Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes

Air fryer sweet potatoes quickly became my weeknight secret for fuss-free sides that taste just like oven-baked versions but in a fraction of the time. They come out perfectly tender inside with a little crisp on the skin and have been my go-to whether it is the middle of summer or our family is craving comfort food in winter.

When I first started cooking sweet potatoes in the air fryer it totally freed up oven space for big gatherings and now on busy nights my kids ask if we can have buttered sweet potatoes for dinner

Ingredients

• Sweet potato: Choose firm whole sweet potatoes with smooth unblemished skin Popular orange varieties like Garnet and Jewel are extra sweet but Japanese and purple kinds are fun too
• Olive oil: Adds delicious flavor and helps the skin crisp slightly Use a mild extra virgin olive oil or swap in avocado oil if desired
• Salt: Adds balance to the sweetness Choose a flake or fine salt for best coverage
• Black pepper: A little fresh ground pepper gives a welcome savory touch and is the perfect final seasoning

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the sweet potatoes:

Wash each sweet potato carefully using a brush if needed for very dirty skins Dry them well Poke 8 to 10 holes all over each one with a fork This helps release any steam as they cook so they do not burst Drizzle them all over with olive oil then rub to coat every side evenly Sprinkle the salt and pepper generously over all areas

Air fry:

Place the seasoned sweet potatoes into the air fryer basket in a single layer with space between Do not crowd them Set the air fryer to 390 degrees You do not need to preheat unless your manufacturer tells you to Cook for 25 minutes for medium potatoes If your sweet potatoes are small start checking around 20 minutes Large ones may take 30 or even 40 minutes A knife or fork should glide smoothly through the center with no resistance when done

Serve:

Use tongs to lift each hot sweet potato out and let cool a minute Slice down the middle lengthwise with a knife and use a fork to fluff the insides Add a pat of butter and let it melt straight into the steaming potato Serve right away with extra salt pepper or toppings as you like

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My favorite part is how the natural sweetness intensifies with air frying I always sneak a bite straight from the fork when no one is looking The simple combo of hot sweet potato and melting salty butter reminds me of my grandmother who served them at nearly every Sunday dinner growing up

Storage Tips

Let any leftover sweet potatoes cool completely before wrapping individually Place in a zip top bag or airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days For longer storage wrap cooled sweet potatoes in foil then place in a freezer bag and freeze for up to six months Label with the date so you know when to use them Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating

Ingredient Substitutions

Instead of olive oil try avocado oil or melted coconut oil for a hint of sweetness You can also swap in flaky kosher salt or smoked sea salt if you like For toppings dairy free butter plant based spreads or just a dusting of cinnamon and brown sugar work well

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Serving Suggestions

Serve air fryer sweet potatoes next to roasted pork or chicken as a classic balanced meal Split and fill with black beans and salsa for a vegetarian lunch Or dice the cooked flesh to add to grain bowls and salads The sweet potato base pairs well with almost any dish from Southern fried chicken to a simple green salad

Recipe History

Sweet potatoes have been grown and enjoyed across the world for centuries from the Americas to Africa and Asia Air frying them is a modern shortcut that delivers the same delicious results as traditional oven roasting and makes adding them to everyday meals even easier Just remember sweet potatoes are sometimes labeled as yams at the store but true yams are a different root

Commonly Asked Questions

→ Why use an air fryer for sweet potatoes?

The air fryer quickly cooks sweet potatoes with a crisp outside and fluffy inside, using less time and energy than an oven.

→ Do I need to pierce the sweet potatoes before cooking?

Piercing with a fork allows steam to escape during cooking. While you may skip this step, it's safer to poke a few holes.

→ Can I wrap sweet potatoes in foil?

Wrapping in foil keeps the skins softer and prevents sticky juices from dripping, but it's optional for air fryer use.

→ How do I know when sweet potatoes are done?

Test with a fork or knife—the utensil should slide in easily to the center, indicating soft, fully cooked flesh.

→ What are tasty toppings for air-fried sweet potatoes?

Try butter and sea salt, brown sugar and cinnamon, or even mini marshmallows for a hint of sweetness.

→ How should I store and reheat leftovers?

Cool fully, pack in an airtight container, and refrigerate for up to four days. Reheat in microwave, oven, or air fryer.

→ Can I freeze cooked sweet potatoes?

Yes, wrap cooled potatoes tightly and freeze for up to six months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.