How Long to Cook Sweet Potatoes in Air Fryer

Once you learn how to make an air fryer sweet potato, you won’t want them any other way. Fluffy on the inside, crispy outside, and SO easy! From time to time, we’ll send you Well Plated emails. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Cooking sweet potatoes in an air fryer is a game-changer for anyone who loves this nutrient-packed vegetable but wants a faster, crispier result than traditional oven baking. After analyzing top-ranking pages on Google for “How Long to Cook Sweet Potatoes in Air Fryer,” it’s clear that users want precise cooking times, practical tips for perfect texture, and versatile serving ideas. Most articles provide a basic recipe with time and temperature guidelines, but some lack depth in troubleshooting common issues like uneven cooking or soggy skins, and others miss opportunities to address different sweet potato sizes or preparation styles. This article dives deeper, offering a detailed guide to air frying whole sweet potatoes, cubes, or fries, with actionable advice to ensure consistent results every time.

Why Use an Air Fryer for Sweet Potatoes?

Air fryers use rapid air circulation to cook food, mimicking the crispy texture of frying with minimal oil. For sweet potatoes, this means a beautifully caramelized, crispy skin and a fluffy interior in less time than an oven. According to Love and Lemons, air frying can shave off 10-20 minutes compared to oven baking, and there’s no need to preheat for most models, saving even more time. Sweet potatoes are also nutrient-dense, packed with fiber, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants, making them a healthy side or main dish when prepared this way.

Preparation: Setting Up for Success

Start by choosing sweet potatoes that are similar in size and shape for even cooking. Medium-sized sweet potatoes (about inches wide and 5 inches long) are ideal for consistent results. Scrub them thoroughly under running water to remove dirt, and pat them dry with a clean towel—moisture on the skin can prevent crispiness. For whole sweet potatoes, poke 6-8 holes with a fork to vent steam and prevent bursting. If you want a tender, crispy skin, lightly coat the potatoes with olive or avocado oil and a pinch of coarse sea salt. Avoid wrapping them in foil, as this steams the potatoes and softens the skin, counteracting the air fryer’s crisping magic.

Cooking Times and Temperatures

The cooking time for sweet potatoes in an air fryer depends on their size, shape, and how you cut them. Here’s a breakdown based on preparation style:

Whole Sweet Potatoes

For medium-sized whole sweet potatoes, set your air fryer to 375-400°F. Most sources, like Skinnytaste, recommend 35-45 minutes at 370°F, flipping halfway through for even cooking. Larger potatoes (over 3 inches wide) may take 50-55 minutes, while smaller ones could be done in 30-35 minutes. Check for doneness by piercing the center with a fork; it should slide in easily. If your air fryer doesn’t require preheating, you can skip it, but preheating for 3-5 minutes at 400°F can enhance skin crispiness.

Sweet Potato Cubes or Wedges

For diced or wedged sweet potatoes, cut them into uniform ½-inch pieces to ensure even cooking. Toss with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and seasonings like paprika, garlic powder, or harissa for flavor. Spread them in a single layer in the air fryer basket at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Overcrowding leads to uneven cooking, so cook in batches if needed. For extra crispiness, soak the cubes in cold water for 15-30 minutes before cooking to remove excess starch, then dry thoroughly.

Sweet Potato Fries

Fries require a bit more attention to achieve that coveted crunch. Slice sweet potatoes into ¼- to ½-inch sticks, toss with oil and seasonings, and air fry at 380-400°F for 10-15 minutes, shaking every 5 minutes. Thinner fries cook faster but can burn, so keep an eye on them. Soaking in water beforehand, as suggested by Wholesome Yum, can make them crispier by reducing starch content.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Uneven cooking often stems from overcrowding the basket or inconsistent potato sizes. Always arrange sweet potatoes in a single layer with space for air to circulate. If the skin isn’t crispy, ensure the potatoes are fully dry before oiling, and avoid foil. For undercooked centers, extend the cooking time in 5-minute increments, checking with a fork. If fries or cubes burn, reduce the temperature slightly (try 380°F) and shake the basket more frequently. Different air fryer models vary in power, so you may need to adjust times slightly based on your machine.

Serving Suggestions and Toppings

Air fryer sweet potatoes are incredibly versatile. For whole potatoes, slice them open, fluff the insides with a fork, and add a pat of butter, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or a drizzle of maple syrup for a sweet twist. Savory options include chili powder, cumin, or a dollop of sour cream with chives. Stuff them with black beans, quinoa, or shredded chicken for a hearty meal. Cubes or fries pair well with dipping sauces like chipotle aioli, ketchup, or a creamy avocado dip. They’re perfect alongside grilled meats, roasted veggies, or as a base for salads and bowls.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover sweet potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-10 minutes to restore crispiness. Microwaving works but softens the skin. For longer storage, freeze cooked sweet potatoes in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating in the air fryer for best results.

These baked sweet potatoes, cooked in the air fryer are so beautifully fluffy on the inside, with perfectly crispy skins on the outside!