Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes: A Perfectly Crispy and Healthy Side Dish

Air fryers have become quite popular as an alternative to deep frying. And no wonder—this countertop appliance cooks up food that is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, all without using any oil. One of the many foods you can cook in an air fryer is sweet potatoes. If you’ve never tried making sweet potatoes in an air fryer before, you’re in for a treat. They couldn’t be simpler to prepare, and the result is a dish that’s both healthy and delicious.

Sweet potatoes, of course, are one of the healthiest vegetables around. They are packed with vitamins A and C, are low in calories, and are a good source of fiber. Cooking them in an air fryer only amplifies their nutritional value, as it doesn’t require any oil, which can add unnecessary calories to the dish. If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to prepare sweet potatoes that the whole family will love, read on for our step-by-step guide.

Choosing the right sweet potatoes

Sweet potatoes come in different varieties, so be sure to pick the right one for your air fryer recipe. The most common types are orange, purple, and white sweet potatoes. If you prefer a sweeter taste, go for the orange sweet potatoes as they have higher levels of natural sugars. If you’re after a nutty flavor, white sweet potatoes are the way to go. Purple sweet potatoes, on the other hand, have a unique flavor profile that goes well with savory dishes.

Regardless of which type of sweet potato you choose, make sure they are firm, smooth, and without any soft spots or blemishes. This indicates that the sweet potato is fresh and free from spoilage. Sweet potatoes that are shriveled up or have visible cracks may indicate that they have been in storage for too long, and may not turn out well in the air fryer.

Preparation

Before cooking sweet potatoes in the air fryer, they need to be prepped. Begin by washing them thoroughly to remove any dirt and debris. As sweet potatoes are tough, piercing them with a fork helps to speed up the cooking process. Additionally, you can peel them either partially or entirely, depending on your preference. Peeling them entirely results in crispier fries, while leaving the skin on gives them a more natural look and texture.

Cut the sweet potatoes into sticks or wedges to ensure that they cook evenly. Try to keep them relatively uniform in size, so that the smaller bits don’t end up burnt while the larger ones remain undercooked.

Seasoning and Oil

Although sweet potatoes are naturally sweet, they can still benefit from seasoning to bring out their flavors. You can choose from a variety of spices and herbs, depending on the taste you’re going for. Cinnamon is a popular choice, especially if you’re looking to make a sweet treat while paprika or chili powder adds a savory touch.

Next, give the potatoes a light coating of oil to ensure that they get crispy in the air fryer. You can use any oil of your choosing, but keep in mind that some oils have a lower smoke point than others. Avocado oil, for instance, has a high smoke point and is a healthier option than canola or vegetable oil.

Cooking in the air fryer

Air frying sweet potatoes is easy. Start by preheating the air fryer to 400°F. Arrange the sweet potato sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket, without crowding them. If you put too many Sweet potatoes in the basket, they will not cook evenly and may end up soggy.

Set the air fryer for 15-20 minutes, depending on the thickness of the cuts. Be sure to toss them around every five minutes or so, to ensure that they cook evenly.

Extra Tips

Seasoning, preparation, and cooking time all play a significant role in making the perfect sweet potatoes in the air fryer. To ensure that yours come out perfect, keep these extra tips in mind:

• Pat the sweet potatoes dry before seasoning them, as moisture can hinder crispiness.
• Before cooking, refrigerate the cut sweet potatoes for at least 30 minutes. This helps to draw out excess moisture and ensures they cook evenly.
• For a lower-calorie option, skip the oil entirely and toss the sweet potatoes in cornstarch. This ensures that they still get crispy while minimizing the calorie count.
• If you prefer a sweeter taste, try sweetening the potatoes with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup when they’re done cooking.

Conclusion

There you have it, a complete guide on how to make sweet potatoes in the air fryer. With these tips and tricks, you can make a delicious and healthy snack in less than 30 minutes. Be sure to experiment with various flavors and seasoning blends to find your perfect recipe. Enjoy your crispy, air-fried sweet potatoes!

10 Creative Ways to Make Sweet Potatoes in Air Fryer

Are you a die-hard fan of sweet potatoes but too lazy to cook it? If yes, air fryer is a convenient and healthy solution to your problem. Air fryer provides a quick, mess-free, and healthier way to make sweet potatoes. Here are ten creative ways to make sweet potatoes in air fryer:

1. Classic Sweet Potato Fries

Making sweet potato fries in an air fryer is easier than baking them. All you need is peeled and sliced sweet potatoes, oil, salt, and pepper. Toss potato slices in two tablespoons of oil and salt and pepper. Place the slices in the air fryer basket and heat them at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes or until crispy brown. Your crispy, crunchy, and delicious sweet potato fries are ready.

2. Sweet Potato Chips

Sweet potato chips are a perfect healthy snack for movie nights. Slice sweet potatoes thinly and soak them in cold water for 30 minutes to remove excess starch. Pat the slices dry before air frying them. Toss the slices in olive oil, salt, and other spices of your choice. Heat them in air fryer at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-12 minutes until they turn crispy and golden brown.

3. Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Creamy and delicious mashed sweet potatoes can be a perfect side dish for your meal. Wash, peel and chop sweet potatoes into cubes. Fill the basket with water halfway and place sweet potato cubes in a heatproof bowl. Cook on 375°F for 20-25 minutes or until the sweet potatoes are soft. Mash the sweet potatoes using a hand masher or immersion blender. Add seasoning of your choice like salt, pepper, butter or sour cream.

