Sweet potatoes are a delicious and nutritious staple that can be transformed into a crispy, tender delight with the magic of an air fryer. If you’re wondering how do you cook sweet potatoes in an air fryer, you’re in the right place! This article will walk you through everything you need to know to make perfectly cooked sweet potatoes-whether you want them cubed and roasted or whole and baked-in a quick, easy, and healthy way.
Why Use an Air Fryer for Sweet Potatoes?
Air frying sweet potatoes is a game changer. It cooks them faster than a traditional oven, gives a crispy exterior, and keeps the inside soft and fluffy. Plus, it uses less oil, making it a healthier option without sacrificing flavor or texture. Whether you want a quick snack or a side dish, air-fried sweet potatoes are versatile and simple to prepare.
What You’ll Need
– Sweet potatoes (choose similar-sized ones for even cooking)
– Olive oil or avocado oil
– Salt and pepper
– Optional seasonings like garlic powder, smoked paprika, cayenne, or harissa spice blend
How to Cook Cubed Sweet Potatoes in the Air Fryer
Cubed sweet potatoes are perfect as a snack, salad topping, or side dish. Here’s how to get them just right:
Step 1: Prep Your Sweet Potatoes
– Peel the sweet potatoes if you prefer (the skin is edible, so you can leave it on if you like).
– Cut the sweet potatoes into ½-inch cubes. Try to keep them uniform for even cooking.
Step 2: Season
– Place the cubes in a bowl.
– Add about 1 tablespoon of oil per pound of sweet potatoes.
– Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you enjoy, such as garlic powder or smoked paprika.
– Toss everything together until the cubes are well coated.
Step 3: Air Fry
– Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (about 200°C).
– Spread the sweet potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You may need to cook in batches if your air fryer is small.
– Cook for about 10-15 minutes, shaking or stirring halfway through to ensure even crisping.
– Check for tenderness with a fork; they should be crispy on the outside and soft inside.
Step 4: Serve
– Enjoy them as a snack, or add to salads, tacos, or wraps for a flavorful boost.
How to Cook Whole Baked Sweet Potatoes in the Air Fryer
If you prefer a classic baked sweet potato with a soft, fluffy interior and crisp skin, the air fryer can do that too.
Step 1: Clean and Prep
– Scrub the sweet potatoes well under running water to remove dirt.
– Dry thoroughly.
– Poke each potato 8-10 times with a fork to allow steam to escape during cooking.
Step 2: Oil and Season
– Rub each potato with about 1 teaspoon of oil.
– Sprinkle with salt for flavor and crispiness.
Step 3: Air Fry
– Preheat the air fryer to 370°F (about 188°C).
– Place the potatoes in the basket, making sure they are not touching.
– Cook for 30-45 minutes, flipping halfway through.
– Check doneness by squeezing gently or inserting a fork; they should be soft inside.
Step 4: Serve
– Slice open and top with butter, cinnamon and brown sugar, or savory toppings like sour cream and herbs.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes
– Cut evenly: Whether cubed or sliced, uniform pieces cook more evenly.
– Don’t overcrowd: Give the potatoes space to crisp up.
– Shake or stir: Halfway through cooking, shake the basket or stir the potatoes for even browning.
– Adjust time: Cooking times vary by air fryer model and potato size; start checking early.
– Experiment with seasoning: Sweet potatoes pair well with a variety of spices-try garlic powder, smoked paprika, cayenne, or even cinnamon for a sweet twist.
Flavor Variations to Try
– Spicy: Add cayenne pepper or chili powder.
– Herby: Toss with rosemary or thyme.
– Sweet: Sprinkle with cinnamon and a touch of brown sugar.
– Savory: Mix in garlic powder and smoked paprika.
Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes
– Ready in under 20 minutes for cubes, or about 30-45 minutes for whole potatoes.
– Crispy outside, tender inside texture.
– Less oil needed than traditional roasting or frying.
– Easy cleanup.
– Versatile for snacks, sides, or meal additions.
Sweet potatoes cooked in the air fryer are a quick, healthy, and tasty way to enjoy this nutritious vegetable any day of the week.
Deliciously crispy on the outside and soft inside, air fryer sweet potatoes make a perfect addition to any meal or a satisfying snack on their own.