Sweet Potato Air Fryer Times Explained

Air fryers are a great way to cook sweet potatoes, with many people saying they prefer them to the oven. They are faster, take less time, and are more convenient. The cooking time depends on the size of the potato and the type of cut. For example, diced sweet potatoes take 7-12 minutes, while whole sweet potatoes can take up to 50 minutes. The ideal temperature to cook them is 200C/400F.

How to get the perfect crispy texture

To get the perfect crispy texture when making sweet potatoes in an air fryer, there are a few key steps to follow. Here is a detailed guide to achieving that ideal crispiness:

Choose the Right Type of Sweet Potato:

Select sweet potatoes with firm skin and minimal wrinkles. Look for varieties such as orange garnet potatoes, Japanese sweet potatoes, Beauregard, or Red Garnet. These potatoes tend to have a good balance of sweetness and moisture, making them ideal for air frying.

Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:

Wash and scrub the sweet potatoes thoroughly. You can choose to peel them or leave the skin on, depending on your preference. Cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces, such as cubes, wedges, or fries. Cutting them into similar sizes ensures they cook evenly. For cubes, aim for 1/2-inch to 1-inch pieces. For wedges, cut lengthwise into similar-sized pieces.

Season the Sweet Potatoes:

In a large bowl, toss the sweet potato pieces with oil and your desired seasonings. You can use olive oil, avocado oil, or oil spray. For seasonings, try a combination of garlic powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. You can also experiment with other spices like chili powder, cinnamon, cumin, or curry powder. Make sure to coat the potatoes evenly.

Preheat the Air Fryer:

Preheat your air fryer according to the manufacturer's instructions. The ideal temperature for cooking sweet potatoes is typically between 370°F to 400°F (about 190°C to 200°C). Refer to your air fryer's manual for specific guidelines.

Arrange the Sweet Potatoes in the Air Fryer:

Place the seasoned sweet potato pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the basket to ensure proper air circulation. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the potatoes in batches.

Cook the Sweet Potatoes:

Air fry the sweet potatoes for the recommended time based on their size and the type of cut. For whole sweet potatoes, the cooking time can range from 20 to 50 minutes. Cubed or diced potatoes will take less time, typically around 7 to 12 minutes. Wedges or fries might take 10 to 20 minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking, and feel free to shake the basket or turn the potatoes during cooking for more even browning.

Serve and Enjoy:

Once the sweet potatoes are cooked to your desired level of crispiness, remove them from the air fryer and serve immediately. They can be enjoyed as a side dish, added to salads or tacos, or simply seasoned with butter, cinnamon, or other favorite toppings.

Remember, cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model and the size of your sweet potatoes, so adjust the timing accordingly. Always refer to your air fryer's instructions for the best results. With these steps, you'll be well on your way to achieving that perfect crispy texture!

How to prepare sweet potatoes for air frying

Selecting and Storing Sweet Potatoes

When choosing sweet potatoes, opt for those with firm, unwrinkled skin and minimal bruises or discolourations. Avoid potatoes that are soft or have soft spots. If you're not planning to use them right away, store them in a cool, dry place for up to five weeks.

Preparing the Sweet Potatoes for Air Frying

Start by washing and drying the sweet potatoes. You can peel them or leave the skin on, depending on your preference. Cut the sweet potatoes into your desired shape—cubed, sliced, or wedged. If cutting them into cubes or slices, aim for a thickness of about 1/2 inch. For wedges, cut them into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.

Seasoning the Sweet Potatoes

Place the cut sweet potatoes in a bowl and add your desired seasonings. You can keep it simple with just salt and pepper, or get creative with spices like oregano, garlic powder, paprika, cinnamon, or cumin. You can also use a spice blend like harissa or Cajun seasoning. Drizzle with olive oil or avocado oil and toss to coat the potatoes evenly.

Air Frying the Sweet Potatoes

Preheat your air fryer according to the manufacturer's instructions. Arrange the seasoned sweet potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding. Cook at a temperature between 370°F and 400°F for 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the size and shape of your potatoes. Shake the basket or turn the potatoes halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.

Serving Suggestions

Air fryer sweet potatoes make a delicious and versatile side dish. Serve them as-is or with a dollop of butter or coconut oil. For a savoury option, top with sour cream, cheese, black beans, salsa, or chives. If you have a sweet tooth, sprinkle on some cinnamon, maple syrup, or brown sugar. You can also stuff them with fillings like chicken, beans, or vegetables for a heartier meal.

How long to cook sweet potatoes in an air fryer

The cooking time for sweet potatoes in an air fryer depends on how you cut them and your preferred level of crispiness. Here is a general guide to help you achieve perfectly cooked sweet potatoes:

Whole Sweet Potatoes

For whole sweet potatoes, the cooking time in an air fryer can range from 20 to 50 minutes. It is important to note that the size of the potatoes will affect the cooking time. For medium to large potatoes, you may need to increase the cooking time.

Diced Sweet Potatoes

Diced sweet potatoes, cut into 1-inch pieces, will take less time to cook. The cooking time for diced sweet potatoes in an air fryer is typically around 7 to 12 minutes.

Cubed Sweet Potatoes

Similarly, cubed sweet potatoes, cut into smaller pieces, will also have a shorter cooking time. You can expect to air fry cubed sweet potatoes for 10 to 15 minutes.

Sweet Potato Wedges

If you prefer sweet potato wedges, the cooking time will be slightly longer than cubes or fries. Air fry sweet potato wedges for 15 to 20 minutes, or until they are golden and crispy.

Tips for Optimal Cooking:

• It is important to cut the sweet potatoes into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Cook the sweet potatoes in batches if needed.
• Poke holes in the sweet potatoes before air frying to prevent them from bursting.
• Preheat the air fryer according to the manufacturer's instructions.
• Toss the sweet potatoes with oil and your desired seasonings before air frying.
• Shake or turn the sweet potatoes during the cooking process to ensure even browning.
• For a crispier texture, cut the sweet potatoes and submerge them in water for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
• Dry the potatoes thoroughly before placing them in the air fryer.
• For optimal crispness, reheat any leftovers in the air fryer.

How to store and reheat sweet potatoes

Storing and reheating sweet potatoes is a simple process that can be done in a few different ways, depending on your preferences and equipment. Here is a detailed guide to help you get the best results:

Storing Sweet Potatoes:

• Choose the Right Sweet Potatoes: When buying sweet potatoes, select ones with firm skin and minimal wrinkles. Avoid potatoes with soft spots, cracks, or soft skin.
• Storage Location and Duration: Store uncooked sweet potatoes in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place, such as a pantry or cellar. They can be kept for three to five weeks.

Storing Cooked Sweet Potatoes:

• Container and Temperature: Place leftover cooked sweet potatoes in an airtight container or a zip-top plastic bag. Store them in the refrigerator, where they can last for up to three days.
• Freezing: If you want to store them for a more extended period, place the cooked and cooled potatoes in a ziplock bag and freeze them for up to three months.

Reheating Sweet Potatoes:

• Air Fryer: The best way to reheat sweet potatoes is by using an air fryer. This method helps maintain their flavour and texture. Set the air fryer to 350°F (177°C) and place the potatoes inside for 10-12 minutes. You can also follow the same method for reheating sweet potato wedges, chunks, or cubes.
• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Lightly oil a baking sheet and place the sweet potatoes on it, ensuring they are not crowded. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until heated through. For crispier skin, extend the baking time by 5-10 minutes.
• Toaster Oven: If you're reheating a single sweet potato, set the toaster oven to 350°F and cook for about 10 minutes. For multiple potatoes, increase the temperature to 375°F and cook for 15 minutes. Check periodically and turn them over halfway through.
• Convection Oven: Remember that a convection oven's heat is more intense. To reheat, set the oven to 350°F (177°C) and cook for 10-15 minutes or until heated through. For larger potatoes, adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Tips for Reheating:

• Moisture Retention: To prevent your sweet potatoes from drying out during reheating, add a small amount of water to the baking tray or wrap them in aluminium foil before placing them in the oven.
• Toppings: Enhance the flavour of your reheated sweet potatoes with various toppings such as butter, cinnamon, marshmallows, bacon bits, brown sugar, honey, pecans, raisins, apples, or dried cranberries.

What to serve with air fryer sweet potatoes

Air fryer sweet potatoes are a versatile dish that can be served as a side or a snack. Here are some ideas for what to serve with them:

Salads and Tacos

Air fryer sweet potatoes, especially the cubed or roasted variety, can be added to salads and tacos. Their crispy exterior and tender interior make them a perfect addition to these dishes.

Main Courses

Air fryer sweet potatoes can be served as a side dish to various main courses. For example, they can be paired with meat dishes such as maple-glazed pork chops or roasted chicken. They also go well with fish, like coconut shrimp or salmon.

Snacks and Appetizers

Sweet potatoes prepared in an air fryer also make a great snack or appetizer. They can be enjoyed on their own or with a dipping sauce, such as ketchup or your favorite sauce.

Sweet Potato Recipes

If you're looking for more sweet potato-centric dishes to serve with your air fryer sweet potatoes, there are plenty of options. You can try smashed sweet potatoes, mashed sweet potatoes brulee, or sweet potato egg cups. Sweet potatoes also work well in dishes like turmeric roasted chicken and sweet potatoes, or parmesan hasselback sweet potatoes with balsamic glaze.

Seasonings and Toppings

When it comes to seasonings and toppings, the possibilities are endless. You can keep it simple with butter, coconut oil, chili powder, cumin, cinnamon, or pumpkin spice. Or, you can get creative with toppings like cinnamon, maple syrup, butter, sour cream, cheese, black beans, salsa, chives, pecans, mini marshmallows, or brown sugar.

Frequently asked questions