Air Fryer Sweet Potato: Perfect Timing For A Quick Treat

Air fryers are a convenient alternative to ovens for baking sweet potatoes, as they can produce similar results in less time. The cooking time varies depending on the size of the potato and the desired texture. For example, diced sweet potatoes will cook faster than whole potatoes. The ideal temperature to bake sweet potatoes is around 200C/400F, but this may need to be adjusted depending on the size of the potato. It's important to poke holes in the potatoes before air frying to prevent them from bursting.

How to prepare sweet potatoes for air frying

Air-frying sweet potatoes is a quick and easy way to cook them, and they come out perfectly crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare sweet potatoes for air frying:

Choosing the Right Sweet Potatoes:

• Look for sweet potatoes with firm skin and minimal wrinkles, bruises, cracks, or soft spots.
• For roasting, choose orange-skinned sweet potatoes, as they are moist, sweet, and creamy.
• There are two types of sweet potatoes: moist and dry. Moist sweet potatoes are red or orange and are ideal for baking. Dry sweet potatoes are tan or purple and have a starchier texture.

Storing Sweet Potatoes:

Store sweet potatoes in a cool, dry, dark, and well-ventilated place for up to three to five weeks.

Preparing the Sweet Potatoes:

• Wash and scrub the sweet potatoes thoroughly until the water running off is clear.
• Pat the sweet potatoes dry with a kitchen towel.
• Using a fork, pierce holes all over the sweet potatoes. This step is crucial to allow steam to escape during cooking and prevent them from bursting.
• If desired, you can peel the sweet potatoes using a vegetable peeler, especially if you are not using organic potatoes.
• Cut the sweet potatoes into your desired shape: leave them whole, cube them, or cut them into fries or wedges. Cutting them into smaller pieces will reduce the cooking time.

Seasoning the Sweet Potatoes:

• Drizzle olive oil, avocado oil, or any oil of your choice over the sweet potatoes and toss to coat them evenly.
• Sprinkle your choice of seasonings over the potatoes. You can use salt and pepper, garlic powder, chilli powder, cinnamon, or a combination of these.

Air Frying the Sweet Potatoes:

• Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature, usually between 370°F and 400°F (190°C to 200°C).
• Place the sweet potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Cook for 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the size and shape of your sweet potatoes. Whole sweet potatoes will take longer to cook, around 20 to 50 minutes.
• Shake the air fryer basket halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking on all sides.
• The sweet potatoes are done when they are fork-tender and have a crispy exterior.

Serving the Sweet Potatoes:

• Remove the sweet potatoes from the air fryer and let them cool slightly until they can be handled comfortably.
• Cut a slit in the top of each sweet potato and top with butter, coconut oil, or your favourite toppings.
• Sweet potatoes go well with cinnamon, maple syrup, sour cream, cheese, black beans, salsa, chives, pecans, mini marshmallows, or brown sugar.
• You can also stuff them with various fillings, such as chicken, enchiladas, or vegetarian options.

How long to bake sweet potato cubes in an air fryer

Baking sweet potato cubes in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make a tasty, healthy snack or side dish. The cooking time will depend on the size of your sweet potato cubes and the power of your air fryer, but generally, you're looking at around 11-15 minutes at 400°F.

Preparation

First, wash and peel your sweet potatoes. Then, cut them into cubes of roughly 1/2-inch in size. Place the cubes in a large mixing bowl and add a tablespoon of olive oil, avocado oil, or another cooking oil of your choice. You can also add spices such as garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper to taste. Toss the cubes until they are evenly coated in oil and seasoning.

Cooking

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Place the sweet potato cubes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the basket. Air fry for 11-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Check your potatoes at the 11-minute mark and air fry for an additional 1-2 minutes if needed.

Serving

Sweet potato cubes can be served as a side dish, added to salads or tacos, or enjoyed as a healthy snack. They can be seasoned with cinnamon, salt, and maple syrup or brown sugar for a sweet version, or served with harissa aioli, roasted garlic aioli, chimichurri mayo, or your favorite dipping sauce for a savory option.

How long to bake sweet potato slices in an air fryer

Air-frying sweet potato slices is a quick and easy way to cook this nutritious food. Here is a step-by-step guide to achieving the perfect air-fried sweet potato slices.

First, select sweet potatoes that have firm skin and minimal wrinkles. The type of sweet potato is up to you, but orange garnet potatoes, Japanese sweet potatoes, and Beauregard potatoes are all good options.

