Air-Fried Yams: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Air fryers are a great way to cook yams, also known as sweet potatoes, offering a quick, easy, and healthy alternative to oven-roasting. The air fryer's convection technology and compact design allow yams to be baked in half the time it would take in a regular oven, with a deliciously crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy, or creamy interior.

The natural sweetness of yams is enhanced by the air-frying process, and they can be seasoned with a variety of spices and oils to add extra flavour.

How to prepare yams for the air fryer

Selecting and Preparing Yams

Start by selecting yams that are similar in size and shape to ensure even cooking. Look for firm yams without bruises, soft spots, wrinkles, or cracks. Peel the yams using a vegetable peeler. Cut the yams into 1/2-inch cubes or chunks. You can also cut them into fries or wedges, adjusting the cooking time accordingly.

Seasoning the Yams

Transfer the yams to a large bowl and add your desired seasonings. You can keep it simple with just olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, or get creative with spices like smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, or cinnamon. Toss the yams well to ensure they are evenly coated with the seasonings.

Cooking the Yams in the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer according to the manufacturer's instructions. Place the seasoned yams in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between them for the hot air to circulate. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer, as this will cause the yams to steam and become soggy. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the yams in batches.

Set the air fryer temperature to between 370°F and 400°F. The cooking time will vary depending on the size and type of your air fryer, but it should take around 10 to 12 minutes for the yams to cook. Shake the basket halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.

Serving the Yams

Air-fried yams can be served as a side dish or added to wraps, salads, rice bowls, or tacos. They can be enjoyed as a healthy snack on their own or stuffed with various fillings. For a simple serving option, top the yams with butter, coconut oil, or a drizzle of honey. You can also sprinkle on chili powder, cumin, cinnamon, or pumpkin spice for a calorie-free flavour boost.

Air fryer temperature and time

The air fryer is a convenient and healthy way to cook yams, with a crispy exterior and a tender interior. The temperature and cooking time may vary depending on the type of yam, the size and thickness of the pieces, and your desired level of crispness. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you achieve perfectly cooked yams in your air fryer.

Air Fryer Temperature

When cooking yam wedges, fries, or roasted yams in the air fryer, it is recommended to set the temperature to a moderately high setting. The ideal temperature range is between 375°F to 400°F (190°C to 200°C). This temperature range will ensure that your yams develop a crispy exterior while remaining tender on the inside.

Air Fryer Cooking Time

The cooking time for yams in an air fryer depends on several factors, including the size and thickness of the yam pieces, the specific air fryer model, and your preferred level of doneness. For yam wedges or fries, the recommended cooking time is around 20 to 25 minutes at 375°F (190°C). If you are cooking whole yams, the cooking time will be longer. Roasting whole yams at 400°F (200°C) can take approximately 30 to 40 minutes, depending on their size.

Preheating the Air Fryer

Before placing the yams in the air fryer, it is essential to preheat the appliance. Set the temperature to 400°F (200°C) and allow the air fryer to preheat for about 3 to 5 minutes. You can line the air fryer basket with parchment paper or use a non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Checking for Doneness

To ensure your yams are perfectly cooked, it is important to check their doneness before removing them from the air fryer. Use a fork to pierce the yams, and they should be tender all the way through. For yam fries, look for a crispy exterior and a soft interior.

Adjusting Air Fryer Temperature

You can adjust the air fryer temperature according to your preference. If you want a slower cooking process or want to prevent the yams from browning too quickly, you can lower the temperature to 375°F (190°C). This will increase the overall cooking time. On the other hand, if you desire a quicker cooking process or a crispier exterior, you can increase the temperature to 425°F (220°C). However, it is crucial to monitor the yams closely at this higher temperature to prevent burning.

Adjusting Air Fryer Cook Time

The cook time can be adjusted based on the size and thickness of the yam pieces and your desired level of crispness. Smaller yam pieces will cook faster than larger ones, and thinner pieces will cook more quickly than thicker ones. If you notice that the yams are browning too quickly on the outside but remain undercooked on the inside, you can reduce the temperature slightly and extend the cook time.

