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

If you are looking for a quick and easy way to cook delicious sweet potatoes, an air fryer might be the perfect kitchen gadget for you. Air fryers are a healthier alternative to deep fryers and they offer a more efficient way to cook your favorite dishes. In this article, we will show you how to cook sweet potatoes in an air fryer, step by step.

What You’ll Need

Before we start, let’s take a look at the necessary ingredients and equipment:

  • Sweet potatoes (peeled and cut into thin slices or wedges)
  • Olive oil or cooking spray
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • An air fryer (preferably with a basket)

Preparing the Sweet Potatoes

The first thing you need to do is to prepare the sweet potatoes. Wash them thoroughly and peel them with a vegetable peeler. Cut them into thin slices or wedges, depending on your preference. You can also use a mandoline or a knife to cut them evenly.

Once you have cut the sweet potatoes, put them in a bowl and drizzle them with olive oil. Make sure to coat them evenly. If you don’t want to use olive oil, you can use cooking spray instead.

Cooking the Sweet Potatoes in the Air Fryer

Now it’s time to cook the sweet potatoes in the air fryer. Follow these steps:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Place the sweet potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the basket, or the sweet potatoes won’t cook evenly.
  3. Cook the sweet potatoes for 10-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the slices or wedges. Shake the basket occasionally to make sure they cook evenly.
  4. Check the sweet potatoes after 10 minutes. Pierce them with a fork to see if they are cooked through. If they are still hard, cook them for another 5 minutes.
  5. Once the sweet potatoes are cooked, take them out of the air fryer and place them on a plate. Sprinkle them with salt and pepper to taste.

Serving Suggestions

Sweet potatoes are a versatile ingredient that can be used in many different recipes. Here are some serving suggestions:

  • As a side dish: serve the sweet potatoes with grilled meat, chicken, or fish.
  • In a salad: top a bed of greens with roasted sweet potato wedges, chopped nuts, and your favorite dressing.
  • In a wrap: fill a whole-grain tortilla with roasted sweet potatoes, avocado, and black beans for a healthy and satisfying lunch.

Cleaning the Air Fryer

After you finish cooking the sweet potatoes, it’s important to clean the air fryer properly. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Let the air fryer cool down completely before handling it.
  2. Remove the basket and the tray from the air fryer.
  3. Wash them with warm soapy water and a sponge or a soft brush. Make sure to remove all the food particles and oil residue.
  4. Rinse the basket and the tray under running water and dry them with a clean cloth or paper towel.
  5. Wipe the exterior of the air fryer with a damp cloth.
  6. Store the air fryer and its accessories in a dry and ventilated place.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about cooking sweet potatoes in an air fryer:

Can you cook sweet potatoes in an air fryer without oil?

Yes, you can. Instead of using oil, you can use cooking spray or water to coat the sweet potatoes and prevent them from sticking to the basket.

How do you keep sweet potatoes crispy in an air fryer?

To keep sweet potatoes crispy in an air fryer, make sure to cut them evenly and cook them in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the basket, or they will steam instead of getting crispy. You can also use a cornstarch coating to make them extra crispy.

Can you cook frozen sweet potato fries in an air fryer?

Yes, you can. Follow the cooking instructions on the package, or cook them at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally. However, fresh sweet potatoes are always a better option as they taste fresher and are healthier.

Are sweet potatoes healthy?

Yes, sweet potatoes are a healthy and nutritious food that is low in calories and high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They are also a good source of antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties.