

Frequently asked questions