Tips for Perfect Air-Fried Yams

• Select fresh yams that are firm and free from blemishes.
• Wash and scrub the yams thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt.
• Cut the yams into uniform, evenly-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
• Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature for a few minutes before adding the yams.
• Toss the yam pieces with a small amount of oil to promote a crispy texture and golden colour.
• Season the yams with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, or other desired spices according to your taste preferences.
• Place the yam pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
• Cook the yams at the recommended temperature, flipping them halfway through the cooking time.
• Check the yams regularly to avoid overcooking, and remove them from the air fryer when they are golden brown and crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside.

By following these instructions and adjusting the temperature and cook time as needed, you can create delicious and healthy air-fried yams that are perfectly cooked to your liking.

Yam toppings and stuffings

Yams and sweet potatoes are often used interchangeably in the US, but they are not the same thing. True yams are very starchy and white inside and are not usually found in grocery stores. Sweet potatoes, on the other hand, are orange, purple, or white inside.

Sweet potatoes can be cooked in an air fryer and can be made even more delicious with a variety of toppings and stuffings. Here are some ideas for yam toppings and stuffings:

Savory Stuffed Sweet Potatoes:

• Healthy chipotle chicken sweet potato skins with melted cheddar cheese, spinach, spices, and herbs.
• Moroccan-stuffed sweet potatoes with an eggplant-tomato mix topped with Moroccan spices, chickpeas, and tahini.
• Easy paleo chili stuffed sweet potatoes with smoky, spicy chili, and a Whole30-friendly ranch sauce.
• Spinach and artichoke sweet potato skins with cheeses, secret spices, and plenty of veggies.
• Baked sweet potatoes stuffed with feta, olives, and sun-dried tomatoes.
• Broccoli cheese stuffed sweet potatoes.
• Healthy creamy buffalo chicken stuffed sweet potatoes with ranch.
• Southwest stuffed sweet potatoes with black beans and quinoa, and guacamole.

Loaded Sweet Potatoes with a Hint of Sweetness:

• Quinoa stuffed maple sweet potatoes with bacon, shredded cheese, and chicken breast.
• Roast turkey and cranberry stuffed sweet potatoes.
• Roasted grape, goat cheese, and honey stuffed sweet potatoes.

Other Topping Ideas:

• Butter or coconut oil.
• Chili powder, cumin, cinnamon, or pumpkin spice.
• Brown sugar or maple syrup.
• Cinnamon and honey.
• Red chili powder or paprika.
• Curry powder, turmeric, cumin, or garam masala.
• Cilantro lime seasoning.

Storing leftover yams

Refrigeration

Leftover cooked yams should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can be safely kept for 3 to 5 days.

Freezing

For longer-term storage, you can freeze your leftover yams. Simply place them in portion-sized containers and freeze for up to 6 months.

Reheating

When you're ready to enjoy your leftover yams, simply microwave or bake them until heated through.

Food Safety

It's important to regularly check your stored yams for any signs of spoilage, such as soft spots, mold, or unpleasant odours. If you see any brown spots on the skin that have become mushy, discard the yams immediately.

Other uses for leftover yams

Yes, you can make yams in an air fryer. Here are some ideas for using up leftover yams:

Sweet Potato Pancakes

If you like pumpkin pancakes, try making sweet potato pancakes. Lightly spiced with nutmeg, these fluffy pancakes make a great autumnal breakfast or brunch. Drizzle with maple syrup or top with whipped cream for an indulgent treat.

Sweet Potato Croquettes

Combine mashed sweet potatoes with breadcrumbs and other pantry staples, mould into shape, and deep-fry until crispy and golden brown. These croquettes make a fun alternative to tater tots and can be served at brunch or dinner.

Sweet Potato Ice Cream

Use an ice cream maker to prepare a unique frozen dessert with cooked sweet potatoes, baking spices, and classic ice cream ingredients.

Sweet Potato Bread

Use leftover mashed sweet potatoes to make sweet potato bread or muffins.

Sweet Potato Yogurt

Try Emma's Big Little sweet potato yogurt.

Sweet Potato Salads

Add leftover yams to a salad. For a more substantial meal, top with a soft-boiled egg.

Sweet Potato Quesadillas

Mblossom from Food52 suggests mashing baked sweet potato with cumin, coriander, and salt, spreading the mixture onto a tortilla, and adding black beans, Monterey Jack cheese, cilantro, and jalapeños.

Sweet Potato Gnocchi

Make delicious gnocchi with leftover yams. These little pasta-style dumplings are typically made with potatoes, but sweet potatoes add extra flavour and colour. This recipe freezes well, too.

Frequently asked questions