Air Fryer Baked Sweet Potatoes

Perfectly baked sweet potatoes with crispy skins and a soft, fluffy interior—all effortlessly achieved using an air fryer! These healthy and delicious sweet potatoes are versatile enough to serve as a side, snack, or even a light main course.


Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and Easy: Cooking sweet potatoes in an air fryer is faster than baking them in a conventional oven.
  • Crispy Skins, Fluffy Centers: The air fryer delivers perfect textures inside and out.
  • Healthy and Versatile: Low in calories, nutrient-packed, and easily customizable with your favorite toppings.
  • Minimal Effort: Just prep, season, and let the air fryer do the work.
  • Great for Any Meal: Perfect for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or a nutritious snack.

Ingredients

  • 4 medium sweet potatoes
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Optional toppings: butter, cinnamon, brown sugar, or yogurt

Directions

  1. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
    • Wash and scrub the sweet potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt.
    • Pat them dry with a towel, and pierce each sweet potato several times with a fork to allow steam to escape during cooking.
  2. Season the Potatoes
    • Lightly rub the sweet potatoes with olive oil to coat them evenly.
    • Sprinkle with salt to enhance their natural flavor.
  3. Preheat the Air Fryer
    • Set your air fryer to 370°F (190°C) and preheat it for 5 minutes.
  4. Cook the Sweet Potatoes
    • Place the prepared sweet potatoes in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer for even cooking.
    • Cook at 370°F (190°C) for 35-40 minutes, turning them halfway through the cooking time.
    • Check for doneness by inserting a fork or knife into the center of a potato—it should slide in easily when they’re fully cooked.
  5. Serve
    • Allow the sweet potatoes to cool slightly before slicing them open.
    • Add your favorite toppings, such as butter, cinnamon, brown sugar, or a dollop of yogurt. Serve and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 4
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes

Variations

  • Savory Style: Add toppings like sour cream, shredded cheese, green onions, or crispy bacon bits.
  • Sweet Treat: Top with marshmallows, honey, or maple syrup for a dessert-like version.
  • Herb Infused: Rub sweet potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, and dried rosemary for a herbaceous twist.
  • Stuffed Sweet Potatoes: Scoop out some of the centers and stuff with black beans, avocado, and salsa for a Tex-Mex meal.
  • Spicy Kick: Sprinkle with cayenne pepper or paprika for a spicy flavor.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Store leftover sweet potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore their crispiness, or microwave for a softer texture.

FAQs

Why use an air fryer for sweet potatoes?

An air fryer cooks sweet potatoes faster than an oven while creating crispy skins and fluffy interiors with minimal effort.

How do I pick the best sweet potatoes for this recipe?

Choose sweet potatoes that are medium-sized, firm, and free of blemishes or soft spots for even cooking.

Can I cook more than four sweet potatoes at once?

Yes, but avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if needed to ensure even cooking.

Do I need to preheat the air fryer?

Preheating helps achieve even cooking and ensures crispy skins.

Can I skip the olive oil?

Yes, but the skins may not be as crispy. A light coating of oil enhances the texture and flavor.

What’s the best way to check if the sweet potatoes are done?

Insert a fork or knife into the center of a potato; if it slides in easily, they’re fully cooked.

Can I use yams instead of sweet potatoes?

Absolutely! Yams work well in this recipe, though they have a slightly different flavor and texture.

How can I make these sweet potatoes vegan?

This recipe is naturally vegan. Top with plant-based butter or dairy-free yogurt for added flavor.

Can I freeze cooked sweet potatoes?

Yes, freeze cooked sweet potatoes in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

What other toppings can I use?

Get creative! Try peanut butter, tahini, roasted nuts, granola, or even sautéed spinach for a unique twist.


Conclusion

Air Fryer Baked Sweet Potatoes are a simple yet delicious way to enjoy this nutrient-packed vegetable. Whether you prefer them sweet, savory, or somewhere in between, these potatoes make a versatile and satisfying addition to your table. Try them today for a healthy side or snack that’s as easy as it is tasty!

Print
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Four air-fried baked sweet potatoes served on a wooden plate, topped with dollops of cream, a drizzle of honey, crispy toppings, and a dusting of cinnamon.

Air Fryer Baked Sweet Potatoes


  • Author: Chef Clara
  • Total Time: 46 minute
  • Yield: 4 1x

Ingredients

Scale

  • 4 medium sweet potatoes
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Optional toppings: butter, cinnamon, brown sugar, or yogurt

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

    • Wash and scrub the sweet potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt.
    • Pat them dry with a towel, and pierce each sweet potato several times with a fork to allow steam to escape during cooking.

  2. Season the Potatoes

    • Lightly rub the sweet potatoes with olive oil to coat them evenly.
    • Sprinkle with salt to enhance their natural flavor.

  3. Preheat the Air Fryer

    • Set your air fryer to 370°F (190°C) and preheat it for 5 minutes.

  4. Cook the Sweet Potatoes

    • Place the prepared sweet potatoes in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer for even cooking.
    • Cook at 370°F (190°C) for 35-40 minutes, turning them halfway through the cooking time.
    • Check for doneness by inserting a fork or knife into the center of a potato—it should slide in easily when they’re fully cooked.

  5. Serve

    • Allow the sweet potatoes to cool slightly before slicing them open.
    • Add your favorite toppings, such as butter, cinnamon, brown sugar, or a dollop of yogurt. Serve and enjoy!

  • Prep Time: 10 minutesServings: 4 Prep Time: 10 minutes Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35-40 minutes