Air Fryer Sweet Potato Recipes: Chopped And Cooked

Sweet potatoes are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from wraps and salads to rice bowls and tacos. They are also packed with nutrients and natural sweetness, making them a healthy and delicious option for any meal. One popular way to cook sweet potatoes is by using an air fryer, which can yield perfect baked sweet potatoes with lightly crisp, puffy skins and soft, fluffy insides. Air frying sweet potatoes is also a quick and convenient method, as it takes less than half the time compared to roasting them in an oven. In this article, we will explore the different ways to cook chopped sweet potatoes in an air fryer, including the best ingredients, seasonings, and cooking times to achieve the perfect result.

How long to cook chopped sweet potatoes in an air fryer

Cooking chopped sweet potatoes in an air fryer is a quick and easy process. The cooking time will depend on the size of the sweet potato pieces and the capacity and performance of your air fryer. For example, a medium sweet potato cut into wedges will take around 35 to 55 minutes to cook in an air fryer at 400°F, whereas smaller pieces cooked at a higher temperature of 370°F will take 10 to 12 minutes.

First, prepare the sweet potatoes by washing them and cutting them into evenly sized pieces. It is not necessary to peel the sweet potatoes unless you prefer to. Then, poke holes in the sweet potato pieces with a fork to allow steam to vent during cooking.

Next, preheat your air fryer according to the manufacturer's instructions. Place the sweet potato pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them to ensure even cooking. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer, as this will increase the cooking time.

Now, you can air fry the sweet potatoes. The cooking time will depend on the size of the sweet potato pieces and the desired level of doneness. For example, larger wedges may take up to 55 minutes to cook at 400°F, while smaller pieces cooked at 370°F will take around 10 to 12 minutes. If you prefer your sweet potatoes more well-done or crunchy, simply add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time. It is a good idea to shake or turn the sweet potato pieces once or twice during cooking to ensure even browning.

Finally, remove the sweet potatoes from the air fryer when they are soft and golden. You can use a fork to check if they are tender. Serve immediately and enjoy!

What temperature to cook chopped sweet potatoes in an air fryer

Sweet potatoes are a great snack and can be cooked in an air fryer with minimal preparation. The cooking time depends on the size of the sweet potatoes and the capacity of the air fryer. For example, a medium sweet potato will take 40 to 55 minutes to cook in an air fryer, whereas smaller sweet potatoes will take less time, and larger sweet potatoes will take more time. If you are cooking sweet potato cubes or fries, the cooking time will be much shorter, around 10 minutes.

To cook chopped sweet potatoes in an air fryer, start by prepping the sweet potatoes. Wash them well and cut them into cubes or wedges. It is a good idea to keep the pieces of similar size so that they cook at the same time. Poke them several times with a fork so that they can vent steam as they cook. You can also submerge the chopped sweet potatoes in water for at least 30 minutes before cooking to make them extra crispy. Dry them well before placing them in the air fryer.

Next, preheat the air fryer according to the manufacturer's instructions. Place the sweet potatoes in a mixing bowl and add oil and seasonings. Toss to combine and coat the sweet potatoes evenly. Some suggested seasonings include salt, pepper, cayenne pepper, ginger, sugar, harissa spice blend, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.

Finally, arrange the sweet potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them. Air fry at 370-400°F for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. The sweet potatoes are ready when they are soft, golden, and crispy. If you prefer them crunchier, add a couple of extra minutes.

How to prepare chopped sweet potatoes before air frying

Preparing chopped sweet potatoes for air frying is a simple process. First, wash the sweet potatoes well, there is no need to peel them unless you prefer to. Then, cut the sweet potatoes into equal-sized cubes or wedges. Try to ensure that the pieces are of a similar thickness so that they cook at the same rate. If you want them extra crispy, you can submerge the chopped sweet potatoes in water for 30 minutes before cooking and then dry them well.

Next, transfer the chopped sweet potatoes to a mixing bowl. You can then add oil and seasonings to the bowl and toss the potatoes to ensure they are well coated. Oils such as olive oil, avocado oil, or melted butter can be used, and seasonings can include salt, pepper, cayenne pepper, ginger, sugar, harissa, garlic powder, or any combination of your choice.

Finally, preheat your air fryer according to the manufacturer's instructions. Place the sweet potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between them to ensure they cook evenly.

What to serve with air-fried sweet potatoes

Air-fried sweet potatoes are a versatile dish that can be served in many ways. They can be enjoyed as a snack or added to wraps, salads, rice bowls, tacos, and burrito bowls. For a more substantial meal, you can combine them with chickpeas, rice, beans, and corn. They can also be mashed and mixed with oats and spices to make sweet potato tikkis.

When it comes to seasoning, you can keep it plain and simple or get creative with different spice blends. A popular option is the harissa spice blend, which includes sweet paprika, garlic, caraway, and hot chili powder. You can also try a combination of cayenne pepper, ginger, and sugar. For a more classic option, season them with olive oil, salt, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper.

If you're serving them as a side dish, they pair well with a variety of main courses for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. They can be a lighter alternative to deep-fried sweet potatoes, providing a crispy texture with a tender bite.

As for cooking instructions, it's important to cut the sweet potatoes into similar-sized cubes to ensure even cooking. Preheat your air fryer according to the manufacturer's instructions, typically between 380°F to 400°F. Drizzle olive oil or avocado oil over the sweet potatoes, along with your desired seasonings, and stir to coat evenly. Place the sweet potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, shaking or stirring halfway through the cooking process. The cooking time will vary depending on the size and model of your air fryer, but it typically ranges from 8 to 15 minutes for crispy, fluffy sweet potatoes.

How to reheat leftover air-fried sweet potatoes

Yes, you can cook chopped sweet potatoes in an air fryer. Here's a quick recipe:

Wash the sweet potatoes and cut them into cubes of similar size. Transfer them to a bowl and add a tablespoon of olive oil, half a teaspoon of harissa, half a teaspoon of garlic powder, a quarter teaspoon of salt, and some crushed black pepper. Toss to combine everything. Preheat your air fryer according to the manufacturer's instructions, usually to around 400°F. Then, arrange the sweet potato cubes in a single layer in the air fryer and fry for 10 minutes, shaking the basket once during cooking.

Now, for reheating leftover air-fried sweet potatoes, follow these simple steps:

Firstly, ensure that your leftover sweet potatoes are stored properly. Once they have cooled to room temperature, place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. The USDA recommends using them within three days.

When you're ready to reheat, take them out of the fridge and let them come to room temperature. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. You can spritz the basket with cooking spray or add a small amount of oil to the potatoes to prevent them from drying out. Place the sweet potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Reheat for 4 to 8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Check if they are heated through and adjust the time as needed.

Your leftover air-fried sweet potatoes are now ready to enjoy!

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