air fryer baked sweet potato recipe

It’s time to enjoy delicious sweet potatoes by using air fryer! This recipe provides a simple and efficient way to cook fluffy sweet potatoes with crispy skins, using less oil and achieving delicious results in less time. The air fryer baked sweet potato is a perfect healthy side dish to accompany everything from air fryer salmon to chicken breasts.

Jump to air fryer baked sweet potato Recipe

Ingredients for air fryer roasted sweet potatoes:

• Medium whole sweet potatoes (try to choose ones that are even in size for consistent cooking)
• Olive oil
• Sea salt
• Black pepper
• Optional for topping: cinnamon sugar, a little bit of butter, drizzle of maple syrup, or brown sugar

How to cook the air fryer baked sweet potatoes

Preparation:

• Wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly, using a paper towel to scrub their skins. Pat dry.
• Poke holes all over the potatoes with a fork. This crucial step prevents them from bursting in the air fryer by allowing steam to escape.

Season:

• Rub each sweet potato with a little olive oil, ensuring it is lightly coated all around. This helps to create a crispy skin.
• Season with sea salt and black pepper.

Air Fry:

• Preheat your air fryer to 390 degrees F (if your model has a preheat option).
• Place the sweet potatoes in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching to allow for even air circulation. Cook in a single layer.
• Set the air fryer to cook for about 40-45 minutes, depending on the size of your sweet potatoes. Halfway through the cooking time, flip each sweet potato to ensure even cooking. Duration will differ if cooking small sweet potatoes. 

Test for Doneness:

• Sweet potatoes are done when a fork or knife inserts easily into the flesh with little resistance. The internal temperature should reach about 205 degrees F.

Serve:

• Allow the sweet potatoes to cool slightly before splitting them open. Fluff the insides with a fork.
• Top with your favorite toppings. Classic options include a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar, a pat of butter, or a drizzle of maple syrup for a sweet touch. For a savory twist, try garlic powder or chili powder.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve these air fryer baked sweet potato as a standalone healthy meal or pair them with main dishes like air fryer chicken breast or cauliflower for a complete meal.
• They are also fantastic when stuffed with black beans, bell peppers, and a sprinkle of cheese for a hearty and delicious meal.

Storage:

• Store leftover sweet potatoes in an airtight container or in ziplock bag in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the air fryer or microwave until heated through.

Nutritional Information:

• Sweet potatoes are a great source of fiber, vitamin C, and beta carotene. Each serving is low in fat and calories, making it a great option for those on a medically restrictive diet.

Tips for Best Results:

• Choosing the right type of sweet potato can enhance your dish. Orange-fleshed varieties like Japanese or purple sweet potatoes are excellent for their flavor and texture.
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure that each sweet potato cooks evenly and the skin gets crispy.

FAQs on Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries

Do I need to soak sweet potato fries before cooking?

​Soaking sweet potato fries in cold water for at least 30 minutes before cooking can help remove excess starch, resulting in crispier fries. However, this step is optional and depends on your preference for texture.

Should I use oil on sweet potato fries in the air fryer?

​Using a small amount of oil helps to achieve a crispy texture and enhances browning. You can lightly toss your sweet potato fries in about 1-2 tablespoons of oil before cooking.

Can I stack sweet potato fries in the air fryer?

​For best results, sweet potato fries should be cooked in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and soggy fries. Cook in batches if necessary.

What are the best seasonings for sweet potato fries?

​Sweet potato fries are versatile and can be seasoned in many ways. For a savory option, try sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. For something sweet, sprinkle cinnamon and a touch of sugar. Feel free to experiment with other spices like cumin or smoked paprika.

How can I prevent sweet potato fries from sticking in the air fryer?

​To prevent sticking, ensure your fries are coated with a bit of oil. Additionally, using parchment paper in the air fryer basket can help, but make sure it’s perforated or specifically designed for air fryers to allow for proper air circulation.

Can I make sweet potato fries from frozen in the air fryer?

​Yes, you can cook frozen sweet potato fries in an air fryer. There’s no need to thaw them first; just increase the cooking time by a few minutes compared to fresh fries.

How do I store and reheat leftover sweet potato fries?

​Store leftover fries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer at 350 degrees F for a few minutes until heated through and crispy.

Are air fryer sweet potato fries healthy?

​Yes, sweet potato fries cooked in an air fryer are a healthier alternative to deep-fried versions. They use significantly less oil, which reduces calorie and fat content. Plus, sweet potatoes are a great source of vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants.

This air fryer baked sweet potato recipe is your new favorite way to prepare this nutritious and delicious side dish. With minimal prep and simple steps, you’ll get perfect results every time—fluffy on the inside with delectably crisp skin. Enjoy the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes enhanced by your favorite seasonings and toppings!