Air Fryer Yams: Perfect Timing For Delicious Results

Yams and sweet potatoes are a great, healthy option to cook in an air fryer. They can be cooked in less than half the time it would take in an oven, making them a quick and easy option for a snack or a side dish. The natural sweetness of the yams is brought out by the roasting process, and the air fryer crisps the outsides perfectly while keeping the insides soft.

Cooking Yams in an Air Fryer

Yam fries

First, peel the yams and cut them into 1/2-inch cubes or wedges. Try to keep the sizes as uniform as possible to ensure even cooking. If you prefer, you can slice the yams lengthwise into wedges and leave the peels on for a more rustic look.

Next, transfer the yam cubes or wedges to a mixing bowl. Drizzle olive oil or avocado oil over them, and add your desired seasonings. You can use a variety of spices such as oregano, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, ginger, or even maple syrup for a sweet touch. Toss the yams until they are well coated with the oil and seasonings.

Now, it's time to cook the yam fries in the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer according to the manufacturer's instructions, usually to around 400°F. Place the seasoned yams in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving some space between them to ensure even cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches.

Cook the yam fries for about 10-12 minutes for wedges or 20-30 minutes for cubes, shaking the basket every 5-10 minutes for even browning. The fries are ready when they are golden, crispy, and tender.

Serve your yam fries immediately while they are still hot and crispy. They go well with various dips or toppings, such as butter, coconut oil, chilli powder, cumin, cinnamon, or pumpkin spice. Enjoy your delicious and healthy yam fries!

Yam cooking time vs oven

Air fryers are a convenient alternative to ovens, especially when cooking small quantities of food. They are also quicker than ovens because they do not require pre-heating.

When cooking yams, the oven temperature should be set at 400-425°F. The yams should be scrubbed thoroughly and pricked with a fork before baking for 30-60 minutes, or until tender. They can be served with butter, brown sugar, and/or cinnamon.

To cook yams in an air fryer, the temperature should be set at 370-400°F. The yams should be seasoned and spread in a single layer. They should be cooked for 8-12 minutes, shaking the basket after about 6 minutes.

Therefore, yams generally take less time to cook in an air fryer than in an oven. While an oven may take up to an hour to bake yams, an air fryer can cook them in under 15 minutes.

It is worth noting that the cooking time may vary depending on the desired level of browning or doneness. Additionally, the size and capacity of the air fryer may also impact the cooking time.

Yam seasonings

While yams and sweet potatoes are different vegetables, many recipes for cooking yams use the terms interchangeably. Here are some seasoning suggestions for yams cooked in an air fryer.

A simple way to season yams is to toss them in oil and seasonings before placing them in the air fryer. You can use avocado oil, olive oil, or coconut oil as a base. For sweet yams, add brown sugar, vanilla powder, or maple syrup. For salty yams, add salt, onion powder, and garlic powder. You can also add spices like cayenne pepper, ginger, cinnamon, or pumpkin spice. If you want to get creative, try making curry roasted yams with curry powder, turmeric, cumin, and garam masala. Or, add a unique twist with chili lime seasoning.

Another option is to use a pre-made yam spice blend, such as Rosamae Seasonings Yam Spice, which includes granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla powder, ground cinnamon, ground clove, ground nutmeg, and ground ginger.

When seasoning yams, it's important to ensure they are in a single layer and not overlapping in the air fryer. This will help them cook evenly and achieve a crispy exterior.

Yam preparation

Next, toss the yam pieces with olive oil or avocado oil. This helps the seasonings stick, prevents them from drying out, and promotes browning. You can also add your preferred seasonings at this stage. Suggested seasonings include salt, cayenne pepper, ginger, sugar, oregano, garlic powder, paprika, harissa, and black pepper. You can also drizzle melted butter over the yams and add some spices.

After seasoning, preheat your air fryer according to the manufacturer's instructions. Place the yams in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between them. If your air fryer is small, you may need to cook in batches.

Cooking time will depend on the size and shape of your yam pieces. For wedges, cook for 20-30 minutes at 400°F, shaking the basket every 5-10 minutes. For cubes or chunks, 10-12 minutes at 400°F should be sufficient, shaking the basket halfway through. The yams are ready when they are soft, golden, and crispy.

Air-fried yams are best served immediately, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them back in the air fryer at 400°F for 5-7 minutes or until warmed through.

Yam reheating

Yams are a delicious and versatile root vegetable that can be cooked in a variety of ways. Air frying is a great way to cook yams because it is quick, easy, and results in a crispy, flavorful dish. Air fryers are also faster than traditional ovens and healthier than deep frying, as they use less oil and produce less unhealthy saturated fat.

Now, if you have leftover yams and want to reheat them in an air fryer, here is a simple guide:

First, preheat your air fryer to around 360°F to 400°F (182°C to 204°C). Preheating is essential to ensure even reheating and a crispy texture. While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare your yams. Cut the yams into uniform pieces or cubes for the best results. You can also toss them with a small amount of oil to help them crisp up again.

Next, place the yams in the air fryer basket in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding. This allows proper air circulation, which is crucial for achieving optimal crispiness. Lightly spray the yams with cooking oil if you prefer a crispier texture.

Now, it's time to reheat! Cook the yams for 3 to 5 minutes, keeping a close eye on them to prevent overcooking or burning. For thicker yam pieces or if you prefer them extra crispy, you may need to add an extra minute or two to the cooking time.

Finally, when your yams are golden and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and serve immediately while they're still hot and crunchy. You can enjoy them as a side dish or use them in various recipes, such as breakfast hash, loaded fries, frittatas, or even as a thickening agent in soups or stews.

Frequently asked questions