Perfectly baked sweet potato with crispy skin and fluffy interior.

Air Fryer Baked Sweet Potatoes

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Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Baked Sweet Potatoes

Air Fryer Baked Sweet Potatoes are a game-changer for anyone who loves a quick, healthy, and delicious meal option. The air fryer works magic, creating perfectly baked sweet potatoes with crispy skin and a fluffy, tender interior in a fraction of the time it takes in a conventional oven. Whether you’re meal prepping, looking for a side dish, or craving a wholesome snack, this recipe has you covered. It’s incredibly versatile, gluten-free, vegan, and packed with nutrients like fiber and beta-carotene. Plus, with minimal prep and clean-up, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.

Table of Contents

Ingredients

  • 4 medium-sized sweet potatoes (about 6-8 ounces each)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for extra crispy skin)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste (optional, for seasoning)

Optional Toppings:

  • Butter or vegan butter
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • Chopped chives or green onions
  • Ground cinnamon and honey for a sweet variation
  • Black beans, salsa, and shredded cheese for a savory twist

Directions for Air Fryer Baked Sweet Potatoes

  1. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Wash and scrub the sweet potatoes thoroughly under running water. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.
  2. Pierce the Skin: Using a fork, poke a few holes in each sweet potato to allow steam to escape during cooking.
  3. Optional Oil Coating: Rub each sweet potato with a light layer of olive oil for crispier skin. Season with salt and pepper if desired.
  4. Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) and let it preheat for 2-3 minutes.
  5. Cook the Sweet Potatoes: Place the sweet potatoes in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook for 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway through. The exact time may vary depending on the size of your sweet potatoes; they’re done when a fork easily pierces the center.
  6. Serve: Remove the sweet potatoes from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes. Slice open and add your favorite toppings before serving.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: This recipe makes 4 servings, with one medium sweet potato per person.
  • Preparation Time: 5 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
  • Total Time: 40-45 minutes

Variations of Air-Fried Sweet Potatoes

  1. Sweet and Spicy: Sprinkle the sweet potatoes with a mix of cinnamon, cayenne pepper, and brown sugar before air frying.
  2. Loaded Sweet Potatoes: After cooking, top them with black beans, avocado, shredded cheese, and salsa for a Tex-Mex-inspired meal.
  3. Herb-Infused: Add a touch of rosemary or thyme to the olive oil before coating the potatoes for a savory, aromatic twist.
  4. Mini Sweet Potatoes: Use smaller sweet potatoes or even sweet potato halves to reduce cooking time and create bite-sized portions perfect for appetizers or snacks.

Storage and Reheating

  • Storage: Let the sweet potatoes cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • Reheating: To reheat, place the sweet potatoes back in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes or microwave them for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
  • Freezing: You can freeze baked sweet potatoes by wrapping them individually in foil or plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. Reheat from frozen in the air fryer or oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use larger sweet potatoes?
Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time. Larger sweet potatoes may require an additional 5-10 minutes in the air fryer.

2. Do I have to use oil?
No, oil is optional. It helps create crispier skin but isn’t necessary for cooking the sweet potatoes.

3. Can I cook multiple sweet potatoes at once?
Yes, as long as your air fryer basket isn’t overcrowded. Ensure there’s enough space for air to circulate around each potato for even cooking.

4. What if my sweet potatoes are not cooked through?
If they’re still firm after the suggested cooking time, continue cooking in 5-minute increments until they are fork-tender.

5. Can I use white potatoes instead?
Absolutely! The method works well for white potatoes, though the cooking time might vary slightly based on size and type.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Baked Sweet Potatoes are a versatile, healthy, and time-saving addition to your recipe repertoire. With their rich, naturally sweet flavor and endless topping possibilities—including unique options like tahini drizzle, pomegranate seeds, or crumbled feta—they’re bound to become a household favorite. Whether you’re enjoying them as a side dish, main course, or snack, this recipe is sure to satisfy. Give it a try, and discover how the air fryer can elevate even the simplest ingredients into something extraordinary!

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Perfectly baked sweet potato with crispy skin and fluffy interior.

Air Fryer Baked Sweet Potatoes

  • Author: Meryem
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
Print Recipe

Description

Air fryer baked sweet potatoes are a quick, healthy, and delicious side dish or meal option. Their naturally sweet flavor and fluffy interior pair perfectly with savory or sweet toppings. Cooking them in the air fryer gives the skin a nice crispiness while ensuring the inside remains tender and moist.

Ingredients

  • Sweet Potatoes: 2-4 medium-sized (similar in size for even cooking)
  • Olive Oil: 1-2 teaspoons (optional, for crispy skin)
  • Salt: To taste (optional)

Instructions

  • Preheat the Air Fryer:

    • Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat for about 5 minutes.

  • Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:

    • Wash and scrub the sweet potatoes thoroughly to remove dirt.
    • Pat them dry with a clean towel.
    • Using a fork, poke 4-6 holes in each sweet potato to allow steam to escape.
    • Rub the potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle with salt if desired.

  • Air Fry:

    • Place the sweet potatoes in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them.
    • Cook for 35-45 minutes, flipping them halfway through.
    • Check doneness by piercing the center with a fork or knife—it should glide through easily.

  • Serve:

    • Remove the sweet potatoes from the air fryer and let them cool slightly.
    • Slice them open and add your preferred toppings, such as butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, sour cream, or a sprinkle of chili flakes.

Notes

  • Add a sprinkle of paprika or garlic powder for a savory kick.
  • For a caramelized flavor, brush the skin with a mix of maple syrup and a pinch of cinnamon before cooking.
  • Store leftover sweet potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the air fryer for 5-7 minutes.
  • Vitamin A: 438% DV
  • Vitamin C: 37% DV
  • Calcium: 4% DV
  • Iron: 4% DV
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2-4
  • Calories: 112 kcal
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Fat: 0.1g (if no oil is used; increases slightly with oil)
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Protein: 4 g