Air-Fried Japanese Sweet Potatoes: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious!

Japanese sweet potatoes are a delicious treat, and cooking them in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to enjoy them. With their reddish-purple skin and white flesh that turns golden when cooked, these sweet potatoes offer a unique flavour and texture that sets them apart from other varieties. In this article, we will explore the best ways to cook Japanese sweet potatoes in an air fryer, achieving the perfect balance of crispy exterior and tender interior. We will also discuss the versatility of this dish, including serving suggestions and customisable seasoning options, so you can make it your own!

How to pick the right Japanese sweet potato

When choosing Japanese sweet potatoes, also known as satsumaimo (さつまいも), look for ones with:

• Purple-toned or magenta skin and off-white, pale cream, or white flesh that turns yellow or golden when cooked.
• A smooth skin and a heavier weight. Avoid potatoes with a lot of roots, as they tend to have too much fiber.
• A slender and smaller shape.

Japanese sweet potatoes are typically much smaller and more slender than other varieties. They are also starchier and drier than orange sweet potatoes, with a subtle nutty flavor.

When shopping for Japanese sweet potatoes, you can usually find them at local Asian grocery stores, farmers' markets, and major grocery stores such as Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, or local co-ops.

How to prepare the sweet potatoes

Preparing Japanese sweet potatoes for the air fryer is simple and only takes a few minutes. First, wash the sweet potatoes under cold running water. You can lightly scrub them with your hands to remove any dirt or debris. Then, pat them dry with a kitchen towel or paper towel.

Next, using a small knife or a metal fork, pierce the sweet potatoes all over. This will allow steam to escape while they are cooking. You can also trim the pointed ends of the potatoes if you wish.

At this point, you can choose to cut the sweet potatoes into your desired shape. You can leave them whole, or cut them into cubes, slices, wedges, or fries. If you are cutting them, try to keep the pieces a similar size so they cook evenly. If you want bigger bites, cut them slightly larger as the sweet potatoes will shrink slightly during cooking.

Once your potatoes are prepared, place them into a large mixing bowl and add oil and your desired seasonings. Toss them well to ensure they are fully coated. You can use a variety of seasonings, such as salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cumin, or chili powder. You can also experiment with sweet spices like cinnamon or nutmeg.

Now your Japanese sweet potatoes are ready to be cooked in the air fryer! Place them into the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches. Set the temperature to between 350-400°F and cook for around 10-30 minutes, depending on the size and shape of your potatoes. Shake the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.

Your Japanese sweet potatoes are ready when they are golden brown and crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside. Enjoy them as a delicious side dish or snack!

How to season the sweet potatoes

Seasoning your Japanese sweet potatoes is a great way to add extra flavour and make them even more delicious. Here are some tips and suggestions for seasoning:

Spices and Seasonings

• A simple combination of sea salt and black pepper can add a delicious flavour to your sweet potatoes.
• For something more complex, try adding spices like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cumin, or chili powder.
• If you're feeling adventurous, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a sweet and spicy twist.

Oils

• Olive oil is a great choice for adding flavour and helping the seasonings stick to the sweet potatoes.
• Other options include avocado oil, sesame oil, or any other vegetable oil you prefer.

Preparation

• After washing and drying the sweet potatoes, cut them into your desired shape (cubes, slices, or sticks).
• Place the chopped sweet potatoes into a large mixing bowl and add the oil and seasonings.
• Toss or mix the sweet potatoes until they are evenly coated with the oil and seasonings.
• For maximum crispiness, pat the sweet potatoes dry again after cutting and before adding the oil and seasonings.

Cooking

• When cooking in an air fryer, place the seasoned sweet potatoes in a single layer, without overcrowding the basket.
• Cook at 360°F (182°C) for around 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.
• For extra crispiness, cook for a few minutes longer, keeping an eye on them to avoid burning.

Serving Suggestions

• As a snack or appetizer, serve the seasoned sweet potato bites with dipping sauces like cashew mayo, ketchup, tahini sauce, or lemon garlic aioli.
• As a side dish, sweet potatoes go well with many main courses, or you can add toppings like black beans, avocado, and salsa for a Mexican-inspired twist.
• For breakfast, serve them with omelets or tofu scramble.
• In salads, pair them with bitter greens like arugula and crunchy nuts or seeds.
• Add them to grain bowls along with other veggies, protein, and a flavorful dressing.

How long to cook the sweet potatoes

The cooking time for Japanese sweet potatoes in an air fryer depends on the size and shape of the potatoes, as well as the desired level of crispiness. Here is a detailed guide on how long to cook them:

Whole Japanese Sweet Potatoes:

For whole Japanese sweet potatoes, it is recommended to cook them in the air fryer at 400°F for around 30 minutes. This will result in potatoes with a smooth and creamy texture that are fluffy, tender, and sweet. You can also cook them at a lower temperature of 350°F for 15-20 minutes if you prefer. Check the potatoes with a paring knife or cake tester to ensure they are easily inserted.

Japanese Sweet Potato Fries:

If you are making Japanese sweet potato fries, the cooking time will be shorter. Cut the potatoes into your desired shape, ensuring they are of similar size to promote even cooking. Coat the potatoes with oil and your desired seasonings. Then, cook them in the air fryer at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or until they reach your desired level of crispiness. For extra crispy fries, you can cook them for a few minutes longer. It is important to not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.

Japanese Sweet Potato Cubes, Slices, or Wedges:

For Japanese sweet potato cubes, slices, or wedges, the cooking time will vary depending on the size and shape. Preheat your air fryer to 360°F and cook the potatoes for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. For oven baking, preheat the oven to 360°F and bake for 20-25 minutes.

How to serve the sweet potatoes

Japanese sweet potatoes are a delicious snack or side dish, and there are many ways to serve them. Here are some ideas to get you started:

As a Handheld Snack

In Taiwan, Japanese sweet potatoes are often served as street food. They are split in half and eaten straight as a handheld snack. You can peel the skin as you eat or even eat the skin, depending on your preference.

With Toppings

You can cut the sweet potatoes in half lengthwise and top them with toasted black sesame seeds. You can also try other toppings such as butter or ghee, cinnamon, honey, maple syrup, roasted garlic, thyme, or parsley.

As a Side Dish

Japanese sweet potatoes make a great alternative to regular potatoes and can be served alongside your favourite main dish, salad, or bowl. You can also add toppings such as black beans, avocado, and salsa for a Mexican-inspired twist.

In Breakfast

You can swap out roasted potatoes for Japanese sweet potatoes and serve them with breakfast dishes like omelettes or tofu scramble.

In Salads

Pair Japanese sweet potatoes with bitter greens like arugula and radicchio, and crunchy nuts or seeds like almonds or pumpkin seeds in a salad.

In Bowls

Add Japanese sweet potatoes to grain bowls, along with other veggies, protein, and a flavorful dressing.

As Fries

Cut the Japanese sweet potatoes into fries and season them with sesame oil and furikake seasoning. You can also try other seasonings like salt, chili powder, or ground white pepper. Serve with a dipping sauce on the side.

Baked

You can also bake Japanese sweet potatoes in the oven. Preheat your oven to 360°F (182°C) and spread the sweet potato pieces apart on a baking sheet. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and crispy.

Frequently asked questions