Air fryer sweet potatoes are a simple, healthy, and quick way to enjoy this nutritious root vegetable. By using the air fryer, you can achieve a crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft and tender—without the need for excessive oil. Sweet potatoes are packed with vitamins, especially vitamin A in the form of beta-carotene, which supports eye health, immune function, and skin. They are also an excellent source of fiber, which aids digestion and promotes a feeling of fullness. The beauty of cooking them in an air fryer is how quickly they cook—typically in just 15-20 minutes—compared to traditional oven baking, which can take almost an hour. This makes them an ideal option for busy weeknights or meal prep.
The recipe itself is incredibly versatile and can be customized with different seasonings to suit your taste. A simple toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper can be all you need, but you can also experiment with flavors like cinnamon for a sweeter touch or paprika and garlic powder for a savory twist. The air fryer circulates hot air around the sweet potatoes, creating a crispy texture without the need for deep frying, making this a much healthier alternative to traditional fried potatoes. Whether you cut the sweet potatoes into cubes or wedges, the air fryer delivers perfectly cooked pieces every time, with minimal effort and cleanup.
In addition to being easy and fast, air fryer sweet potatoes are also lower in calories and fat compared to fried versions, especially if you opt for a light spray of olive oil or cooking spray. A small serving provides a healthy dose of potassium, which supports heart health and muscle function, making these sweet potatoes not just tasty but beneficial for overall well-being. Whether served as a side dish with grilled chicken, added to a salad, or enjoyed as a snack, they’re a delicious way to get more vegetables into your diet. With the air fryer, you can enjoy sweet potatoes that are crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and packed with flavor—without the extra calories or time-consuming preparation.
Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 medium sweet potatoes
- 1–2 teaspoons olive oil or cooking spray
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: cinnamon, paprika, garlic powder, or other seasonings for extra flavor
Instructions:
- Prep the Sweet Potatoes:
Wash and peel the sweet potatoes. While peeling is optional, it’s recommended if you want a smoother texture. Cut the sweet potatoes into evenly-sized cubes or wedges (around 1-inch pieces). Uniform sizes will ensure they cook evenly. - Season the Sweet Potatoes:
Place the cut sweet potatoes into a bowl and toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper. You can also add a pinch of cinnamon for a sweet version, or paprika and garlic powder for a savory touch. The olive oil will help them crisp up in the air fryer and give them a nice golden color. - Preheat the Air Fryer:
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Most air fryers have a quick preheat time, so it only takes a minute or two. - Cook the Sweet Potatoes:
Place the seasoned sweet potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this can prevent them from crisping up properly. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer. - Air Fry:
Cook the sweet potatoes for 15–20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. The sweet potatoes should be tender inside with a crispy exterior. The exact cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer model and the size of your sweet potato pieces. - Serve:
Once the sweet potatoes are done, remove them from the air fryer and serve immediately. You can top them with a drizzle of honey, a sprinkle of fresh herbs, or a dollop of Greek yogurt for added flavor, or simply enjoy them as is!
Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving – 1/2 cup)
This recipe makes about 4 servings depending on how you cut the sweet potatoes. The following is an estimate based on using 2 medium sweet potatoes and seasoning them with olive oil.
Nutrition per Serving (1/2 cup):
- Calories: 100–120 kcal
- Protein: 2–3 g
- Carbohydrates: 25–30 g
- Fiber: 4–6 g
- Sugars: 6–8 g
- Fat: 3–5 g
- Saturated Fat: 0–1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Sodium: 50–100 mg (depending on added salt)
- Potassium: 400–500 mg
- Vitamin A: 100–150% DV (sweet potatoes are an excellent source of beta-carotene)
- Vitamin C: 20–25% DV
- Calcium: 2–4% DV
- Iron: 4–6% DV
Key Nutritional Benefits:
- Rich in Vitamin A: Sweet potatoes are a great source of beta-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A, which supports healthy vision, skin, and immune function. Just one serving can provide well over 100% of your daily recommended intake.
- High in Fiber: Sweet potatoes are also high in dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, helps regulate blood sugar levels, and promotes satiety, making them a great option for weight management.
- Low in Fat: By using a small amount of olive oil or cooking spray, these air-fried sweet potatoes are a low-fat option that still gives you the crispy texture you crave.
- Good Source of Potassium: Sweet potatoes are rich in potassium, which is important for heart health, muscle function, and maintaining proper fluid balance.