4. Sweet Potato Tater Tots

Tater tots made of sweet potatoes are the perfect snack for kids and adults. Peel sweet potatoes and grate them using a box grater. Squeeze out the excess water and add salt, pepper, onion powder, and flour. Mix the ingredients well and shape them into small cylinders. Place them in the air fryer and cook at 390°F for 12-15 minutes or until golden and crisp.

5. Baked Sweet Potatoes

Baking sweet potatoes in the oven can take a long time, but an air fryer can do it in half the time. Scrub the sweet potatoes, pierce them with a fork, and rub them with oil and salt. Place them in the air fryer basket and cook at 400°F for 30-35 minutes until they are tender and fully cooked. Top them with butter, cheese, or any herbs of your choice.

6. Sweet Potato Bread

Surprise your family or friends with homemade sweet potato bread. Whisk eggs, oil, and mashed sweet potatoes in a bowl until well combined. Add flour, baking powder, cinnamon powder, and salt and mix the ingredients. Pour the mixture into the greased loaf pan and place it in the air fryer. Set the timer for 40 minutes at 350°F, and let the air fryer do the rest. Take out and let the bread cool down in room temperature.

7. Sweet Potato Fritters

Sweet potato fritters are easy and quick to make in an air fryer. Peel and grate the sweet potatoes and mix them with flour, eggs, salt, and pepper. Make small balls of the mixture and place them in air fryer basket. Heat it at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, until the fritters turn crispy and golden. Serve hot with dipping sauce or tzatziki.

8. Sweet Potato Quesadillas

Quesadillas are a go-to meal for those who don’t have time to cook. Sweet potato quesadillas are a delicious alternative to traditional quesadillas. Cut the sweet potatoes into small cubes and cook them in a skillet until tender. Mash the sweet potatoes and add seasoning of your choice. Spread the mixture on one tortilla and sprinkle shredded cheese on top. Place another tortilla on top and cook in the air fryer at 400°F for 5-7 minutes until the cheese is melted.

9. Sweet Potato Hash Browns

Mornings are incomplete without hash browns. Sweet potato hash browns are a healthy alternative to regular potatoes. Grate sweet potatoes and mix them with flour, egg, salt, and pepper. Heat a skillet and grease it with oil. Make small patties of the mixture and cook them in the skillet until crispy brown. Place the hash brown patties in the air fryer and cook at 400°F for 10-12 minutes until they are crispy.

10. Sweet Potato Nachos

Nachos topped with sweet potatoes can be a unique and tasty appetizer. Slice sweet potatoes thinly and air fry them until crispy. Arrange the sweet potato slices on a plate and top them with black beans, jalapeños, cheese, salsa, and sour cream. Place the plate back in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.

In conclusion, air frying sweet potatoes is not just a quick, time-saving solution, but it also makes them healthier by using less oil. These ten creative ways of making sweet potatoes in air fryer can cater to your cravings for sweet potatoes in multiple ways. You can try these recipes out and get creative with your own sweet potato recipes.

Methods for Preparing Sweet Potatoes in an Air Fryer

When it comes to air frying sweet potatoes, the possibilities are endless. Here are five popular methods for preparing this comforting and nutritious root vegetable in an air fryer.

Cut into wedges

Cutting sweet potatoes into wedges is a quick and easy way to prepare them in an air fryer. Begin by cutting the sweet potato into wedges of the desired thickness. Toss the wedges in a mixture of oil, salt, and spices, then arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 400°F (205°C) for 20 minutes, flipping the wedges halfway, until they are crispy and tender. Serve hot and enjoy a comforting, tasty, and nutritious snack or side dish.

Cut into rounds

For a fun and creative way to enjoy sweet potatoes in an air fryer, cut them into rounds. Begin by peeling and slicing the sweet potato into rounds of equal thickness. Coat the rounds in cornstarch to improve their crunch, then place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 400°F (205°C) for 12 minutes, flipping them halfway, until they are crispy and golden brown. Serve hot and enjoy a delicious and nutritious snack or side dish.

Mashed sweet potatoes

Mashed sweet potatoes are a healthy and comforting side dish that can be prepared in an air fryer. Begin by peeling and cubing the sweet potatoes, then boiling them until they are tender. Mash the sweet potatoes with a fork or potato masher, then add your desired ingredients, such as butter, milk, cinnamon, or brown sugar. Take small balls of the mashed sweet potatoes and place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes, flipping them halfway, until they are crispy and golden brown on the outside and soft and tender on the inside. Serve hot and enjoy a delicious and nutritious side dish.

Baked sweet potato fries

Baked sweet potato fries are a tasty and healthy alternative to traditional fries. Begin by cutting the sweet potato into fries of the desired thickness. Soak the fries in ice water for 30 minutes to remove excess starch, then pat them dry with paper towels. Toss the fries in a mixture of oil, salt, and spices, then arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 400°F (205°C) for 20 minutes, flipping them halfway, until they are crispy and golden brown. Serve hot and enjoy a delicious and healthy snack or side dish.

Sweet potato chips

Sweet potato chips are a crunchy and delicious snack that can be prepared in an air fryer. Begin by slicing the sweet potato very thin, using a mandoline or a sharp knife. Toss the slices in a mixture of oil, salt, and spices, then layer them in the air fry basket without overlapping them. Air fry at 400°F (205°C) for 7-8 minutes, flipping them halfway, until they are crispy and golden brown. Serve hot and enjoy a healthy and satisfying snack.

That’s it! A crispy and delicious sweet potato in your air fryer.

Hope you enjoyed this easy and quick recipe for making sweet potatoes in your air fryer. Thanks for reading! Don’t forget to visit us again for more amazing recipes like this. Feel free to leave a comment below about how your sweet potatoes turned out. Happy cooking!