Air-Fryer Sweet Potato Perfection: Quick, Crispy, And Healthy!

Air fryers are a great way to cook sweet potatoes, offering a quick, easy, and healthy option. They are a convenient way to cook, with no need for preheating, and they produce a crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy, or creamy interior. Air-fried sweet potatoes are a versatile dish that can be served as a snack, side dish, or added to other meals such as salads, tacos, and rice bowls. They are also highly nutritious, offering vitamins, fibre, and potassium.

How long does it take to roast sweet potatoes in an air fryer?

Roasting sweet potatoes in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare them, and they come out perfectly crispy. The time it takes to roast sweet potatoes in an air fryer depends on the size of the potatoes, the power of the air fryer, and the desired level of crispiness. On average, it takes around 10 to 15 minutes to roast sweet potatoes in an air fryer.

Preparation

Before roasting, sweet potatoes should be washed and peeled. They can be cut into cubes, rounds, or left whole. It is recommended to cut them into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. The size of the potato pieces will also affect the roasting time, with smaller pieces cooking faster than larger ones. After cutting, the potatoes are usually tossed with oil and seasonings such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, or cinnamon.

Cooking Time and Temperature

Air fryers should be preheated to around 390-400°F (200°C). The sweet potato pieces are then placed in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cooking times can vary, but on average, they take about 10 to 12 minutes for smaller pieces and up to 15 minutes for larger pieces. It is important to shake or turn the potatoes halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.

Doneness

To check if the sweet potatoes are done, remove them from the air fryer and insert a sharp knife into the centre. If the potatoes are cooked, the knife should glide through without resistance. Additionally, the potatoes should feel soft when squeezed with an oven-mitted hand. If they are not yet soft, they can be placed back in the air fryer for a few more minutes until they reach the desired level of doneness.

What are the best sweet potatoes to use for roasting?

When it comes to roasting sweet potatoes, there are several varieties to choose from, each with its own unique taste and texture. Here are some of the best sweet potatoes to use for roasting:

Orange-Skinned Sweet Potatoes

Orange-skinned sweet potatoes, such as the Garnet variety, are an excellent choice for roasting. They are known for their moist texture, sweet flavour, and creamy consistency. These potatoes have orange flesh, which is particularly rich in beta-carotene, and they are also lower in calories compared to regular potatoes. When selecting orange-skinned sweet potatoes, look for firm potatoes with minimal bruises or discolourations, and store them in a cool, dry, dark, and well-ventilated place.

Red Garnet Sweet Potatoes

Red Garnet sweet potatoes are another great option for roasting. They are slightly less sweet than the Beauregard variety, which is the most common type of sweet potato in the United States. Red Garnet sweet potatoes have a beautiful red skin and a creamy texture, making them ideal for roasting.

Japanese Sweet Potatoes

Japanese sweet potatoes are also available in the US market and can be used for roasting. They have a distinct flavour and texture that sets them apart from other varieties.

Moist Varieties (Orange and Red Skinned Potatoes)

When choosing sweet potatoes, opt for the orange and red-skinned varieties, as these tend to be the "moist varieties". They are sweeter, creamier, and less starchy compared to other types. However, be cautious as these varieties are sometimes labelled as yams, which tend to be more starchy and dry.

Firm and Smooth Sweet Potatoes

When selecting sweet potatoes, always look for those with smooth skins and no soft spots. Ensure there are no discolourations, and the potato feels firm to the touch. Avoid potatoes with wrinkles, cracks, or soft skin.

In summary, the best sweet potatoes for roasting are those with a moist and creamy texture, such as orange-skinned or red-skinned varieties. Look for firm, smooth potatoes without any bruises or soft spots. By choosing the right variety and ensuring proper storage, you can enhance the flavour and texture of your roasted sweet potatoes.

Do you need to peel sweet potatoes before roasting them in an air fryer?

You can roast sweet potatoes with or without the peel on. However, if you do not peel the sweet potatoes, it is recommended to buy organic produce.

If you do decide to peel the sweet potatoes, you can use a vegetable peeler to do so. It is also important to note that sweet potatoes can be firm and hard to cut, so it is recommended to use a sharp chef's knife to cut them into the desired shape and size.

Once peeled and cut, the sweet potatoes can be seasoned with a variety of spices and oils, such as avocado oil, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. After seasoning, the sweet potatoes can be placed in the air fryer in a single layer and cooked for 10-12 minutes at 400°F, shaking the basket at the halfway point.

How do you season sweet potatoes before roasting them in an air fryer?

Roasting sweet potatoes in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a tasty, healthy snack or side dish.

Seasoning

There are many different ways to season sweet potatoes before roasting them in an air fryer. A simple option is to toss the cubes in avocado or olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. You can also add red chilli powder or paprika for a spicy version, or cinnamon and honey for a holiday version.

For a curry flavour, you can add curry powder, turmeric, cumin, and garam masala. You can also add berbere spice, coriander, or cinnamon if you plan to use the sweet potatoes in oatmeal. For a savoury option, add smoked paprika or simply salt and pepper.

Preparation

First, wash and peel the sweet potatoes. Cut each potato into 1/2 to 1-inch cubes. Place the cubes in a bowl and add your chosen oil and seasonings. Toss to combine and ensure the sweet potatoes are well coated.

Cooking

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Then, arrange the sweet potato cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. If you prefer them crunchier, add a couple of extra minutes.

Serving

Air fryer sweet potatoes can be served as a snack or added to meals such as salads, tacos, rice bowls, or wraps. They can also be stuffed with different fillings or served with butter or coconut oil on top.

What temperature should the air fryer be set to for roasting sweet potatoes?

The ideal temperature to set your air fryer to for roasting sweet potatoes is between 370°F and 400°F.

Different recipes recommend slightly different temperatures, but they all fall within this range. For example, the air fryer roasted sweet potato recipe from Piping Pot Curry recommends preheating your air fryer to 400°F. Similarly, the air fryer sweet potato recipe from Little House Big Alaska also instructs you to preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes. In contrast, the air fryer baked sweet potato recipe from Skinnytaste cooks the sweet potatoes at 370°F for 35-45 minutes without preheating the air fryer.

It is worth noting that the cooking time may vary depending on the size and type of sweet potatoes you are using, as well as the specific model of your air fryer. For example, the recipe from Little House Big Alaska suggests that the sweet potatoes will take roughly 10-12 minutes to cook, but they can take up to 15 minutes. Therefore, it is important to keep an eye on your sweet potatoes while they are cooking and adjust the temperature and cooking time as needed.

Frequently asked questions