Tasty Sweet Potatoes In Air Fryer Recipe

Sweet potatoes transformed in an air fryer emerge as a culinary delight. This method of cooking not only enhances the natural sweetness of the potatoes but also achieves a crispy exterior paired with a tender, creamy interior, offering a texture that is hard to resist. Using an air fryer, you can efficiently cook sweet potatoes in a fraction of the time it would take in a traditional oven.

This method also reduces the need for excessive oil, making it a healthier alternative without sacrificing flavor. To prepare, simply wash and slice the sweet potatoes into your desired shape—wedges, fries, or rounds. A light toss in olive oil and a sprinkle of salt, along with any other preferred seasonings like paprika or garlic powder, prepares them for their quick roast.

Set your air fryer to about 200°C (approximately 400°F) and cook the sweet potatoes for about 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even crispness. The result is a versatile dish that can serve as a side, a snack, or a base for more elaborate toppings, delighting both the palate and the eyes.

Kitchen Tools Needed

Air Fryer – Essential for cooking the sweet potatoes with hot air circulation.
Cutting Board – A sturdy surface to safely cut and slice the sweet potatoes.
Sharp Knife – Needed for cutting the sweet potatoes into even pieces.
Mixing Bowl – Useful for tossing the sweet potatoes with oil and seasonings.
Measuring Spoons – To accurately measure the oil and seasonings.
Spatula – Helpful for stirring the sweet potatoes during preparation and for serving.
Peeler (optional) – If you prefer to peel the sweet potatoes before cooking.

Ingredients

4 medium-sized sweet potatoes – Washed and cut into fries or wedges.
2 tablespoons olive oil – For coating the potatoes to ensure they crisp up nicely.
1 teaspoon salt – To enhance the flavor.
1/2 teaspoon black pepper – Adds a slight kick.
Optional seasonings: 1/2 teaspoon of paprika or garlic powder, for additional flavor.

How To Make Sweet Potatoes In Air Fryer?

Preparation of Sweet Potatoes

Start by thoroughly washing the sweet potatoes to remove any dirt or debris. Using a sharp knife, slice the sweet potatoes into your preferred shape, such as fries or wedges. If desired, you can peel the potatoes beforehand using a peeler.

Seasoning

Place the sliced sweet potatoes into a mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and toss until all the pieces are evenly coated. Sprinkle the salt and black pepper over the potatoes, and add any optional seasonings like paprika or garlic powder. Toss everything together to ensure the seasonings are well distributed.

Air Frying

Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (approximately 400°F), which typically takes about 3-5 minutes depending on the model. Transfer the seasoned sweet potatoes to the air fryer basket. Spread them out in an even layer; avoid overcrowding to ensure they cook evenly.

Cooking

Cook the sweet potatoes in the air fryer for about 15-20 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time, use a spatula to shake the basket or gently stir the sweet potatoes to promote even cooking and crispiness.

Serving

Once the sweet potatoes are tender on the inside and crispy on the outside, remove them from the air fryer. They can be served hot as a side dish, a base for loaded fries, or as a healthy snack with your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy the delightful combination of sweetness and crispiness in every bite!

What to serve with?

Grilled Chicken or Turkey: The mild flavors of grilled poultry complement the sweetness of the air-fried sweet potatoes perfectly, making for a balanced meal.
Spicy Black Bean Salad: Add a kick with a spicy black bean salad, which introduces a refreshing contrast to the sweet and crispy potatoes.
Steamed Vegetables: For a healthful side, pair the sweet potatoes with a medley of steamed seasonal vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and green beans.
Garlic Aioli Dip: Serve the sweet potatoes with a creamy garlic aioli dip to enhance their flavor with a rich and garlicky note.
Chili: Top the sweet potatoes with a hearty chili for a comforting and filling meal that’s perfect for colder weather.
Avocado Crema: Drizzle or dip the sweet potatoes in a smooth avocado crema for a creamy texture and a touch of decadence.
BBQ Pulled Pork: Combine the sweet potatoes with slow-cooked, savory BBQ pulled pork for a delicious fusion of flavors.
Greek Yogurt Dip: Mix Greek yogurt with herbs and spices for a tangy dip that adds a refreshing taste to the sweet potatoes.
Fried Eggs: Top the sweet potatoes with fried eggs for a brunch-worthy dish that’s both simple and satisfying.
Balsamic Glazed Salmon: Complement the sweet potatoes with balsamic glazed salmon for a dish rich in flavors and beneficial omega-3 fatty acids.

Health Benefits

Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of vitamin A, which is vital for maintaining healthy vision, skin, and immune function. They also contain vitamins C and B, potassium, and manganese, all essential for overall health.

High in Fiber: Cooking sweet potatoes in an air fryer preserves their high dietary fiber content, which aids in digestion and helps maintain a healthy digestive tract. Fiber also contributes to a feeling of fullness, reducing overall calorie intake.

