How Long to Cook Sweet Potatoes in Air Fryer

How Long to Cook Sweet Potatoes in an Air Fryer: A Complete Guide

Sweet potatoes are a versatile, nutritious, and delicious addition to any meal, and cooking them in an air fryer is a game-changer. The air fryer delivers crispy exteriors and tender, fluffy interiors in a fraction of the time compared to traditional oven roasting. But how long does it take to cook sweet potatoes in an air fryer, and how can you ensure perfect results every time? In this guide, I’ll walk you through the process, covering whole baked sweet potatoes, cubed sweet potatoes, and wedges, along with tips, tricks, and seasoning ideas to elevate your dish.

Why Use an Air Fryer for Sweet Potatoes?

Air fryers are a fantastic tool for cooking sweet potatoes because they use rapid hot air circulation to create a crispy texture without the need for excessive oil. This method is not only faster than oven roasting but also enhances the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes while keeping them healthy. Whether you’re preparing a quick side dish or a hearty main course, the air fryer makes the process effortless and consistent. Plus, it’s perfect for small batches, saving you from heating up a full oven.

Cooking Whole Sweet Potatoes in an Air Fryer

Baking whole sweet potatoes in an air fryer is ideal when you want that classic baked potato experience with a crispy skin and fluffy center. Here’s how to do it:

• Preparation: Start by washing and scrubbing the sweet potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt. Pat them dry with a clean towel to ensure the skin crisps up. Use a fork to poke 4-8 holes all over each potato to allow steam to escape and prevent bursting. Lightly coat the sweet potatoes with olive oil or avocado oil and sprinkle with coarse sea salt to enhance flavor and crispiness.
• Temperature and Time: Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes, if your model requires preheating. Place the sweet potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch or overlap for even cooking. Cook for 25-40 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even crispiness. The exact time depends on the size of the sweet potatoes:
  • Small sweet potatoes (4-6 ounces): 25-30 minutes
  • Medium sweet potatoes (6-8 ounces): 30-35 minutes
  • Large sweet potatoes (8-12 ounces): 35-40 minutes

  Check for doneness by inserting a fork or knife into the center; it should slide in easily when the potato is fully cooked.

• Tips for Success:
  • Choose sweet potatoes of similar size for even cooking.
  • Avoid wrapping sweet potatoes in foil, as this traps moisture and results in soggy skin, defeating the purpose of the air fryer’s crisping power.
  • For extra crispy skin, ensure the potatoes are completely dry before coating with oil.

Once cooked, slice open the sweet potatoes, fluff the insides with a fork, and add your favorite toppings, such as butter, vegan sour cream, or a sprinkle of cinnamon and brown sugar for a sweet twist. For a healthy dinner idea, try stuffing them with black beans, salsa, and avocado, as suggested by Jessica in the Kitchen.

Cooking Cubed Sweet Potatoes in an Air Fryer

If you’re short on time or prefer bite-sized pieces for salads, bowls, or snacking, cubed sweet potatoes are the way to go. They cook faster than whole potatoes and offer a delightful crispy-tender texture.

• Preparation: Peel the sweet potatoes (optional, as the skin is edible and nutritious) and cut them into 1/2-inch to 1-inch cubes for even cooking. Toss the cubes in a bowl with 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil or avocado oil, and season with your choice of spices. A simple blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika works wonderfully, but you can also try harissa, cumin, or curry powder for a bold flavor.
• Temperature and Time: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding to ensure crispiness. Cook for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket or tossing the cubes halfway through to promote even browning. Smaller cubes (1/2-inch) may be done in as little as 8-10 minutes, while larger cubes (1-inch) may take 12-15 minutes.
• Tips for Success:
  • Cut the cubes uniformly to ensure they cook at the same rate.
  • If your air fryer is small, cook in batches to avoid steaming the potatoes, which can make them soggy.
  • Serve immediately for the best texture, as cubed sweet potatoes soften as they cool.

These crispy cubes are perfect for adding to grain bowls, salads, or tacos. For inspiration, check out this recipe for air fryer sweet potatoes by Cook With Manali, which uses a harissa spice blend for a flavorful kick.

Cooking Sweet Potato Wedges in an Air Fryer

Sweet potato wedges are a fantastic middle ground between whole potatoes and cubes, offering a crispy exterior and a soft interior with minimal prep time.

• Preparation: Wash the sweet potatoes and cut them lengthwise into wedges of similar thickness (about 1/2-inch to 3/4-inch wide). Toss the wedges with olive oil, salt, pepper, and optional seasonings like nutritional yeast, cayenne pepper, or rosemary for extra flavor.
• Temperature and Time: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes. Place the wedges in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they don’t overlap too much. Cook for 15-20 minutes, turning the wedges twice during cooking to brown all sides evenly. Thinner wedges may take closer to 15 minutes, while thicker ones may need up to 20 minutes.
• Tips for Success:
  • Pat the wedges dry before seasoning to remove excess moisture, which can prevent crispiness.
  • For extra crispiness, soak the wedges in cold water for 30 minutes before cooking to remove excess starch, then dry thoroughly.
  • Serve with a dipping sauce like gochujang aioli, as recommended by Sweet Potato Soul.

Factors That Affect Cooking Time

Several factors can influence how long it takes to cook sweet potatoes in an air fryer:

• Size and Shape: Smaller sweet potatoes or smaller pieces (cubes or thin wedges) cook faster than larger ones. Always aim for uniform sizes to ensure even cooking.
• Air Fryer Model: Different air fryers have varying wattage and basket sizes, which can affect cooking time. Basket-style air fryers may cook slightly faster than oven-style models due to better air circulation.
• Preheating: Preheating the air fryer can reduce cooking time slightly and help achieve a crispier texture. If you skip preheating, you may need to add 2-3 minutes to the cooking time.
• Crowding: Overcrowding the basket traps moisture and prevents crispiness, so always cook in a single layer and in batches if necessary.

Seasoning and Serving Ideas

Sweet potatoes are incredibly versatile, and the air fryer makes it easy to experiment with flavors. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Savory: Season with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, or chili powder for a bold, savory profile. Pair with grilled chicken or air fryer salmon for a complete meal.
• Sweet: Enhance the natural sweetness with a sprinkle of cinnamon, brown sugar, or maple syrup. Top with toasted pecans or marshmallows for a dessert-like treat.
• Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or gochujang for a spicy kick. Serve with a cooling dipping sauce like yogurt or vegan ranch.
• Herbaceous: Toss with fresh rosemary, thyme, or parsley after cooking for a fresh, aromatic finish.

Serve your air fryer sweet potatoes as a side dish, a base for bowls, or a healthy snack. They pair beautifully with proteins like air fryer chicken tenders or pork loin, and they can be stuffed with fillings like chili, black beans, or guacamole for a hearty main course.

Storage and Reheating

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-10 minutes to restore crispiness. Microwaving is an option, but it may soften the texture. For longer storage, freeze cooked sweet potatoes in a ziplock bag for up to 3 months. Reheat directly from frozen in the air fryer for best results.

Final Thoughts

Cooking sweet potatoes in an air fryer is a quick, healthy, and delicious way to enjoy this nutritious vegetable. Whether you prefer whole baked sweet potatoes with crispy skin, tender cubes for salads, or flavorful wedges with a spicy dip, the air fryer delivers perfect results in 10-40 minutes, depending on the preparation. By following the tips above—using a single layer, choosing uniform sizes, and seasoning creatively—you’ll have a foolproof method for air fryer sweet potatoes that your family will love. So, fire up your air fryer and enjoy the sweet, crispy goodness!