Cooking sweet potatoes in an air fryer is one of the easiest and fastest ways to achieve that perfect balance of crispy skin and tender flesh. Air fryers are known for reducing cooking time while still delivering amazing texture, and they do it with minimal oil. Whether you’re preparing a snack, side dish, or even a main component, the air fryer transforms simple sweet potatoes into a delightful meal. How Long to Cook Sweet Potatoes in Air Fryer?
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How to Prepare Sweet Potatoes for Air Frying?
Follow these simple steps to ensure your sweet potatoes are perfectly prepped for air frying:
- Wash the Sweet Potatoes: Rinse the sweet potatoes thoroughly under running water. Use a brush to scrub off any dirt, especially if you plan to keep the skin on.
- Dry the Potatoes: After washing, pat the sweet potatoes dry with a clean towel. This prevents excess moisture from affecting the crispiness during cooking.
- Pierce the Potatoes: Use a fork to poke holes in each sweet potato several times. This allows steam to escape, preventing them from bursting inside the air fryer.
- Cut into Desired Shapes: Depending on your preference, slice the sweet potatoes into wedges, cubes, or fries. Ensure uniformity in size for even cooking.
- Coat with Oil: Lightly drizzle the sweet potatoes with olive oil or any other cooking oil of your choice. Toss them until evenly coated. This helps create that golden-brown exterior.
- Season: Sprinkle the sweet potatoes with salt, pepper, and any preferred seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, or herbs. Mix them well to ensure the seasoning is spread evenly.
How Long to Cook Sweet Potatoes in an Air Fryer?
The cooking time for sweet potatoes in an air fryer varies based on the size, thickness, and whether you’re cooking them whole or as smaller pieces like fries or cubes. Here’s a breakdown to help you get the best results:
Whole Sweet Potatoes
For whole sweet potatoes, the air fryer works much faster than a conventional oven. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C), and cook the potatoes for 35-45 minutes. The exact time depends on the size of the potato. Check for doneness by inserting a fork; it should slide through easily when they’re fully cooked.
Sweet Potato Fries or Cubes
If you’ve cut your sweet potatoes into smaller pieces like fries or cubes, the cooking time will be shorter. Cook them at 400°F for 15-25 minutes. Make sure to shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even crispiness. Smaller, thinner pieces will cook faster, so start checking at the 15-minute mark.
Frozen Sweet Potatoes
Cooking frozen sweet potatoes will require a longer time due to the added moisture. Expect them to take 50-55 minutes at 400°F. Shake the basket every 10 minutes to allow even air circulation and prevent sogginess.
No matter the method, be sure to check the sweet potatoes halfway through the cooking time and adjust based on how crispy or tender you want them.
Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q)
Do I Need to Soak Sweet Potatoes Before Air Frying?
No, there’s no need to soak sweet potatoes before air frying. Unlike regular potatoes, soaking sweet potatoes isn’t required to achieve crispiness. If you’re cooking fries or cubes, simply seasoning them and using a bit of oil will be enough to create a crispy texture. For extra crispiness, shake the air fryer basket halfway through cooking to evenly distribute heat.
Should I Use Foil in the Air Fryer?
It’s generally not recommended to use foil in an air fryer when cooking sweet potatoes. Foil can block airflow, leading to uneven cooking, especially with air fryers that rely on circulating hot air. Instead, lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking and allow the air to circulate properly around the sweet potatoes.
Can I Cook Sweet Potatoes Without Oil?
Yes, you can cook sweet potatoes without oil, but they may not be as crispy. The oil helps to create a golden, crispy outer layer. If you’re aiming for a healthier version, feel free to skip the oil, but expect a softer exterior.
How Do I Know When Sweet Potatoes Are Done?
The best way to check if your sweet potatoes are done is by piercing them with a fork or knife. It should glide through easily with little resistance. The skin may also look slightly wrinkled, and you might see caramelized juices oozing out of the pierced holes.
Wrapping Up
Air frying sweet potatoes is a game changer for quick and healthy meals. Whether you’re cooking whole potatoes or fries, the air fryer cuts down on cooking time while delivering crispy, golden results. With minimal oil and a few seasonings, you can enjoy a nutritious side dish or snack that’s bursting with flavor. From sweet to savory toppings, the versatility of air fryer sweet potatoes is hard to beat.
Read Also: How Long to Cook Tri-Tip in the Oven?