Lower Fat Content: Air frying sweet potatoes requires significantly less oil than traditional frying methods. This not only reduces the overall calorie count but also lowers the intake of unhealthy fats, helping to maintain heart health and reduce cholesterol levels.

Antioxidant Properties: Sweet potatoes are rich in antioxidants, including beta-carine, which help combat free radicals in the body. This can reduce oxidative stress and lower the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects: The vibrant orange color of sweet potatoes indicates their high concentration of anti-inflammatory compounds. These compounds can help reduce inflammation throughout the body, supporting joint health and reducing the risk of inflammatory diseases.

Blood Sugar Regulation: Despite their natural sweetness, sweet potatoes have a low glycemic index, which means they can help regulate blood sugar levels. This makes them an excellent food choice for people with diabetes or those looking to maintain stable energy levels throughout the day.

Versatile and Satisfying: Sweet potatoes prepared in an air fryer are not only healthy but also incredibly versatile and satisfying. They can be seasoned in various ways to match different dishes, enhancing both the flavor and nutritional profile of your meals.

Tips and Tricks

Preheat Your Air Fryer: Before adding your sweet potatoes, preheat the air fryer for a few minutes. This step ensures a crisper exterior as the heat starts acting on the potatoes immediately.

Cut Evenly: For consistent cooking, cut the sweet potatoes into even sizes, whether you’re making fries, wedges, or chips. Uniform pieces cook at the same rate, preventing some from becoming too crispy while others remain undercooked.

Avoid Overcrowding: Spread the sweet potatoes in a single layer with some space between them in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of frying, which might result in soggy potatoes.

Shake the Basket: Midway through cooking, shake the basket or use a spatula to turn the sweet potatoes. This ensures all sides get evenly exposed to the heat, enhancing their crispiness.

Season Well: Season your sweet potatoes after tossing them in oil but before they go into the air fryer. The oil helps the seasoning stick to the potatoes, and seasoning beforehand helps the flavors develop while cooking.

Use Minimal Oil: Although air fryers require less oil, a light coating on your sweet potatoes will help achieve a deliciously crispy texture. A tablespoon or two is usually sufficient for a batch.

Experiment with Flavors: Sweet potatoes pair well with a variety of spices. Classic options include salt and pepper, but don’t hesitate to try cinnamon, smoked paprika, garlic powder, or even a sprinkle of brown sugar for a caramelized finish.

Check for Doneness: Depending on their thickness and your air fryer model, cooking times can vary. Start checking the sweet potatoes a few minutes before the expected finish time to ensure they don’t overcook.

Post-Cooking Crispiness: If you prefer extra crispiness, let the sweet potatoes sit in the air fryer for a few minutes after it’s turned off. The residual heat can help them crisp up a bit more without overcooking.

Serving Suggestions: Serve immediately for the best texture. Sweet potatoes start to lose their crispiness as they cool, so enjoying them fresh out of the air fryer maximizes their delightful crunch and warm interior.

Variations

Spicy Sweet Potato Fries: Add a mixture of cayenne pepper and chili powder to your seasoning for a fiery twist.
Garlic Parmesan Wedges: Toss the sweet potatoes with garlic powder and grated Parmesan cheese just a few minutes before they finish cooking.
Cinnamon Sugar Sweet Potatoes: For a dessert-like treat, sprinkle cinnamon and a touch of sugar over the sweet potatoes right after cooking.
Herb-Infused Fries: Mix dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, and oregano with olive oil and coat the sweet potatoes before air frying.
BBQ Sweet Potatoes: Brush your cooked sweet potatoes with BBQ sauce and return them to the air fryer for an additional 2-3 minutes for a sticky, smoky finish.
Loaded Sweet Potato: Top the finished sweet potatoes with sour cream, shredded cheese, chopped chives, and crumbled bacon.

Substitutions

Yams: Substitute yams for sweet potatoes if you prefer a different flavor or texture.
Different Oils: Instead of olive oil, try coconut oil for a hint of sweetness or avocado oil for its higher smoke point.
Low-Sodium Options: Reduce the salt or use a salt substitute if you’re monitoring sodium intake.
Vegan Toppings: Use vegan cheese and coconut yogurt instead of traditional dairy products for a plant-based version.
Nutritional Yeast: For a cheesy flavor without the dairy, sprinkle nutritional after cooking as a Parmesan substitute.
Alternative Sweeteners: Instead of sugar, consider a drizzle of maple syrup or honey just before serving for added natural sweetness.

Making Ahead

Prep in Advance: You can peel and cut the sweet potatoes into your desired shapes a day before cooking. Store the cut pieces in water in the refrigerator to keep them from browning.
Seasoning: Prepare your spice mix or any special coatings in advance and store in an airtight container to save time when ready to cook.

Storage

Refrigerating: Cooked sweet potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure they’re cooled to room temperature before storing to maintain texture and prevent moisture build-up.
Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the air-fried sweet potatoes on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored frozen for up to 3 months. This method helps retain their texture better than refrigerating.

