Air Fryer Sweet Potato: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious

Air fryers are a great way to make sweet potatoes, whether you're looking for a lighter alternative to deep-fried potatoes or a quick and easy way to cook them. You can make sweet potato fries or bake them, and they'll come out with a crispy exterior and a tender interior.

How to cut sweet potatoes for air fryer

Firstly, select two medium-sized sweet potatoes that are not too long. This way, you can use the full length of the sweet potatoes as the length of the fry. Remember that these air fryer sweet potato fries will shrink after cooking, so look for a shape slightly longer than the ideal fry length.

Next, wash and peel the sweet potatoes. Cut off the skinny ends, which you can save for a different recipe. Then, cut the sweet potatoes in half lengthwise. This will make it easier to lay them flat on a cutting board and start cutting into long slices.

The thinner you cut them, the crispier they will be. It is recommended that you cut them into 1/4-inch to 1/2-inch thick slices. However, if you are roasting the sweet potatoes, cut them into 1/2-inch cubes instead.

If you are making sweet potato wedges, simply cut the sweet potatoes into wedges after peeling.

Try to cut the sweet potatoes as evenly as possible to ensure even cooking in the air fryer. A sharp knife will help you achieve a cleaner cut.

How to season sweet potatoes for air fryer

Seasoning is a key step in making air fryer sweet potatoes, and there are a variety of ways to do it. Here are some tips and suggestions for seasoning your sweet potatoes to perfection:

Choosing Your Seasonings:

• A simple combination of olive oil, salt, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper can be used to coat the sweet potatoes before air frying.
• For a spicy kick, you can add red chili powder or paprika to your seasoning mix.
• If you're feeling adventurous, try using curry powder, turmeric, cumin, or garam masala for an exotic curry flavour.
• For a sweeter option, add brown sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, or honey to your seasoning blend.
• Some people like to use a Creole seasoning blend or Cajun seasoning for an extra punch of flavour.
• Basic seasonings like salt and pepper are always a good choice, but feel free to experiment with other herbs and spices as well.

Preparing the Sweet Potatoes:

• Wash, peel, and dry your sweet potatoes before cutting them into the desired shape (wedges, fries, or cubes).
• Try to cut the sweet potatoes evenly so that they cook uniformly in the air fryer.
• Place the cut sweet potatoes in a bowl and drizzle with your chosen oil (olive, avocado, or canola oil are popular choices). Toss to coat the potatoes evenly.
• Sprinkle your chosen seasonings over the oiled sweet potatoes, and toss again to ensure an even coating.

Cooking Instructions:

• Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature (370-400°F is common).
• Place the seasoned sweet potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd them.
• Cook in batches if necessary, shaking the basket or using tongs to turn the sweet potatoes halfway through the cooking process.
• For crispy sweet potatoes, aim for a thinner cut (around 1/4 to 1/2-inch thick) and adjust your cooking time accordingly.
• Depending on the thickness of your sweet potatoes and the temperature of your air fryer, the cooking time can range from 10 to 20 minutes.

With these tips in mind, you're well on your way to creating delicious, flavourful air fryer sweet potatoes. Don't be afraid to experiment with different seasoning combinations to find your favourite flavour profile!

How long to cook sweet potatoes in the air fryer

The cooking time for sweet potatoes in an air fryer varies depending on the desired texture, the type of sweet potato, and the specific air fryer being used. For sweet potato fries, cooking times range from 10 to 20 minutes at temperatures between 380°F and 400°F. It is recommended to cook the fries in batches and shake the basket or use tongs to turn them halfway through the cooking process. For a crispier texture, it is best to cut the sweet potatoes into thinner slices, about 1/4 to 1/2-inch thick.

When cooking whole sweet potatoes in the air fryer, the cooking time will be longer, ranging from 35 to 45 minutes at 370°F. It is important to poke holes in the potatoes with a fork before air frying.

It is worth noting that the cooking time may vary depending on the size and model of the air fryer, so it is recommended to keep an eye on the potatoes during the cooking process to ensure they don't overcook or burn.

What to serve with air fryer sweet potatoes

There are many options for what to serve with air fryer sweet potatoes. Here are some ideas:

• As a side dish, air fryer sweet potatoes go well with a variety of entrees, such as cheeseburgers, fried chicken sandwiches, or BBQ chicken.
• For a lighter option, add them to salads or tacos.
• They can also be served as a healthy snack on their own or with a dipping sauce such as ketchup, ranch, fry sauce, or a spicy kick with Comeback Sauce or Mayo Ketchup.
• For a heartier meal, pair them with air fryer chicken, chicken nuggets, or baked chicken wings.
• Sweet potatoes can also be stuffed with different fillings. Some ideas include chicken enchilada, vegetarian, or Italian stuffed sweet potatoes.

How to store air fryer sweet potatoes

Storing your air fryer sweet potatoes is simple. If you have any leftovers, place them in an airtight container or a zip-top bag and put them in the fridge. They should last for about three to four days.

When you're ready to eat them, you can reheat them in the air fryer at 360°F for one to two minutes, or in a toaster oven. You can also use a microwave, but they will be soft.

Frequently asked questions