Next, prepare the sweet potatoes by washing and peeling them. If you are buying organic sweet potatoes, you can skip the peeling step if you prefer. Use a sharp chef's knife to cut the sweet potatoes into slices, aiming for a thickness of about 1/2 inch.

Then, toss the sweet potato slices in a bowl with avocado oil or olive oil, and season with salt and pepper, or other spices of your choice. You can also add garlic powder for extra flavour. Mix well to ensure all slices are coated evenly.

Now it's time to cook the sweet potato slices in the air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Place the slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, being careful not to overcrowd the basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the slices in batches.

Air fry the sweet potato slices for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. If you prefer your sweet potato slices to be more crunchy, add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.

Once the slices are cooked to your liking, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

That's it! You now have delicious, crispy, and tender sweet potato slices that can be enjoyed as a side dish, snack, or added to salads, tacos, and more.

Some tips to keep in mind:

• You don't need to preheat the air fryer, but it may add a couple of minutes to the cooking time.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if needed.
• The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your sweet potato slices, so keep an eye on them to ensure they don't overcook.
• For a sweeter version, try adding cinnamon and honey to the sweet potato slices before air frying.

How to serve air-fried sweet potatoes

Air-fried sweet potatoes are a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Simple Toppings

For a simple yet delicious option, top your air-fried sweet potato with butter or coconut oil. A little goes a long way, and it adds a creamy texture to the fluffy interior of the potato. If you're looking for a calorie-free option, sprinkle on some chili powder, cumin, cinnamon, or pumpkin spice. These spices add a punch of flavor without adding any extra calories.

Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

If you're feeling more adventurous, try stuffing your air-fried sweet potatoes with various fillings. Some tasty options include slow cooker chicken enchilada, loaded vegetarian, or Italian stuffed sweet potatoes. These fillings add protein and vegetables to your meal, making it more nutritious and satisfying.

Side Dish

Air-fried sweet potatoes make a fantastic side dish for a range of main courses. Their natural sweetness pairs well with savory dishes, and their crispy skin and fluffy interior provide a delightful texture contrast. Serve them alongside grilled chicken, fish, or steak for a well-rounded meal.

Salads and Tacos

Cut your air-fried sweet potatoes into cubes or slices and add them to salads or tacos. Their crispy exterior and tender interior will add a nice contrast of textures to your dish. You can also enjoy them as a healthy snack on their own!

Sweet Treats

For a sweet twist, top your air-fried sweet potato with cinnamon and honey or a sprinkle of brown sugar, pecans, and mini marshmallows. This transforms your potato into a delicious dessert option. You can even get creative and use mashed sweet potatoes in desserts like sweet potato casserole, sweet potato pie, or sweet potato brownies.

Seasoning Ideas

Experiment with different seasonings to find your favorite flavor combinations. Try red chili powder or paprika for a spicy kick, or go for curry powder, turmeric, cumin, or garam masala for an Indian-inspired dish. You can also add chili-lime seasoning or cinnamon and honey for a festive holiday flavor.

How to store leftover air-fried sweet potatoes

Air-fried sweet potatoes are a delicious and healthy treat, but what do you do when you have leftovers? Here are some tips to ensure your leftover potatoes stay fresh and tasty:

Storing in the Fridge

Leftover air-fried sweet potatoes should be stored in an airtight container or a zip-top bag in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and tasty for 3 to 4 days. It is important not to leave cooked sweet potatoes at room temperature for more than 2 hours, as bacteria can start to grow, leading to foodborne illnesses.

Freezing

If you want to keep your leftover air-fried sweet potatoes for longer, you can freeze them. Place the cooked and cooled potatoes in a ziplock bag and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy them again, you can reheat them in the air fryer or the microwave.

Reheating

To reheat your leftover potatoes, it is ideal to use an air fryer, but a microwave will also do the trick. Just keep in mind that potatoes reheated in the microwave may turn out softer than desired. If you're reheating mashed sweet potatoes, consider using a stovetop to avoid a rubbery texture. Add a little water or cream to the mash while reheating to maintain its consistency.

How to Tell If Sweet Potatoes Have Gone Bad

Use your senses to determine if your leftover sweet potatoes have gone bad. A fresh sweet potato will feel firm to the touch, while a bad one will be mushy. Other signs of spoilage include discolouration, shrivelled skin, black or brown spots, and suspicious odours. If you see any mould or notice your potatoes leaking juices, it's best to discard them.

Frequently asked questions