Air-Fryer Sweet Potato Perfection: How Long To Roast?

Air fryers are a great way to cook sweet potatoes, and they can be done in as little as 10 minutes. They can be seasoned with salt, smoked paprika, and ground pepper, or kept plain and simple. The cooking time varies depending on the size of the sweet potatoes and the model of the air fryer, but generally, they take between 10 and 20 minutes to cook.

How to cut sweet potatoes for roasting

To cut sweet potatoes for roasting, you will need a knife, a vegetable peeler, and a cutting board.

First, wash and peel the sweet potato. It is easier to peel the skin using a peeler, but you can also use a paring knife to remove the skin.

Next, cut the potato into rounds. The thickness of these rounds will depend on your desired cooking time and the type of dish you are preparing. For example, if you are making a salad or burrito bowl, you may want to cut the sweet potato into smaller pieces, around 1/2-inch thick. Larger pieces, such as 3/4-inch cubes, may be preferred for a simple side dish.

Then, cut the rounds in half, and then in half again to create a dice. Alternatively, you can cut the rounds into sticks to make fries or wedges.

Try to keep the sizes of the diced pieces similar so that they cook evenly.

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 a delicious snack or side dish. The cooking time will depend on the size and type of sweet potatoes you are using, as well as the specific model of your air fryer. However, on average, it takes between 10 to 20 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, slices, or left whole, depending on your preference. It is important to ensure that the potatoes are of similar size to promote even cooking. Poke holes in the potatoes with a fork to prevent them from bursting during cooking.

Cooking Time

For diced sweet potatoes, the cooking time ranges from 7 to 12 minutes. Cubed sweet potatoes will take a bit longer, around 12 to 15 minutes. If you prefer to cook whole sweet potatoes, the cooking time can vary from 20 to 50 minutes.

It is recommended to preheat the air fryer according to the manufacturer's instructions. The ideal temperature for roasting sweet potatoes is around 400°F (200°C). During the cooking process, remember to shake or stir the potatoes occasionally to ensure even cooking on all sides.

Serving Suggestions

Roasted sweet potatoes are versatile and can be served as a snack or a side dish. They can be enjoyed on their own with a sprinkle of cinnamon, chilli powder, cumin, or pumpkin spice. For a savoury option, top with butter, sour cream, cheese, black beans, salsa, or chives. You can also get creative and stuff them with various fillings.

How to roast sweet potatoes in an air fryer

Roasted sweet potatoes are a delicious and healthy snack, side dish, or ingredient that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to roast sweet potatoes in an air fryer:

Step 1: Choosing and Preparing the Sweet Potatoes

When selecting sweet potatoes, look for those with firm skin and minimal wrinkles. Orange-skinned sweet potatoes, such as Garnet sweet potatoes, are a great option for roasting as they are moist, sweet, and creamy. However, other varieties like Japanese sweet potatoes or Beauregard can also be used.

Wash and peel the sweet potatoes. If you prefer to keep the skin on, simply give them a good scrub. You can cut the sweet potatoes into cubes, fries, or wedges, depending on your preference. For even cooking, try to keep the pieces a similar size.

Step 2: Seasoning the Sweet Potatoes

Place the cut sweet potatoes in a mixing bowl. Add your desired seasonings and toss to coat the potatoes evenly. You can keep it simple with some olive oil or avocado oil, salt, and pepper, or get creative with spices like garlic powder, cayenne pepper, ground ginger, smoked paprika, or cinnamon. You can also use a spice blend like harissa, which adds a mix of sweet paprika, garlic, caraway, and hot chili powder.

Step 3: Air Frying the Sweet Potatoes

Preheat your air fryer to around 400°F (200°C). The preheating time will depend on your air fryer model, but it usually takes around 3 to 5 minutes.

Place the seasoned sweet potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer, as this can affect the crispiness of the potatoes. If needed, cook the potatoes in batches.

Air fry the sweet potatoes for 10 to 12 minutes for cubes or wedges, and 18 to 20 minutes for whole potatoes. Shake the basket or stir the potatoes halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking. The potatoes are done when they are fork-tender and have a crispy exterior.

Step 4: Serving and Storing

Serve the roasted sweet potatoes immediately as they tend to soften as they cool. They can be enjoyed as a snack or paired with your favourite meals. Roasted sweet potatoes go well with various dishes, including salads, tacos, grilled chicken, and more.

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply pop them back into the air fryer or microwave for a quick and convenient meal.

What temperature to roast sweet potatoes in an air fryer?

The ideal temperature to roast sweet potatoes in an air fryer is 200C/400F. However, cooking times may vary based on the size of the sweet potatoes and whether they are diced, cubed, or whole.

For example, diced sweet potatoes will take 7 to 12 minutes, while cubed sweet potatoes will take 12 to 15 minutes. Whole sweet potatoes will take the longest, ranging from 20 to 50 minutes.

It is important to note that every air fryer is different, so you may need to adjust the temperature or cooking time accordingly. Additionally, it is recommended to preheat the air fryer before adding the sweet potatoes, although this is not always necessary.

When preparing sweet potatoes for the air fryer, it is suggested to cut them into equal-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. Before cooking, poke holes in the sweet potatoes with a fork to prevent them from bursting during cooking.

For seasoning, you can keep it simple with olive oil, salt, and pepper, or get creative with spices like garlic powder, cayenne pepper, ground ginger, cinnamon, or paprika.

What to serve roasted sweet potatoes with

Roasted sweet potatoes are a delicious and healthy side dish that can be served with a variety of mains and sides. Here are some ideas on what to serve with roasted sweet potatoes:

Meats

Pork, chicken, and beef are great options to serve with sweet potatoes. For example, Bacon-Wrapped Pork Chops or Cast Iron Pork Chops. You could also try Chicken Bacon Alfredo Pasta Bake or Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breasts.

Fish

Salmon, walleye, halibut, cod, and mahi-mahi are some types of fish that pair well with sweet potatoes. Why not try Salmon in Foil with Caramelized Onions or Chili Lime Salmon with Mexican Spiced Sweet Potatoes?

Vegetables

Sweet potatoes go well with almost any vegetable. Try broccoli, Brussels sprouts, mushrooms, zucchini, collard greens, carrots, cauliflower, green beans, or bell peppers. Roasted Rainbow Vegetables with Tahini Dressing or Pan-Fried Brussels Sprouts with Almonds would make a tasty and healthy side dish.

Salads

A fresh, leafy green salad is a great way to balance out the sweetness of the potatoes. You could also try a Black Bean and Avocado Salad or a Zesty Green Apple and Celery Spinach Salad.

Beans

Baked beans and black beans are a good source of protein and fiber to go with sweet potatoes. You could also try making Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos or a Sweet Potato and Black Bean Casserole.

Soups

Any type of soup will accompany sweet potatoes well. Try a Roasted Vegan Cauliflower Soup or a Red Lentil and Sweet Potato Soup.

Other Ideas

Sweet potatoes are also delicious in a casserole, as chips, fries, wedges, or mashed. They can be stuffed or turned into a sweet potato hash or even a pie!

Frequently asked questions