Marianne Martinez
Sweet potatoes are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from wraps and salads to rice bowls and tacos. They are also a healthy snack option. Cooking sweet potatoes in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare them, taking just 10 to 12 minutes for roasted cubes or 35 to 45 minutes for whole potatoes. Air fryers use rapidly circulating convection heat to cook the potatoes evenly, giving them a crispy exterior and a tender, fluffy, or moist interior, depending on your preference.
How to Cook Sweet Potatoes in an Air Fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cook Time | 10-12 minutes for roasted cubes or wedges; 35-55 minutes for whole potatoes |
| Temperature | 375°F-400°F |
| Preheat | 5 minutes; not required for all air fryer brands |
| Seasoning | Salt, pepper, olive oil, avocado oil, butter, coconut oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, harissa spice blend, nutritional yeast, chili powder, cumin, cinnamon, pumpkin spice |
| Toppings | Butter, coconut oil, vegan butter, olive oil, chili powder, cumin, cinnamon, pumpkin spice |
| Storage | Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3-5 days; freeze for up to 3 months |
| Reheating | Preheat air fryer to 350°F-375°F for 3-10 minutes |
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What You'll Learn
How to cut sweet potatoes for the air fryer
To cut sweet potatoes for the air fryer, start by washing them well. You can choose to peel them or leave the skin on, as it will turn crispy when cooked. Next, use a fork to poke holes in the sweet potatoes, which will allow steam to vent as they cook.
Now, cut the sweet potatoes into your desired shape. For wedges, slice each potato in half lengthwise, then place the cut side down on your cutting board and carefully slice at an angle to create wedges. These can be as thin or thick as you like, but remember that thicker wedges will take longer to cook. For cubes, simply cut the potatoes into equal-sized pieces. Aim for a size of around 1/2-inch to ensure even cooking.
Once you have cut your sweet potatoes, you can proceed to season and cook them in the air fryer.
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Air fryer temperature and timing
The temperature and timing for cooking sweet potatoes in an air fryer depend on the type of sweet potatoes and the form in which they are cooked.
For medium-sized whole sweet potatoes, it is recommended to cook them at 375°F for 40-45 minutes. However, the cooking time may vary depending on the size of the potatoes. Smaller potatoes may require around 35 minutes, while larger potatoes may need 50 minutes or more. To ensure even cooking, it is important to poke holes in the potatoes to allow steam to escape.
When cooking sweet potato wedges, a preheating temperature of 375°F for 5 minutes is suggested. The cooking time for the wedges is around 10 minutes at the same temperature. The wedges should be fork-tender and crispy on the edges when done. If they are not crispy enough, they can be cooked for an additional 2-5 minutes.
For sweet potato cubes, a higher temperature of 400°F is recommended. The cooking time for the cubes is also around 10 minutes, but it is important to shake the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. If a crunchier texture is desired, the cooking time can be extended by a couple of minutes.
It is worth noting that different air fryer brands may have varying preheating requirements, so it is always advisable to refer to the manufacturer's instructions. Additionally, the cooking time may need to be adjusted based on the desired level of doneness and the specific model of the air fryer.
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Seasoning and toppings
Oils:
- Olive oil is a popular choice for its flavour and ability to achieve great results.
- Avocado oil is recommended for its high smoke point, and it can also be used for a lighter flavour.
- Canola oil is another option with a high smoke point.
- Coconut oil is a suitable dairy-free alternative.
- Cooking spray can also be used.
Basic Seasonings:
- Salt and pepper are classic seasonings that complement the natural sweetness of the potatoes.
- Garlic powder adds a savoury note.
- Cumin brings an earthy, warm flavour.
Spice Blends:
- Harissa spice blend, featuring sweet paprika, garlic, caraway, and hot chilli powder, adds a complex blend of flavours.
- Berbere spice is a great option for a unique flavour profile.
- Curry powder lends itself well to roasted sweet potatoes, creating a curry-roasted flavour.
- Cinnamon adds a warm, sweet spice note, especially when pairing sweet potatoes with oatmeal.
Sweet Toppings:
- Cinnamon, maple syrup, and butter create a sweet and indulgent combination.
- Brown sugar, mini marshmallows, and pecans make for a decadent treat.
Savoury Toppings:
Sour cream, cheese, black beans, salsa, and chives offer a savoury contrast to the sweetness of the potatoes.
Other Seasonings:
- Turmeric adds a distinct earthy flavour and a vibrant yellow colour.
- Garam masala, a blend of ground spices used in Indian cuisine, provides a complex and aromatic flavour profile.
- Chilli lime seasoning adds a tangy and spicy kick.
- Paprika contributes to a mild spiciness and a vibrant colour.
Remember, you can get creative and experiment with different combinations of seasonings and toppings to find your favourite flavour profiles. The possibilities are endless!
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Reheating sweet potatoes in an air fryer
If you have leftover baked sweet potatoes, store them in an airtight container or zip-top plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to three to four days. You can also freeze them for up to three months.
When you're ready to reheat, start by rubbing oil over the outside of the sweet potato skin, then add your desired seasonings. You can use olive oil, avocado oil, or grapeseed oil for that crispy skin. Wrap the potato tightly in aluminum foil to keep it moist and tender.
Place the wrapped sweet potato into the air fryer basket in a single layer. Set the temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and the time for 10-12 minutes for a whole potato. Flip the potato halfway through the cooking process.
For sweet potato wedges, cook at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 9-12 minutes. For diced sweet potatoes, cook for 3-5 minutes. Sweet potato chunks will take 4-7 minutes, while cubes will take 8-10 minutes.
If your air fryer has a reheat button, you can simply toss the sweet potatoes in and press the button. They should be ready in around 7 to 8 minutes.
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Storing cooked sweet potatoes
It's important to note that cooked sweet potatoes should not be left at room temperature for more than two hours, as this can promote bacteria growth and cause foodborne illness. Additionally, raw sweet potatoes should not be stored in the refrigerator, as the cold air can activate their sugars and starches, causing them to spoil faster and develop an unpleasant taste and a hard center.
When storing raw sweet potatoes, make sure to keep them unwashed and in a well-ventilated area, such as a paper bag or basket. Choose a storage location that is not near a heat source or sunlight, as this can cause the potatoes to sprout. The ideal temperature for storing sweet potatoes is between 50 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
To check if a sweet potato has gone bad, look for signs of discoloration, smooshed spots, rotting, or a funky smell. If the potato is wrinkled or shrinking, that's another sign that it's past its prime. However, if a potato is sprouting eyes, simply trim the sprouts with a knife or vegetable peeler, and it will still be safe to eat.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes 35-45 minutes to cook sweet potatoes in an air fryer at 370°F-<375°F. However, if you cut the sweet potatoes into cubes or wedges, they will cook much faster, in about 10 minutes at 400°F.
Wash the sweet potatoes and cut them into similar-sized cubes or wedges. Poke holes in the sweet potatoes with a fork to vent steam as they cook. You can also coat the potatoes with oil before cooking for more tender skin.
Set your air fryer to 370°F-<375°F> to cook whole sweet potatoes. If you are cooking cubed or wedged sweet potatoes, increase the temperature to 400°F.
You can season air-fried sweet potatoes with salt, pepper, butter, olive oil, avocado oil, chilli powder, cumin, cinnamon, or pumpkin spice.
