Air-Fried Yams: A Healthy, Quick Treat

Air fryers are a great alternative to ovens when it comes to baking yams or sweet potatoes. They produce a similar result in a shorter amount of time and without the need for preheating. The cooking time will vary depending on the size of the yam and the desired texture, but it typically takes between 15 and 50 minutes to bake a yam in an air fryer.

Characteristics	Values
Time taken	35-50 minutes
Temperature	370-400°F
Advantages	Less oil needed, quicker than oven-baking, healthier, crispy skin
Disadvantages	None mentioned
Toppings	Butter, cinnamon, sugar, salt, pepper, chilli powder, cumin, paprika, honey, marshmallows, sour cream, cheese, avocado slices, salsa, black beans, vegan sour cream, vegan cheese, peanut sauce, sautéed apples, granola, cashew cream, fresh herbs, vegan chilli, vegan cheddar, coconut bacon, broccoli, garlic, olive oil, sea salt, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, chili crisp, cinnamon, brown sugar, maple syrup, pecans, chives, sour cream, bacon, black beans, Mexican chicken, shredded chicken, chilli, cheese

How to prepare yams for air frying

Preparing yams in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get deliciously crispy skin with a soft and creamy inside. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare yams for air frying:

Step 1: Wash and Dry the Yams

Give the yams a good scrub under running water to remove any dirt. You can use a clean scrubby or brush to ensure they are nice and clean. Dry the yams thoroughly with a paper towel or cloth. This step is important, especially if you want crispy skin.

Step 2: Poke Holes in the Yams

Using a small knife or the tines of a fork, pierce the skin of the yams several times. This step is crucial to allow steam to escape and prevent the yams from exploding in the air fryer. Make 5-6 piercings per yam to ensure even baking.

Step 3: Season the Yams

Drizzle olive oil, avocado oil, or another oil of your choice over the yams. Use your hands or a brush to coat the yams evenly. You can also add seasonings like salt, pepper, or your favourite spice blend. Massage the seasonings into the yams to ensure they are well coated.

Step 4: Place Yams in the Air Fryer

Place the yams in the air fryer basket, making sure to leave some space between them for air circulation. Do not overcrowd the air fryer, as this can affect cooking time and crispiness. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the yams in batches.

Step 5: Air Fry the Yams

Set the air fryer to a temperature between 370-400°F (190-200°C). The cooking time will depend on the size of your yams, but it should take around 35-50 minutes for whole yams. Smaller yam cubes or wedges will take less time, around 10-15 minutes. Shake the air fryer basket or turn the yams halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Once the yams are nice and crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes. Slice open the yams, fluff the insides with a fork, and add a pat of butter or your favourite toppings. Enjoy!

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Air fryer temperature and timing

Firstly, it is important to select the right yams for baking. Opt for medium to large-sized yams with firm textures and no blemishes. These will ensure even cooking and a satisfying texture. Once you've chosen your yams, wash them under running water to remove any dirt, and then use a sharp knife to pierce the yams in several places to allow steam to escape during cooking.

When it comes to temperature, preheat your air fryer to around 400°F (200°C). This temperature setting will ensure that your yams cook through evenly and attain a desirable level of crispiness. Depending on the size of your yams, you may need to adjust the timing. As a general rule, bake medium to large yams for 30-40 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even browning. Smaller yam pieces or slices may only require 12-15 minutes at the same temperature.

To check if your yams are done, insert a fork into the thickest part. If the fork slides in easily and the exterior is crispy while the interior is soft and tender, your yams are ready. Allow the yams to cool for a few minutes before serving. You can enjoy them as they are or enhance their flavour with toppings such as butter, sour cream, or chopped herbs.

Additionally, consider seasoning your yams before baking. A simple combination of olive oil, salt, and pepper can enhance the natural sweetness of the yams. Alternatively, you can experiment with seasonings like paprika, garlic powder, cinnamon, or thyme for a unique twist. Remember, the air fryer's ability to circulate hot air will intensify the flavours and create a delicious, crispy exterior while keeping the interior tender and flavourful.

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Oil and seasoning

Before air-frying yams, you should first wash and scrub them, then pat them dry. Next, coat the yams in oil and seasoning. You can use any type of oil, such as olive oil, avocado oil, or coconut oil. For seasoning, you can use salt and pepper, or get creative with spices like cumin, cinnamon, or paprika. Make sure to coat the yams evenly and thoroughly for the best results.

Once the yams are prepared, place them in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between them to allow for proper air circulation. Set the air fryer to the desired temperature and time, and let it work its magic! The cooking time may vary depending on the size and type of yam, but on average, it should take around 20-50 minutes for whole yams and 7-15 minutes for yam cubes or wedges.

After air frying, let the yams cool down slightly before serving. You can serve them as a side dish or as a tasty snack on their own. They go well with various toppings, such as butter, sour cream, chives, or even marshmallows!

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Serving suggestions

There are several ways to serve yams cooked in an air fryer. Here are some suggestions:

As a snack: Enjoy the roasted yam as a standalone snack or with your favourite dip, such as garlic aioli, ketchup, or honey mustard.
As a side dish: Serve the roasted yam alongside grilled chicken, beef, or fish for a complete and satisfying meal.
In salads or bowls: Incorporate the roasted yam into salads or grain bowls to add a hearty and flavourful element.
Sweet and Savoury: Drizzle honey or maple syrup over the cooked yams and sprinkle with a pinch of salt and cinnamon for a sweet and savoury 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: Sprinkle the yams with chilli powder or cayenne pepper before air frying, and serve with a cooling dip.
With toppings: Slice the yams open and add toppings such as butter, sour cream, or chopped herbs for an extra burst of flavour.
With spices: Sprinkle on chilli powder, cumin, cinnamon, or pumpkin spice for a calorie-free option.

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Storing and reheating

To reheat, you can use your air fryer or a microwave. If you have frozen your yams, be sure to thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

You can also repurpose leftover yams for different meals. For example, you can use them to make soup, dice them and add them to a curry, make mashed yams, or combine them with black beans for tacos.