Air-Frying Yams: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Air fryers are a quick and easy way to cook yams, which are often called sweet potatoes in stores. To cook yams in an air fryer, first, wash and dry the yams. Then, use a fork to poke holes in the skin, rub them with oil and season with salt and pepper. Place the yams in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded, and cook at 390-400°F for 35-55 minutes, turning halfway through. The yams are ready when they are soft and golden with a crispy skin. For a sweet treat, try making candied yams by slicing the yams, covering them in syrup and air frying for 10 minutes at 300°F.

How to Cook Yams in an Air Fryer

How to make yam fries in an air fryer

Making yam fries in an air fryer is a quick and easy process. This guide will take you through the steps to achieve crispy and tasty yam fries.

Ingredients

• Yams
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Spices (optional)

Method

First, wash the yams thoroughly and dry them with a clean towel. Next, use a fork or a small knife to pierce the skin of the yams 5-6 times. This will allow the steam to escape and help achieve even cooking.

Then, cut the yams into fries of a similar thickness. This ensures that all the fries cook at the same rate. If you have time, you can soak the cut yams in water for 30 minutes before cooking to achieve extra crispiness. After cutting, dry the yams thoroughly.

Lightly coat the yam fries with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and any desired spices. Place the fries in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between them to ensure even cooking and crispiness.

Cook the yam fries at 390-400 degrees Fahrenheit for 35-40 minutes, or until they are golden and crispy. For best results, turn the fries halfway through the cooking time.

And that's it! You now have delicious yam fries that are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Enjoy!

How to make candied yams in an air fryer

Candied yams are a popular side dish for dinner or holidays like Thanksgiving. They are known for their super sweet flavour and sticky texture. Here is a simple recipe to make candied yams in an air fryer.

First, peel the sweet potatoes and slice them to a thickness of 1/4 of an inch. Next, take a 6-inch baking pan and arrange the slices. If you're using a round pan, start arranging in a circular fashion from the inside out. For a square or rectangle pan, arrange the slices in a line.

Then, make the syrup. Melt some butter in a saucepan over low heat. Add light brown sugar, spices, salt, and lemon juice. Stir the mixture until it thickens to a sauce-like consistency. When ready, drizzle the sauce over the potatoes, ensuring all slices are fully covered.

Finally, place the basket in the air fryer and fry for 10 minutes at 300 F. You can adjust the time slightly if you use a bigger or smaller pan.

Note that yams are not sweet potatoes, but sweet potatoes are used in this recipe for their extra sweetness and texture.

How to make crispy yams in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Yams
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Spices (optional)

Method

First, select yams that are firm and free of cracks, bruises, or soft spots. Look for yams with smooth and even skin. If you are using sweet potatoes, choose ones that are similar in size and shape to ensure even cooking.

Next, wash the yams well and dry them with a clean towel to remove any excess moisture. Poke holes in the yams with a fork or a small knife—about 5-6 times per yam—to allow steam to escape during cooking and prevent them from exploding.

Then, lightly coat the yams with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and any desired spices. Place the yams in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between them to ensure even cooking and crispiness.

Cook the yams at a temperature between 370-400 degrees Fahrenheit for 35-50 minutes, depending on their size. For smaller yams, start checking for doneness at around 35 minutes, and for larger yams, they may take up to 50 minutes or more. You will know they are done when they are tender and soft on the inside, with a crispy skin on the outside.

For extra crispy yams, cut them into wedges of similar thickness and submerge them in water for at least 30 minutes before cooking. Dry them well before placing them in the air fryer.

You can also make candied yams in your air fryer by peeling and slicing the yams, then arranging them in a baking pan. Make a syrup by melting butter with brown sugar, spices, salt, and lemon juice, and drizzle it over the yam slices. Air fry for 10 minutes at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for a sticky-sweet treat.

How to make fluffy yams in an air fryer

Air fryers are a great way to cook yams, making them fluffy and tender on the inside with a crispy skin. This guide will take you through the simple process of making delicious yams in your air fryer.

Preparation

First, you'll want to select the right yams. Look for firm yams with smooth, even skin, free of any cracks or soft spots. Choose yams of a similar size so they cook at the same rate. You can also use sweet potatoes, which are often labelled as yams in stores, such as Beauregard or garnet yams.

Wash the yams well and dry them with a clean towel to remove any excess moisture. Poke holes in the yams with a fork or a small knife. This will allow them to vent steam and prevent them from exploding during cooking.

Cooking

Lightly coat the yams with oil and season with salt and pepper, if desired. Place the yams in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer with space between them to allow for even cooking and proper air circulation.

Set your air fryer to 370°F to 400°F and cook for 35 to 55 minutes, depending on the size of your yams. For smaller yams, start checking them at around 35 minutes, and for larger yams, they may take up to 50 minutes or more. You'll know they're done when they are tender and easily pierced with a fork, and the skin is crispy and caramelized.

Serving

Remove the yams from the air fryer and slice them open. You can top them with butter or coconut oil, or sprinkle with chili powder, cumin, cinnamon, or pumpkin spice. You can also stuff your yams with various fillings, such as chicken, vegetables, or cheese.

Enjoy your fluffy yams as a delicious side dish or a quick and easy meal!

How to make yam chips in an air fryer

Making yam chips in an air fryer is a simple and quick process. Here is a step-by-step guide to achieving crispy and tasty yam chips.

Preparation

First, select the right yams. Yams, which are technically not sweet potatoes, have a starchier texture. Look for firm yams without cracks, bruises, or soft spots. The skin should be smooth and even, and preferably a brownish-redish colour with orange insides. Try to find yams of similar size so they cook at the same rate.

Wash the yams well and dry them with a clean towel to remove any excess moisture. Using a mandolin, slice the yams to about 1/4 inch thickness. If you want extra crispy chips, submerge the slices in water for at least 30 minutes before cooking, and then dry them well.

Cooking

Lightly coat the yam slices with oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper, if desired. Place the slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring the slices do not overlap and there is space between them.

Cook at 300-400°F for 10-13 minutes, tossing or turning the slices once or twice during cooking. The yams are ready when they are soft, golden, and crispy.

Serving

Yam chips make a great side dish and can be served with your favourite main course. They are traditionally served as a side for dinner or during holidays like Thanksgiving.

There you have it! A simple and tasty way to enjoy yam chips using an air fryer.

Frequently asked questions