Air Fryer Baked Sweet Potatoes

Air Fryer Baked Sweet Potatoes are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. Taking half the time to cook in the air fryer than in the oven makes the air fryer a great way to bake your sweet potatoes.

Why You’ll Love It

• Sweet potatoes are a nutritional powerhouse full of vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, potassium, and manganese, and a rich source of dietary fiber.
• Baked sweet potatoes are tasty and very easy to make. Especially when using an air fryer, it is an excellent dish for weekdays and weekends alike.
• The best part is you can make the potatoes in advance and store them for later use. So, if you are busy or had a long day, you can pull out a pre-baked potato and just give them a warm up in the air fryer.

» You might also like these 10 Easy Air Fryer Potato Recipes.

What Ingredients Do You Need?

There is nothing easier than making air fryer baked sweet potatoes. That’s because it doesn’t require any out-of-the-box ingredients. You can find everything in your kitchen pantry. Here is what you will need to make these baked sweet potatoes:

• Sweet potatoes: you will need medium-sized sweet potatoes for this recipe. Make sure you choose fresh produce. The sweet potatoes should be firm to touch and should be without cuts or bruises.
• Olive oil: olive oil is not just full of healthy fats but will also help cook the sweet potatoes with a crispy exterior. If you don’t have olive oil, you can use avocado oil or canola oil as well.
• Seasonings: Salt and freshly ground black pepper work best for me. However, you can add more spices according to your liking. Use paprika for a sweet, smoky, and spicy flavor. You can also use red chili flakes or cayenne pepper. Add cumin powder for warmth and distinctive taste. 

Tips For Making Air Fryer Baked Sweet Potatoes

Here are a few things you should keep in mind when making baked sweet potatoes in an air fryer.

• Scrubbing the sweet potatoes is necessary. You don’t want dirt in your food!
• Make sure you choose same-sized sweet potatoes so they all cook at the same rate.
• Be sure to use enough oil on the skins or they will dry out and can become tough.
• There is no need to pierce the potatoes before cooking.
• Craving something sweet? Season the sweet potatoes with cinnamon, brown sugar, and maple syrup.

How To Make Air Fryer Baked Sweet Potato Recipe

Step 1: Wash the Potatoes

Start by washing and scrubbing to get any dirt off the sweet potatoes. Pat them dry using a kitchen towel. A dry exterior will help them crisp up better.

Step 2: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

Drizzle olive oil over the potatoes and rub it onto the entire exterior of the potato. The oil is necessary to make sure the skin of the potato crisps up and does dry out. Believe me, I’ve tried it both ways and without oil it’s just not the same. You can also spray the potatoes with cooking oil if you prefer to use your oil sprayer.

Sprinkle with salt and black pepper.

Step 3: Bake

Place the sweet potatoes in the air fryer basket. If you’re cooking more than 2 potatoes, make sure they all fit in the base of the air fryer without too much overlapping. This will ensure they get nice and crispy and evenly cooked.

Cook the potatoes for 45 minutes at 390° F(200°C). Flip them over halfway through cooking. After 45 minutes, squeeze the potato. If it gives easily and feels a bit squishy, it’s done. If it’s firm at all, you might need to continue cooking for 5 more minutes.

Remember that all air fryers cook differently and at different wattages, so you may have a different outcome. That’s why it’s important to check on the food a few times during cooking to make sure you achieve your desired result.

Step 4: Enjoy

When the potatoes are done, remove them from the air fryer basket and give them a few minutes to cool before cutting them open. Serve with butter, salt, and chives or with your preferred topping.

Craving something sweet? Season the sweet potatoes with cinnamon, brown sugar, and maple syrup.

What Type of Sweet Potato to Use

There are several types of sweet potato varieties all with different flesh colors, such as white, purple, and yellow, each offering unique flavors and nutritional profiles. However, the orange sweet potato remains the most commonly grown and consumed variety globally.

Orange Sweet Potatoes (Beauregard, Jewel): These are the most common and widely available sweet potatoes. They have orange skin and bright orange flesh. They are versatile and work well in both sweet and savory dishes.

White Sweet Potatoes: With pale beige skin and creamy white flesh, these sweet potatoes have a slightly milder flavor compared to the orange varieties. They are often used in dishes where a less sweet taste is desired.

Purple Sweet Potatoes: These have purple skin and vibrant purple flesh. They are not only visually appealing but also have a slightly nutty flavor. They can be used in various dishes and are often used to add a pop of color.

Stokes Purple Sweet Potatoes: These have deep purple skins and vibrant purple flesh. They have a sweet and slightly nutty flavor, and their rich color makes them great for both cooking and baking. Try this roasted purple sweet potato recipe to see how wonderful these potatoes are to work with.

Store & Reheat

Store

Allow the sweet potatoes to cool to room temperature. Wrap each sweet potato individually in aluminum foil or plastic wrap and place them in a airtight container. This helps retain their moisture and prevents them from drying out.

Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days.

You can also freeze leftover baked sweet potatoes for up to 3 months. Keep in mind that the texture of sweet potatoes may change slightly after freezing.

Reheat

To reheat, place the leftovers in the air fryer basket and cook for 5-7 minutes on 390° F(198°C) until hot.

To prevent the sweet potatoes from drying out, you can brush them with a small amount of oil or butter before reheating. This will also enhance their flavor.

Questions About the Recipe

Like this recipe? We’d love for you to share it with your friends on social media. For more great recipes, follow us on Pinterest and Facebook, where we share our recipes daily.