Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes: Can You Do It?

Air fryers are a great way to cook sweet potatoes – they're quicker than an oven, and you don't need to preheat them. You can cook sweet potatoes whole, or cut them into cubes, wedges, or fries. The cooking time will depend on the size of your sweet potato and the type of cut you choose, but it typically ranges from 10 to 20 minutes at temperatures between 380°F and 400°F. Before cooking, you should poke holes in the sweet potatoes with a fork to prevent them from bursting. You can also season them with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and other spices.

How to cut sweet potatoes for air frying

Air-frying sweet potatoes is a great way to enjoy this nutritious vegetable as a side dish or a snack. Here is a guide on how to cut sweet potatoes for air frying:

First, select sweet potatoes that are firm with minimal bruises or discolourations. Wash the sweet potatoes and peel them using a peeler. If you are using organic sweet potatoes, you can skip the peeling step.

For sweet potato cubes or wedges:

• Cut the peeled sweet potato in half or into three pieces, depending on its length.
• Place one portion vertically on the cutting board and cut it into slices about 1/2 inch thick.
• Lay each slice flat and cut it into 1/2 inch cubes. Try to keep the cubes a similar size for even cooking.

For sweet potato fries:

• Choose medium-sized sweet potatoes that are not too long. This way, you can use the full length of the sweet potato as the length of the fry.
• Peel the sweet potatoes and cut off the skinny ends.
• Cut the sweet potatoes in half lengthwise, then lay them flat on a cutting board.
• Cut the sweet potatoes into long slices, about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Thinner slices will result in crispier fries.

Once you have cut your sweet potatoes, you can season and cook them in your air fryer!

How long to cook sweet potatoes in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook sweet potatoes in an air fryer! The cooking time will depend on the size of the sweet potatoes and the temperature of the air fryer.

For whole sweet potatoes, cooking times can range from 20 to 50 minutes. If you are dicing or cubing the sweet potatoes, the cooking time will be shorter, ranging from 7 to 20 minutes.

• Diced sweet potatoes: 7 to 12 minutes
• Cubed sweet potatoes: 12 to 15 minutes
• Whole sweet potatoes: 20 to 50 minutes

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size of the sweet potatoes and the specific air fryer being used. It is recommended to check the doneness of the sweet potatoes periodically during the cooking process to ensure they do not overcook.

Additionally, it is suggested to poke holes in the sweet potatoes before air frying to prevent them from bursting. Also, shaking the air fryer basket or tossing the sweet potatoes halfway through the cooking process can help ensure even cooking.

Some recipes suggest preheating the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) before adding the sweet potatoes, while others recommend a temperature of 370°F (188°C). The cooking time may vary depending on the temperature used.

Overall, cooking sweet potatoes in an air fryer is a quick and convenient way to prepare this nutritious and delicious side dish.

How to store and reheat air-fried sweet potatoes

Storing and reheating sweet potatoes is a great way to reduce food waste and save time on meal prep. Here is a detailed guide on how to store and reheat air-fried sweet potatoes:

Storing Air-Fried Sweet Potatoes:

• Allow the sweet potatoes to cool to room temperature.
• Place the leftover sweet potatoes in an airtight container.
• Store them in the refrigerator, where they will stay fresh for 3-4 days.
• Alternatively, you can freeze cooked and cooled sweet potatoes in a ziplock bag for up to 3 months.

Reheating Air-Fried Sweet Potatoes:

• For best results, reheat the sweet potatoes in an air fryer at 360°F for 1-2 minutes, or until they are heated through.
• If you don't have access to an air fryer, you can also reheat them in a microwave or toaster oven, but they may not retain their crispness.
• If using a microwave, place the sweet potatoes in a microwave-safe dish and heat in short intervals until they are warmed through, stirring occasionally.
• You can also reheat sweet potatoes in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F and place the sweet potatoes in an oven-safe dish. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are heated through.

What to serve with air-fried sweet potatoes

Air-fried sweet potatoes can be served with a variety of dishes, making them a versatile side option. Here are some ideas for what to serve with air-fried sweet potatoes:

Dips and Sauces

A simple and classic way to serve air-fried sweet potatoes is with a dip or sauce on the side. Ketchup, ranch dressing, fry sauce, and other dips can complement the flavour of sweet potatoes well.

Main Dishes

Air-fried sweet potatoes can be a great side dish to a variety of main courses. They go well with dishes like cheeseburgers, fried chicken sandwiches, BBQ chicken, and other entrees.

Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

You can also stuff baked sweet potatoes with different fillings. Some tasty options include chicken enchilada, vegetarian, and Italian-stuffed sweet potatoes.

Salads and Tacos

Air-fried sweet potatoes can add a nice crispy texture to salads and tacos. Their natural sweetness can also complement the other ingredients in these dishes.

Seasonings

A sprinkle of seasonings can enhance the flavour of air-fried sweet potatoes. Some options include butter, coconut oil, chili powder, cumin, cinnamon, or pumpkin spice.

Other Side Dishes

Air-fried sweet potatoes can be served alongside other side dishes, such as air fryer carrots, air fryer French fries, or air fryer cauliflower.

Desserts

Sweet potatoes can also be used in desserts. They can be cooled, mashed, and then used in recipes like sweet potato casserole, sweet potato pie, sweet potato pancakes, or even sweet potato brownies.

What oil to use for air-fried sweet potatoes

When it comes to air-frying sweet potatoes, the oil you use can vary depending on your preferences and the desired flavour profile. Here are some options to consider:

Avocado Oil or Canola Oil

Avocado oil and canola oil are recommended choices due to their high smoke points. These oils can withstand higher temperatures without smoking or burning, making them suitable for air frying. They are neutral in flavour and will not overpower the taste of your sweet potatoes.

Olive Oil

Olive oil is another option for air-frying sweet potatoes. While it has a lower smoke point compared to avocado or canola oil, some people prefer it for the flavour it adds to the dish. If you enjoy the taste of olive oil, you can certainly use it for air-frying sweet potatoes.

Cooking Spray

If you want to use a cooking spray, there are various options available that can be used for air frying. These sprays are typically made from a blend of oils and other ingredients to prevent sticking and promote even cooking.

Amount of Oil

When air-frying sweet potatoes, it's important not to overload the air fryer basket. A light coating of oil on the sweet potatoes is usually sufficient. You can toss the sweet potato pieces in a bowl with the oil and any desired seasonings to ensure an even coating.

Seasonings

In addition to oil, you can also experiment with various seasonings to enhance the flavour of your air-fried sweet potatoes. Some popular options include garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, cinnamon, and brown sugar. You can keep it simple with just salt and pepper or get creative with different spice blends.

Frequently asked questions