Reheating

Air Fryer: Reheat leftover sweet potatoes in the air fryer at 180°C (350°F) for about 3-5 minutes until they’re warm and crispy again. This method helps restore the texture closest to the original cooking.
Oven: Spread the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet and reheat in an oven preheated to 200°C (400°F) for about 5-10 minutes.
Microwave: Although not ideal for retaining crispiness, the microwave can be used for a quick reheat. Place the sweet potatoes on a microwave-safe dish and heat for about 1-2 minutes. Covering them with a damp paper towel can help prevent them from drying out.

Nutritional facts

Calories: Approximately 180-200 calories per serving, which can vary based on the amount of oil used and the cooking method.
Carbohydrates: About 41 grams, with a significant portion coming from dietary fibers and natural sugars that provide energy and aid in digestive health.
Fiber: Roughly 4 grams, contributing to satiety, regulating blood sugar levels, and supporting digestive health.
Protein: Around 2 grams, sweet potatoes are not high in protein but can be paired with a protein-rich dip or side dish.
Fat: Depending on the amount of oil used, air-fried sweet potatoes typically contain about 4-5 grams of fat, which is significantly less than deep-fried alternatives.

Vitamin A: Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of Vitamin A, providing over 300% of the daily value per serving, which is crucial for vision, skin health, and immune function.
Vitamin C: Provides about 35% of the daily recommended intake, important for immune function and collagen synthesis.
Potassium: With around 500 mg per serving, potassium helps regulate heart function, fluid balance, and muscle contractions.
Manganese: Aids in the metabolism of amino acids, cholesterol, and carbohydrates.

Mouth Watering Side Dish Ideas

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Frequently Asked Questions – FAQ’s

Yes, you can cook sweet potatoes in the air fryer without oil, although a small amount helps to achieve a crisper texture. If you choose to omit the oil, expect a slightly drier texture but still delicious results.

To prevent soggy sweet potatoes, ensure they are cut into even sizes for uniform cooking. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to allow for proper air circulation and crispiness. Shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time can also help them crisp up evenly.

Sweet potatoes are versatile and pair well with both sweet and savory seasonings. Popular options include cinnamon, nutmeg, or a sprinkle of brown sugar for a sweet touch. For savory flavors, try garlic powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, or a simple blend of salt and pepper.

Yes, air-fried sweet potatoes are a healthy cooking method that requires minimal oil, reducing fat and calorie intake compared to traditional frying methods. They are rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making them a nutritious choice for a healthy diet.

While you can cook sweet potatoes in the air fryer before mashing, the air fryer alone isn’t suitable for making mashed sweet potatoes. First, cook them until they’re soft, then mash them traditionally with your desired seasonings and liquids like milk or butter.

Sweet Potatoes In Air Fryer

Recipe by JesseCourse: SidesCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

minutes

Calories

180

kcal

Ingredients

4 medium-sized sweet potatoes – Washed and cut into fries or wedges.
2 tablespoons olive oil – For coating the potatoes to ensure they crisp up nicely.
1 teaspoon salt – To enhance the flavor.
1/2 teaspoon black pepper – Adds a slight kick.
Optional seasonings: 1/2 teaspoon of paprika or garlic powder, for additional flavor.

Directions

Start by thoroughly washing the sweet potatoes to remove any dirt or debris. Using a sharp knife, slice the sweet potatoes into your preferred shape, such as fries or wedges. If desired, you can peel the potatoes beforehand using a peeler.
Place the sliced sweet potatoes into a mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and toss until all the pieces are evenly coated. Sprinkle the salt and black pepper over the potatoes, and add any optional seasonings like paprika or garlic powder. Toss everything together to ensure the seasonings are well distributed.
Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (approximately 400°F), which typically takes about 3-5 minutes depending on the model. Transfer the seasoned sweet potatoes to the air fryer basket. Spread them out in an even layer; avoid overcrowding to ensure they cook evenly.
Cook the sweet potatoes in the air fryer for about 15-20 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time, use a spatula to shake the basket or gently stir the sweet potatoes to promote even cooking and crispiness.
Once the sweet potatoes are tender on the inside and crispy on the outside, remove them from the air fryer. They can be served hot as a side dish, a base for loaded fries, or as a healthy snack with your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy the delightful combination of sweetness and crispiness in every bite!

Conclusion

Air-fried sweet potatoes offer a delightful blend of taste and nutrition, serving as a versatile dish that fits various dietary needs. This cooking method enhances the natural sweetness of the potatoes while achieving a desirable crisp exterior and soft interior. With the ability to customize spices and cooking styles, air-fried sweet potatoes can complement any meal, from casual dining to sophisticated gatherings.

Incorporating them into your diet is not only a health-conscious choice but also a culinary adventure in exploring different flavors and textures. Easy to prepare and always delicious, sweet potatoes cooked in an air fryer are sure to be a hit with everyone.

Tasty Sweet Potatoes In Air Fryer Recipe

Kitchen Tools Needed

Ingredients