The Ultimate Guide to Cooking Sweet Potatoes in an Air Fryer

The Ultimate Guide to Cooking Sweet Potatoes in an Air Fryer

Cooking sweet potatoes in an air fryer is a quick and healthy method. This versatile kitchen appliance not only keeps your sweet potatoes crispy on the outside but also retains their rich, nutritious qualities. Dive into our step-by-step guide and learn how to prepare deliciously seasoned sweet potatoes using an air fryer.

Ingredients

Sweet potatoes Olive oil (optional) Salt to taste Optional seasonings such as paprika, garlic powder, or cinnamon (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

Wash and scrub the sweet potatoes thoroughly. Leaving the skin on can add extra nutrients, but you can peel them if you prefer. Optional: Cut the sweet potatoes into even-sized pieces, such as cubes or wedges.

Seasoning

In a bowl, toss the sweet potato pieces with a little olive oil to coat them lightly. Sprinkle with salt and any additional seasonings you like.

Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes.

Cooking

Place the sweet potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding for even cooking. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. Check for doneness by piercing with a fork. They should be tender and slightly crispy on the outside.

Serve

Once done, remove from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy as a side dish or snack!

Tips

Adjust cooking time based on the size of your sweet potato pieces. For a sweeter flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of brown sugar or cinnamon toward the end of cooking.

Additional Recipes for Inspiration

Recipe One

1. Utilizing a fork, punch a few holes in yams. Sprinkle over olive oil and salt, then rub to cover potatoes.

Set air fryer temperature to 400, and cook for 45 minutes or until fork-tender. Eliminate potatoes from the air fryer and let cool for 5 minutes. While potatoes are cooling, combine sugar and cinnamon to create a sweet topping.

Recipe Two

2. Cooking Spray
2 medium sweet potatoes, cut into 1/2-inch-thick fries
3 teaspoons avocado oil
1 teaspoon chili-lime seasoning such as Tajin

Dip: 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon fresh squeezed lime juice, 1 teaspoon chili-lime seasoning such as Tajin, 4 lime wedges, optional ketchup Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) for 5 minutes. Lightly spray the fryer basket with cooking spray. Place sweet potato fries in a large bowl, drizzle with avocado oil, and stir. Sprinkle with 1 1/2 teaspoons chili-lime seasoning and toss well. Transfer to the air fryer basket, working in batches if necessary. Cook sweet potato fries until brown and crispy, 8 to 9 minutes, shaking and turning the fries after 4 minutes. While sweet potatoes are cooking, whisk together mayonnaise, lime juice, and chili-lime seasoning for dipping sauce in a small bowl. Serve sweet potato fries with dipping sauce and lime wedges.

Parboiling Option

Some people prefer to parboil the potatoes first. This method can help prevent burned edges and make the potatoes easier to peel. Simply boil the sweet potatoes until they are partially cooked, then finish them in the air fryer for the best results.

FAQs

How do you keep sweet potatoes crispy in the air fryer?

To keep your sweet potatoes crispy, make sure to place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket and avoid overcrowding. Equip them with some oil and seasonings for flavor and texture.

Can I use different seasonings for sweet potatoes in an air fryer?

Definitely! Paprika, garlic powder, cinnamon, or even honey can bring different flavors to your air-fried sweet potatoes. Feel free to experiment with your favorite seasonings.

Are air-fried sweet potatoes healthier than baked ones?

Air-fried sweet potatoes can be a healthier choice, as they require less oil and are cooked faster. This method can still retain most of the sweet potatoes' natural nutrients and reduce the calorie content compared to deep-fried variants.

Conclusion

Now that you know the ins and outs of cooking sweet potatoes in an air fryer, it's time to try it out for yourself. Enjoy your delicious, crispy, and healthier sweet potatoes as a side dish or a delightful snack!