Air-Fryer Sweet Potatoes: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious

Roasted sweet potatoes are a delicious and healthy snack, and can be made even more quickly and easily using an air fryer. With a crispy exterior and a tender interior, they make the perfect side to any meal. This simple recipe will show you how to make roasted sweet potatoes in an air fryer.

How to cut sweet potatoes for roasting

To cut sweet potatoes for roasting, you'll need a sharp chef's 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. However, you can skip peeling if you are buying organic or prefer to keep the skin on for the added nutrients, texture, and flavour.

Next, cut the potato in half or into thirds, depending on its length. Then, place one portion vertically on the cutting board and cut into slices about 1/2 inch thick. Finally, lay each slice flat and cut into 1/2-inch cubes. Try to keep the cubes a similar size so they cook evenly.

For roasted sweet potato wedges, cut the potato in half lengthwise, and then into equal-sized wedges. For sweet potato fries, cut the potato into 1/2-inch thick slices and then cut each slice into 1/2-inch thick sticks.

How to roast sweet potatoes in the 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:

Ingredients:

• Sweet potatoes (1 pound or 4 small ones)
• Olive oil or avocado oil (1-3 tablespoons)
• Salt (1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon)
• Pepper (1/8 to 1/2 teaspoon)
• Other seasonings of your choice (optional)

Instructions:

• Prep Work: Start by washing and peeling the sweet potatoes. Cut them into equal-sized cubes or chunks, preferably around 1/2-inch to 1-inch in size.
• Seasoning: Place the sweet potato cubes in a mixing bowl. Add the oil, salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings. Toss well to ensure that all the potatoes are evenly coated. You can use a variety of seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, cinnamon, or a spice blend like harissa.
• Preheat the Air Fryer: Refer to your air fryer's instructions for preheating. Set the temperature to 390-400°F (200°C). Preheating is not mandatory but helps reduce cooking time.
• Air Frying: Place the seasoned sweet potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer, as this can affect crispiness. Cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket or tossing the potatoes halfway through. For whole sweet potatoes, the cooking time can range from 20 to 50 minutes.
• Serving: For the best texture, serve the roasted sweet potatoes immediately. They will soften as they cool. You can enjoy them as a snack or side dish, or add them to salads, tacos, rice bowls, or wraps.

Tips:

• When choosing sweet potatoes, look for those with firm skin and minimal wrinkles.
• Poke holes in the sweet potatoes with a fork before air frying to prevent them from bursting.
• If you have a small air fryer, you may need to cook the potatoes in batches.
• For crispier potatoes, increase the cooking time by a few minutes.
• Leftover roasted sweet potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days or frozen for up to three months.

How long does it take to air fry sweet potatoes?

The cooking time for sweet potatoes in an air fryer depends on the variety of sweet potato, the size of the potato, and the desired texture. On average, sweet potatoes take between 10 to 20 minutes to cook in an air fryer, which is significantly less time than they would take in an oven.

Cooking Times for Different Types and Sizes of Sweet Potatoes:

• Diced sweet potatoes: 7 to 12 minutes
• Cubed sweet potatoes: 10 to 15 minutes
• Whole sweet potatoes: 20 to 50 minutes

Factors Affecting Cooking Time:

• Size and Type of Sweet Potato: Larger and denser sweet potatoes will take longer to cook than smaller and softer ones.
• Desired Texture: For a softer and crispier texture, air fry for a longer duration. For example, if you prefer your sweet potatoes with a crispy exterior and a tender interior, aim for a cooking time of around 10 to 12 minutes.
• Air Fryer Model: Different air fryer models may have varying cooking times due to differences in capacity and performance. Therefore, it is essential to refer to the manufacturer's instructions and adjust the timing accordingly.

Tips for Optimal Cooking:

• Poke holes in the sweet potatoes before air frying to prevent them from bursting.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure proper air circulation and even cooking. Cook in batches if necessary.
• For even cooking, shake or turn the sweet potatoes halfway through the cooking process.

How to serve roasted sweet potatoes

Roasted sweet potatoes are a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways, ranging from simple sides to more complex meals. Here are some ideas on how to serve roasted sweet potatoes:

As a Side Dish:

• Salads: Roasted sweet potatoes make a great addition to salads. Their sweet and savoury flavour pairs well with leafy greens, quinoa, and other vegetables.
• Rice Bowls: You can add roasted sweet potatoes to rice bowls, burrito bowls, or taco bowls for a hearty and tasty meal.
• Wraps and Tacos: Combine roasted sweet potatoes with chickpeas, beans, or other proteins to make delicious and satisfying wraps or tacos.
• Snacks and Appetizers: Roasted sweet potatoes can be enjoyed as a healthy snack on their own or served as an appetizer with dips such as cilantro chutney or sweet tamarind chutney.

As a Main Course:

• Stuffed Sweet Potatoes: You can stuff baked sweet potatoes with various fillings such as chicken, black beans, salsa, cheese, or sour cream for a more substantial meal.
• Sweet Potato Tikkis: Mash roasted sweet potatoes and mix them with oats and spices to create sweet potato tikkis, a delicious and unique main course.
• Curries and Stews: Roasted sweet potatoes can be added to curries, such as a sweet potato curry or a vegetarian chilli. They also pair well with proteins like chicken or tofu.
• Oatmeal: If you're looking for a sweet breakfast option, add cinnamon-spiced roasted sweet potatoes to your oatmeal for a hearty and nutritious start to your day.

No matter how you choose to serve them, roasted sweet potatoes are a delicious and nutritious option that can be customised to your taste preferences. Enjoy experimenting with different seasonings, spices, and serving suggestions to find your favourite combinations.

Tips for the perfect air fryer roasted sweet potatoes

Air fryer roasted sweet potatoes are a quick, easy, and healthy way to cook sweet potatoes. Here are some tips to help you achieve the perfect results:

Selecting and Preparing the Sweet Potatoes

• Choose sweet potatoes that have firm skin and minimal wrinkles, cracks, or soft spots.
• Look for orange-skinned sweet potatoes, such as Garnet sweet potatoes, as they tend to be moist, sweet, and creamy.
• Store sweet potatoes in a cool, dry, dark, and well-ventilated place before use.
• Wash and peel the sweet potatoes. You can skip peeling if using organic sweet potatoes.
• Cut the sweet potatoes into equal-sized cubes or chunks, typically around 1/2-inch to 1-inch in size.

Seasoning and Cooking

• Season the sweet potatoes with a little oil (olive oil or avocado oil) and your choice of seasonings. Some popular options include salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cinnamon.
• Preheat your air fryer according to the manufacturer's instructions.
• Place the sweet potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Air fry at temperatures between 370F and 400F for 10 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Adjust the cooking time based on the size of the sweet potatoes and your desired level of doneness.
• For whole sweet potatoes, increase the cooking time to 20 to 50 minutes.
• Serve immediately. Air fryer roasted sweet potatoes tend to soften as they cool.

Customization and Serving Suggestions

• For a spicy version, add red chili powder or paprika.
• For curry roasted sweet potatoes, use curry powder, turmeric, cumin, or garam masala.
• To make them sweeter, add cinnamon, honey, brown sugar, or maple syrup.
• Air fryer roasted sweet potatoes make a great side dish and can be served as a healthy snack or added to salads, tacos, rice bowls, and wraps.

Frequently asked questions