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These air fryer sweet potatoes turn out perfect every time, with a sweet and tender middle and ultra crispy skin. You need just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, so making them for dinner couldn't be easier!
We love our sweet potatoes topped with butter, sea salt and herbs for a tasty side dish, but you can also stuff them with your favorite fillings for a main meal. If you like them stuffed, try them with this Instant Pot beef chili or this slow cooker pork carnitas.
The skin of these sweet potatoes is so delicious and salty and the interior of the potato comes out so creamy and delicious, like with these air fryer baked potatoes.
And not having to turn your oven on and heat up your house is a huge bonus during the warmer months.
And during the cooler, holiday months, you can cook these air fryer sweet potatoes (AND this air fryer acorn squash) separate while your ham or turkey roasts in the oven!
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Why this Recipe Works
- Sweet potatoes in the air fryer have the most amazing crispy skin.
- They take less time than baking them in the oven.
- You don’t need to heat up your oven for a few potatoes and it frees up valuable oven space for other dishes you’re cooking.
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What is an Air Fryer?
The Air Fryer is a healthier alternative to frying foods. It's basically a small, powerful convection oven that sits on your countertop.
It circulates hot air around the food you're cooking, which is what gives it that crisp texture that mimics fried food (without all the grease).
Read more about the health benefits of using an air fryer.
I personally use this Ninja MAX XL Air Fryer because it hold 5.5 quarts, which is more than most. It has worked great so far and we just love how easy it is to use!
Ingredients
You need just three basic ingredients for this easy recipe.
Sweet potatoes - Make sure your potatoes are roughly the same size so they air fry evenly. I usually go for sweet potatoes that are slightly long and not too large or round as they take longer to cook.
Salt - Course sea salt works best and don’t be afraid to be generous with it! It adds texture, flavor and pairs well with the crispy potato skin.
Oil - A little oil helps the skin get super crispy. I normally use avocado oil in an oil spray bottle, but you can also use vegetable or canola oil if that’s your preference. I don't recommend olive oil as it can burn in the air fryer giving the potatoes a bitter taste.
Step by step instructions
Scrub the sweet potatoes clean, pat them dry and use a fork to poke several holes into each one.
Lightly coat each potato with oil, either by brushing it on or using your hands to rub it on.
Sprinkle on the sea salt, making sure the potatoes are well covered.
Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket and air fry on 350F degrees for 30-40 minutes.
After 15-20 minutes, flip the potatoes to ensure they air fry evenly.
Carefully remove the potatoes from the air fryer, slice in half lengthwise and serve with butter, chopped fresh herbs and more sea salt.
Expert tips
- To enjoy the skin, make sure it is scrubbed clean and doesn’t have any dry or rotting spots on it.
- The size of the sweet potato is key to even cooking. If you're cooking more than one, make sure they’re the same size so they air fry evenly. Sweet potatoes that are short and round will take much longer to cook through.
- For evenly air fried sweet potatoes, don’t overcrowd the air fryer. I usually air fry two sweet potatoes at a time.
- If you’re using a larger capacity or toaster oven-style air fryer, you may be able to fit more potatoes in the basket.
- No need to spray the air fryer basket as the potatoes are oiled so they won’t stick.
- If your air fryer has a preheating function, be sure to preheat it before adding the sweet potatoes.
- Piercing holes into the skin of the sweet potato helps steam escape as it air fries.
- Each air fryer cooks a little differently, so start checking the sweet potatoes at about 30 minutes.
- You’ll know they’re done when a knife easily goes through the flesh.
Topping ideas
The topping options are endless, especially when you can go sweet or savory! Here are some suggestions:
- Plenty of butter and sea salt is always a great choice.
- Chopped fresh herbs like chives or parsley add a pop of flavor and color.
- Add some tomato salsa and mix in some black beans and corn.
- Sprinkle on some brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Try this Instant Pot turkey chili.
- Pour on a little maple syrup with some toasted chopped pecans.
Make it a meal
Enjoy air fryer sweet potatoes as a side dish with one of these entrees
- Homemade Meatloaf
- Sous Vide Boneless Pork Chops
- Air Fryer Carrots
- Sous Vide Pork Chops
- Instant Pot Lemon Chicken
- Air Fryer Frozen Meatballs
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Recipe
Air Fryer Yams
Ingredients
- 2 sweet potatoes (yams)
- 2 teaspoons coarse sea salt
- avocado oil or oil spray
Instructions
- Scrub the yams clean, pat them dry and use a fork to poke several holes into each one.
- Lightly coat the sweet potatoes in avocado oil (substitute an oil of your choice) and sprinkle with about 1 teaspoon of coarse sea salt for each potato.
- If your air fryer requires preheating, preheat it to 350°F degrees.
- Place the potatoes side by side in the air fryer basket.
- Cook at 350°F degrees for 30-40 minutes, flipping after 15-20 minutes. They're done when a knife can be inserted with ease through the potato.
- Serve with a slice of salted butter and more coarse sea salt.
Expert Tips:
- To enjoy the skin, make sure it is scrubbed clean and doesn’t have any dry or rotting spots on it.
- The size of the sweet potato is key to even cooking. If you're cooking more than one, make sure they’re the same size so they air fry evenly. Sweet potatoes that are short and round will take much longer to cook through.
- For evenly air fried yams, don’t overcrowd the air fryer. I usually air fry two yams at a time.
- If you’re using a larger capacity or toaster oven-style air fryer, you may be able to fit more yams in the basket.
- No need to spray the air fryer basket as the yams are oiled so they won’t stick.
- If your air fryer has a preheating function, be sure to preheat it before adding the sweet potatoes.
- Piercing holes into the skin of the sweet potato helps steam escape as it air fries.
- Each air fryer cooks a little differently, so start checking the yams at about 30 minutes.
- You’ll know they’re done when a knife easily goes through the flesh.
Nutrition
Laurel (Chef Potpie)
It doesn't get any easier than this! We eat a lot of baked sweet potatoes in the fall and winter months, and this method is how I will cook them from now forward. Done to perfection! Thank you for sharing this simple and delicious recipe!
Danielle
I'm so glad you liked it!
Taylor Kiser
Love using my air fryer to make sweet potatoes! So easy and doesn’t heat up the house!
Danielle
I love how it doesn't heat the house in the summer!
Dannii
I love cooking sweet potatoes in the air fryer. They are always so perfectly cooked.
Danielle
I agree!
Lyn
Simple and perfectly cooked sweet potatoes! Thank you.
Danielle
I'm so glad you liked it!
Beth Sachs
I love cooking sweet potato fries in the air fryer. Perfectly crispy every time!
Gina
For all the use I've given my air fryer, I never thought to do a whole potato in it. These sweet potatoes came out tender and perfect!
Danielle
They totally do - thanks!